Is Zulu a true story?
Yes, “Zulu” is based on a true story. The 1964 British war film recounts the Battle of Rorke’s Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War in southern Africa in 1879. After the Zulus defeated a British garrison at Isandlwana, they attempted to invade the small British depot at Rorke’s Drift. The film follows Lieutenant John Chard, played by Stanley Baker, who, despite lacking combat experience, leads some 120 soldiers against a massive Zulu force of 4,000 warriors.
The British troops, facing overwhelming odds, manage to hold their ground and earn the respect of their Zulu adversaries. The film combines striking battle sequences with powerful performances, particularly that of Michael Caine in his first major role. John Barry’s score is influenced by African tribal music and narration is provided by Richard Burton. The events described in “Zulu” are historically accurate, making it a true story.
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Zulu (1964)
The 1964 British epic war film “Zulu” tells the true story of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War in January 1879. Directed by Cy Endfield and produced by Stanley Baker and Endfield, the film features 150 soldiers British, including 30 sick and wounded, defending a remote outpost against 4,000 Zulu warriors.
The screenplay, written by Endfield and historical writer John Prebble, is based on Prebble’s 1958 article “Slaughter in the Sun.” The film stars Stanley Baker, features Michael Caine in his first major role, and features a supporting cast that includes Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, and others.
Zulu chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, future South African political leader, plays his great-grandfather, the Zulu king Cetshwayo kaMpande. Richard Burton provides the opening and closing narration. “Zulu” was released on the 85th anniversary of the battle in 1964 and was subsequently ranked the 93rd best British film ever in a Time Out magazine poll in 2017.
Where was Zulu filmed?
“Zulu” was filmed primarily on location in South Africa, with the mission depot at Rorke’s Drift recreated beneath the natural amphitheater in the Drakensberg Mountains. The set for the British field hospital and supply depot was built near the Tugela River, with the amphitheater as a backdrop. Despite its steeper terrain compared to the actual location of Rorke’s Drift, the setting provided a visually striking backdrop.
The actual site of the battle at Isandlwana, located 100 kilometers northwest near the Buffalo River, differed from the recreated scenes. Several scenes were also filmed within the KwaZulu-Natal national parks. Twickenham Film Studios in Middlesex, England, was used for interiors and scenes with James Booth. The film employed real Zulus, with 240 Zulu extras brought in for the battle scenes, and the second unit filmed 1,000 additional tribesmen in Zululand. In addition, eighty South African military personnel were chosen as soldiers.
Zulu plot
In 1879, after the British suffered a major defeat at the hands of the Zulus at Isandlwana, a small group of British soldiers, less than 200, led by Lieutenant John Chard, defend Rorke’s Drift in Natal. They receive a warning that 4,000 Zulu warriors are approaching. Unable to evacuate in time, Chard decides to stay and fight, fortifying the station with carts, flour sacks, and makeshift defenses. Missionary Otto Witt and his daughter Margareta witness the Zulu victory celebrations and flee.
Despite challenges, including Witt’s objections and defections, the British hold firm in the face of relentless Zulu attacks. The Zulus try to find weak points but face determined resistance. The British sing to raise morale and, in the final assault, repel the Zulus, who unexpectedly honor the defenders and retreat. Eleven soldiers are awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in the defense of Rorke’s Drift, the highest military decoration.
Zulu cast
Actor |
Character |
|
stanley baker |
Lieutenant John Chard |
|
Michael Cain |
Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead |
|
Jack Hawkins |
Reverend Otto Witt |
|
Ulla Jacobsson |
Margarita Witt |
|
Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi |
King Cetshwayo |
|
James Booth |
Soldier Henry Hook |
|
Nigel Green |
Color Sergeant Frank Bourne |
|
Paul Daneman |
Sergeant Robert Maxfield |
|
Joe Powell |
Sergeant Joseph Windridge |
|
Ivor Emmanuel |
Soldier Owen |
|
Edwards Glynn |
Corporal William Allen |
|
Neil McCarthy |
Soldier Tomas |
|
David Kernan |
Private Frederick Hitch |
|
Gary Bond |
private school |
|
Pedro Gill |
Private 612 John Williams |
|
Richard Davis |
Private 593 William Jones |
|
Denys Graham |
Private 716 Robert Jones |
|
Patrick Magee |
Senior Surgeon James Henry Reynolds |
|
Dickie Owen |
Corporal Federico Schiess |
|
Gert van den Bergh |
Lieutenant Gert Adendorff |
|
Dennis Folbigge |
Acting Deputy Commissioner James Langley Dalton |
|
Larry Taylor |
hugs |
|
Kerry Jordan |
Luis Byrne |
|
harvey hall |
sick man |
Where to see Zulu?
Currently you can watch the movie “Zulu” on streaming platforms such as Channel 4, Paramount Plus and Apple TV Channel. Additionally, if you prefer to own or rent the film, you have the option to purchase it from platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, Microsoft Store, YouTube and Rakuten TV for download.
Rental options are also available on platforms such as Amazon Video, Microsoft Store, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, YouTube and Rakuten TV. This allows you to access the movie conveniently through various online services. Whether you choose to stream or purchase, “Zulu” can be accessed across a variety of platforms to suit your viewing preferences.
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