Zulu
|
List Price: Our Price: $7.23 You Save: $7.75 (52%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $4.99 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Canada
Movie Reviews of Zulu
Movie Review: Totally Pleased With This War Epic
Summary: 5 Stars
I thought that I had seen this film in theaters as a kid,but after buying it and viewing it the other night,I'm not so sure,or my memory fails me,because I did not remember this film at all! Be that as it may,I loved it! When Lt.Chard orders the pitiful remainder of troops to form 2 lines for the next attack of the Zulus,I was "blown away" how they orchestrated firing,then kneeling to reload,while the line behind advanced and fired,and they kept repeating this manuever.It was AWESOME to watch. I have been enjoying purchasing and watching the older war films,as it is such a joy to watch such well-made films,with fabulous actors and without the filthy language of the war films since the Vietnam era. Even my late husband (a Vietnam Vet,BTW) could not stand the movies about and since that war for the language/gore Hollywood wallows in.
I have one thing against the desription on the DVD case where it says "As a terrifying war chant echoes across the majestic African plains,4,000 Zulu tribesmen rise up from the tall grass that hides them." This never happens! They are never hidden in tall grass,and in fact there is no tall grass around! When I read that,I thought it surely was the film I remembered from my childhood,because I seem to remember such a scene,but it is not in this movie! So unless this movie is dratistically different on DVD than the one I recall,I am thinking of a different movie,but that does not explain a description for a scene that is not included?
However,this is a great movie and very "edge-of-your-seat" tension. Great character developement as well.
Movie Review: Zulu
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my favorite movie. I have watched it over and over again and it is the most exciting action drama I have seen. It is riviting to watch because it is almost too much to beleive as you watch the battle at Rorke's Drift unfold. They say that sometimes true history is more exciting than fiction. In the case of the stand by the British against the Zulus, it most assuredly true.I am a history instructor and I have written several papers and delivered numerous oral presentations regarding this historical battle. Producer and star Stanley Baker has done his homework on this subject. The two hours you will devote to this epic tale will thrill and amaze you. Why? Because it is almost exactly depicted as it really happened in 1879.
In a period of about 30 hours on the 23rd and 24th of January 1879, 142 British soldiers held off over 4000 Zulu warriors in a battle for survival than will live forever in the annals of history. These few British soldiers killed or wounded approximately 2000 Zulus while losing only 17 of their own. There were eleven Victoria Crosses and three Distiguished Service Crosses awarded for this action.
The uniforms, weapons, costumes and even the location it was filmed at are true to fact. The story line follows the actual battle report made by the original participants almost to the letter. If you want to see a true life action filled history story on film that is actually factually correct, this is the movie.
Stanley Baker, Michael Caine and Nigel Green are perfectly cast as the main characters in this true story.
Movie Review: One of the Best War Movies Ever
Summary: 5 Stars
"Can a small British force withstand the onslaught of thousands of fearless, battle-hardened Zulu warriors?" That's the question that this classic war film will answer.
Here's the situation that the Brits face at the outpost known as Rorke's Drift in South Africa. A force of about 90 British soldiers and combat engineers are ordered to defend a small missionary outpost in the heart of Zulu country during the Zulu War of 1879. The British forces at this remote outpost have received word that 1,500 members of a crack British regiment have been masscred by an indomitable force of Zulu warriors.
Besides the 90 or so able-bodied Brits at Rorke's Drift, there are about 35 sick and wounded soldiers who are being cared for by the missionaries there. When the Zulu warriors arrive, the British are stunned to discover that they are outnumbered about 40 to 1.
This film is arguably one of the best battle movies made. It features a star-studded cast headed by Stanley Baker and Michael Caine and includes such distinguished British actors such as Jack Hawkins, Patrick Magee, and Nigel Green. John Barry's stirring soundtrack is superb, and the cinematography of the Natal countryside near where the actual battle took place is glorious. This was one of Caine's earliest starring roles and garnered him the attention of the British film industry for his later roles in The Ipcress File and then Alfie.
For a film that was released 45 yrs ago, it's still a good "watch" today, despite rudimentary special effects.
Movie Review: Lauren: Why not buy a book on Rourke's Drift on Amazon??
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie (and it is a movie folks, not a history lesson) is an excellent action movie and a fair depiction of Rourkes drift. Despite what another reviewer thinks, the "premise" is based on actual events, a company of the 24th foot was based at the mission station at Rourke's Drift to guard suppies and a river ford. After the British Disaster at Isandlawana (the subject of the prequal movie "Zulu Dawn"), a large impi of Zulu's attacked the station. The fight spread out over 22-23 January 1879 resulted in 17 British Casualties, estimates of Zulu casualties range from 350 confirmed to an estimated 600 who may have later succumbed to their wounds. There are some historical problems, the real life Hook was actually a model soldier, not the "rouge" that is excellently portrayed by James Booth, and his descendant were rightly upset (though it is again a great character). The idea to defend the mission was Commisary Dalton (who was an old soldier and not the comic relief bungler portrayed) etc. etc. (which BTW was a sound decision despite what another reviewer stated as the Zulu would have quickly run down and destroyed a british contingent in the open as they did at Fugitive's Drift).
There are other inaccuracies, but if you want the histoical facts get one of the several excellent books that Amazon suggests. However as a movie that give you a feel for the events while still giving an exciting story that is told in the space of 2 hours, this can not be topped. The characters are memorable with good story telling.
Movie Review: 'I get Rourke's drift'
Summary: 5 Stars
Watch Zulu enough and you'll see the warrior stab the wall instead of the Welshman; you'l see one man defend the perimeter from about 60 Zulus on the other side of some mealy bags (the Zulu actors seem to be just milling around). However, these things aside, for a 1964 production, this is an epic effort.Firstly, the producers chose to film on location the in Kwa-Zulu Natal area of South Africa, near to where the actual battle happened. This beats many movies of the current era who think driving a few miles in to the hills of Southern California will do for almost any 'on-location' shoot.
We have the rookie-in-charge Bromhead, played by Michael Caine in his first movie, Stanley Baker as the Officer of Engineers, both firmly supported by such greats as Jack Hawkins, James Booth and Nigel Green (who was surely born to play the tough-but-fair colour-seargent).
Based on a true story, Zulu recounts the before, during and aftermath of a 4000-strong Zulu assualt on a small garrison of just over 100 British & native soldiers. The Zulus, armed now with the Britis soldiers' dead comrades Martini-Henry rifles, pour from the hills and attempt to overrun the makeshift corral at Rourke's Drift. It's up to the Brits (mostly Welsh to be specific) to fend them off.
Richard Burton also lends his voice to the narration, giving a sombre yet regal sound to both ends of the movie. A great battle movie, great soundtrack with the Welsh privates singing Men of Harlech liable to get your hair standing on end.