Film Review: Zulu (1964)

in Movies & TV Showsyesterday (edited)

(source: tmdb.org)

The 19th century is often regarded as the British century, and few people were aware of its as much as peoples of Africa and Asia that stood in the way of British colonial expansion. They often faced the full force of British military might, which, bolstered by superior technology, typically resulted in swift and one-sided conflicts, with little room for traditional heroics. However, one notable exception is encapsulated in the plot of Zulu, a film directed by Cy Endfield in 1964 that has since become a hallmark of British cinema from that decade.

Zulu is set during Anglo-Zulu War in 1879. The conflict was expected to be an easy victory for British forces equipped with modern artillery and rifles, facing Zulu warriors armed primarily with traditional spears. However, the war did not commence as anticipated; it began catastrophically for the British when an entire column was annihilated at the Battle of Isandlwana. The film picks up immediately after this disaster, focusing on the Zulu forces gathering to assault weakened British positions in Colony of Natal. One such position is Rorke's Drift, a trading post and former Church of Sweden mission defended by a small contingent of the British 24th Regiment of Foot. Commanded by Lieutenant John Chard (played by Stanley Baker) and Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead (played by Michael Caine), this garrison, comprising between 100 and 350 men, faces overwhelming odds. Faced with news of impending Zulu attacks, Chard and Bromhead decide against retreating with hospital patients over dangerous open ground; instead, they opt to fortify their position and prepare for battle. This decision leads to one of the most celebrated episodes in British military history.

Zulu is adapted from a 1958 magazine article by John Prebble, an English journalist known for his books on history, including Culloden, book that would in 1964 serve as basis for famed BBC docudrama directed by Peter Watkins. Prebble's work caught the attention of Stanley Baker, an actor and producer who, was like many soldiers of 24th Regiment of Foot, Welsh and sought to honour his countrymen. Baker had previously collaborated with Cy Endfield, an American director exiled from Hollywood during the McCarthy era due to his leftist affiliations. Together, they aimed to create a film that would not only entertain but also reflect on the realities faced by soldiers during the event.

While not the largest or most decisive battle of the Anglo-Zulu War, the engagement at Rorke's Drift received significant attention from the British press, partly in order to boost morale shaken by disaster at Isandlwana. Nevertheless, episode of a colonial war was an unusual choice for a war epic in the mid-1960s—a period of decolonisation, when British Empire was already shrinking into obliion. Endfield’s American perspective allowed him to approach the material without being overly influenced by Victorian-era propaganda. His treatment of history is marked by seriousness and objectivity, presenting events with a nuanced understanding.

Endfield’s directorial prowess is evident throughout Zulu. The film employs a lengthy exposition that allows viewers to connect with various characters before escalating into action. This gradual build-up creates palpable tension leading into the battle sequences that dominate the latter half of the film. Despite its relatively modest budget compared to Hollywood counterparts, Endfield effectively utilised both England’s studio sets and South African locations to create an authentic atmosphere. The battle itself is depicted with tactical accuracy; its choreography has influenced subsequent cinematic portrayals of warfare, notably Peter Jackson's depiction of Helm's Deep in The Two Towers.

A particularly interesting aspect of Zulu is its treatment of Zulu warriors. The production employed actual Zulus as extras and received guidance from Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who appears as King Cetshwayo—his great-grandfather—in the film. Buthelezi would later emerge as a significant political figure during South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement and in post-apartheid era. Notably absent from the narrative are discussions surrounding the complex political background of Anglo-Zulu War; instead, Zulus are portrayed as formidable adversaries—brave enough to charge into gunfire while also demonstrating adaptability in their tactics. The film concludes with a poignant moment where both sides express mutual respect through song—Zulus honouring their adversaries while British soldiers reciprocate with “Men of Harlech.”

Despite its acclaim for accuracy, Zulu takes certain dramatic liberties typical of historical films aiming for commercial appeal. For instance, Otto Witt (played by Jack Hawkins), a missionary character designed to introduce a moral dilemma regarding bloodshed, is given a daughter (played by Ulla Jacobsson) solely for the film to have major female character. Additionally, logistical constraints led to inaccuracies regarding weaponry; while single-shot Henry-Martini rifles were historically used at Rorke's Drift, production challenges necessitated substituting them with Lee-Enfield bolt action rifles from later periods. Perhaps most notably, Private Henry Hook (played by James Booth) is depicted as a troublemaker contrary to historical accounts portraying him as an exemplary soldier—a portrayal that reportedly upset his family.

The performances within Zulu are commendable across the board. James Booth delivers a strong performance as Private Hook despite his character's controversial depiction. Nigel Green shines as Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne, while Stanley Baker’s portrayal of John Chard is somewhat overshadowed by Michael Caine’s breakout role as Bromhead—a character who evolves from arrogance to humility throughout the film. Caine's performance marked a pivotal moment in his career and paved his way toward becoming one of cinema’s most celebrated actors during subsequent decades.

The film's musical score, composed by John Barry, is another highlight. Barry's work on the James Bond films had established him as one of the most celebrated authors of film music in the second half of the 20th century. The score for Zulu is equally impressive, capturing the tension and drama of the battle.

Upon its release, Zulu achieved remarkable success and has since been regarded as a classic within its genre. Despite this triumph, Cy Endfield struggled to replicate such acclaim in subsequent projects; notably, he wrote a script for Zulu Dawn in 1979—a prequel focusing on Isandlwana—which failed to garner similar recognition or impact.

Zulu stands out not merely as an action-packed war film but as a complex exploration of courage amid conflict, offering a gripping and realistic portrayal of the 19th century warfare. The film's attention to detail, memorable performances, and meticulous recreation of the Battle of Roarke's Drift make it a must-see for anyone interested in military history or classic cinema.

RATING: 8/10 (+++)

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