The 1964 war epic 'Zulu' is currently available to stream free on ITVX, a film many viewers have watched so often they have 'lost count'. The 'masterpiece' war drama depicts the 1879 Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War, where a small British garrison of approximately 150 soldiers held their outpost against 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors.
Star-Studded Cast and Production
Written and directed by Cy Endfield, who was blacklisted in Hollywood and relocated to the UK in 1951, the film features Michael Caine in his first major starring 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 providing narration.
Endfield co-wrote the film with historical writer John Prebble, drawing from Prebble's 1958 Lilliput magazine article 'Slaughter in the Sun'. The character of Zulu King Cetshwayo kaMpande was portrayed by his actual great-grandson, Zulu chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who later became a prominent South African political figure.
Critical and Commercial Success
'Zulu' premiered at the Plaza Theatre in London's West End on the 85th anniversary of the battle, January 22, 1964. It achieved considerable commercial success, with estimates suggesting an $8 million worldwide return against a production cost of $1.7 million. The film received one BAFTA nomination and holds a near-perfect 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One critic described the film as 'epic in scale' with 'bruisingly authentic battle sequences' and praised Michael Caine's 'memorable performances'. Another reviewer simply wrote: 'The movie is a revelation.' A third critic applauded Caine's depiction of Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead, stating: 'Caine was just splendid, it is still one of his finest hours in film.'
Audience Reaction and Legacy
Audiences have been equally captivated. One viewer commented: 'Zulu is one of the greatest war films ever made. An absolute must-see masterpiece.' An IMDB user review says: '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.'
Another audience review reads: 'It's shameful no-one makes films like ZULU anymore. Without doubt the greatest British film of the 1960's, probably the greatest British picture ever, and possibly the greatest film ever.' A fan on Rotten Tomatoes wrote: 'Cy Endfield's Zulu is a masterclass in war cinema... Zulu remains a gripping, respectful, and visually stunning retelling of Rorke's Drift, standing as one of cinema's greatest war films.'
'Zulu' is currently available to watch for free on ITVX.
