The 1964 war epic 'Zulu,' often described as a 'masterpiece,' is currently streaming free on ITVX, despite being frequently overlooked by modern audiences. The film depicts the 1879 Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War, where a British garrison of around 150 troops defended a remote supply station in South Africa against 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors.
Cast and Production
Written and directed by Cy Endfield, who was blacklisted in Hollywood and relocated to the UK in 1951, the film stars Michael Caine in his first major leading role alongside Stanley Baker. The cast also includes Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Nigel Green, Paul Daneman, Glynn Edwards, Ivor Emmanuel, and Patrick Magee, with Richard Burton narrating the opening and closing dialogues. The film was co-written by Endfield and historical writer John Prebble, based on Prebble's 1958 Lilliput magazine article 'Slaughter in the Sun.'
Zulu King Cetshwayo kaMpande was portrayed by his real-life great-grandson, Zulu chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who later became a prominent South African political figure. The film premiered at the Plaza Theatre in London's West End on the 85th anniversary of the battle on January 22, 1964. A Zulu tribal historian advised Endfield during production, and the fundamental premise remains largely faithful to actual events, though certain characters and storylines were fictionalised for dramatic effect.
Critical and Commercial Success
'Zulu' proved to be a tremendous box-office triumph, with an estimated $8 million worldwide gross against a production budget of $1.7 million. It became one of the biggest hits in British box-office history, remaining in continuous cinema circulation for 12 years. The film received a single BAFTA nomination and holds a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One critic said: 'Epic in scale, Cy Endfield's stirring account of the Battle of Rorke's Drift features bruisingly authentic battle sequences and Michael Caine, dodging spears, in one of his most memorable performances.' Another reviewer added: 'The movie is a revelation.' A third critic praised Caine's portrayal of Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead: 'Caine was just splendid, it is still one of his finest hours in film.'
Audience Reception
One viewer wrote: 'Zulu is one of the greatest war films ever made. An absolute must-see masterpiece.' A user review on IMDB states: 'I cannot find words to fully express how perfectly formed this film is. I've seen Zulu so many times since it was first released that I have lost count. From Stanley Baker & Michael Caine on through the cast list the acting is, quite simply, superb. This is an ensemble piece, and the ensemble gives its all!'
Another review reads: 'It's shameful no-one makes films like ZULU anymore. I could go on all day as to what's brilliant about Zulu, but I won't. Without doubt the greatest British film of the 1960's, probably the greatest British picture ever, and possibly the greatest film ever.' One viewer wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: 'Cy Endfield's Zulu is a masterclass in war cinema, combining breathtaking cinematography with relentless battlefield tension. The sweeping South African landscapes and expertly staged battle sequences create an epic sense of scale, while Stanley Baker and Michael Caine deliver compelling performances. Zulu remains a gripping, respectful, and visually stunning retelling of Rorke's Drift, standing as one of cinema's greatest war films.'
The classic film is available to stream free of charge on ITVX.
