The 1964 war epic Zulu, hailed as a 'masterpiece' and an 'all-time great' war film, is now streaming free on ITVX. The film, which often finds itself overlooked in the war drama genre, depicts the 1879 Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War.
Plot and Cast
The film tells the story of a small British garrison of around 150 troops who successfully defended their outpost in South Africa against 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors. Written and directed by Cy Endfield, who was blacklisted in Hollywood and moved 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. Richard Burton narrated the film's opening and closing dialogues.
Historical Accuracy and Production
The film was co-written by Endfield and historical writer John Prebble, based on Prebble's 1958 Lilliput magazine article entitled 'Slaughter in the Sun'. The role of Zulu King Cetshwayo kaMpande was played by his real-life great-grandson, Zulu chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who later became a South African political leader.
Zulu 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 was consulted by Endfield, and the basic premise remains largely accurate to true events, though certain characters and events were fictionalised for dramatic effect.
Critical and Commercial Success
Hailed as an 'all-time great' war classic, Zulu was a massive box-office success, with an estimated $8 million worldwide gross against a production budget of $1.7 million. It became one of the biggest hits of all time at the British box-office and remained in constant cinema circulation for 12 years.
The film was nominated for one BAFTA and holds a near-perfect 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 performance: "Caine was just splendid, it is still one of his finest hours in film." One viewer wrote: "Zulu is one of the greatest war films ever made. An absolute must-see masterpiece."
An IMDB user review 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 Rotten Tomatoes viewer wrote: "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."
Zulu is available to stream for free on ITVX.
