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Zulu is beautiful, horrific and bloody. The writer, director and actors bring this event to life. Bravo to Michael Caine's introduction role that launched his wonderful career. Richard Burton's narration gives credence to his absolute mastery of the English language. If you are looking for a believable film of war from over a century ago... this is the one film you must watch.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This romantic movie has long been over looked and misidentified. It is one of the best written and best directed movies bar none. Narrated by Richard Burton, he sets the tone, at the start and the end, as only this powerful personality can do. As a properly written musical score needs to begin and finish on the same note in order to provide completeness, so it is with movies. This simple start and finish “trick” prevents the viewer from walking away with a feeling of emptiness. Feeling dissatisfied. Feeling of incompleteness. Endfield and Baker make the most of Burton’s talents to ensure the viewer is not cast aside at the end. I use the term "romantic" in the true literary and artistic sense. The many examples of romantic style seem so obvious, such as “Can man win and live”; “Respect for thy fellow man”; “Shame and Humility versus Pride and Courage”; and the conflicts –“…is it OK for the Zulus to be proud but not the white men?”. As for the elements of realism and naturalism, yes they are present; but, they are tertiary to the enjoyment of the movie. The plot and theme are the stuff that inspire Michelangelo to create his "David". As an objectivist, I see visions of Ayn Rand's literary characters sprinkled throughout this movie. If Cy Endfield and Stanley Baker knew not of Miss Rand, then their knowledge of romantic action/style originated self-made and that makes this treasure all the more unique! The musical score and background landscape are all complimentary. Any fan of "Atlas Shrugged" or "The Fountainhead" will readily see this DVD as a complement and necessity to their home movie collection. The characters within this movie are a little stiff at the onset of the movie; but, seem to mature as the movie progresses. But then, this is how greatest occurs, is it not? Based on historic events, this is the story of British soldiers in Africa who are ordered to defend an outpost outnumbered 30-to-1 against a Zulu warrior army. They are ready to hold until relieved.Read full review
This particular 2003 DVD version (North American Format) hasn't been enhanced much, cleaned up - yes but not enhanced. Don't expect a surround system either - it's not made for that. While old, this movie is so accurate that specialists have to really search to find any flaws in the story! The acting techniques (particularly Michael Cain's) seems dated today, it is probably as close as you can get to having it broadcast live on CNN. "Zulu" is based on the real battle of Rorke's Drift in January 1879 which pitted the British Army against the Zulu impis - most of the Zulu had ancestors who'd fought the British (an interesting bit of trivia picked up in follow-on research). The British force was outnumbered 15 to 1 during the 12 hour battle - not 40 to 1 as legend likes to claim. 11 Victoria Crosses were won by the British defenders. Militaria enthusiasts generally enjoy the movie and it's a standard reference to British medal collectors - a "must have" in their collection! The only other British battle that can approximate this one is the 4 day Defense of Dawkita in 1897 which pitted a very small British colonial force against a massive Sofa army (1 to approximately 175). Unfortunately this movie has not been made.Read full review
This is my second copy of Zulu. My first DVD was worn out. Everyone that I let borrow it Loved it and it just got overly used. BUT its absolutely fantastic. One of the best older movies IVe ever seen and will watch again. The acting is superb and the natives ( all real ZULU Warriors) will leave no doubt in your mind just how scary this got in real life.. What i was most impressed with its the fact this was a TRUE STORY. The scenery such as the vallys and mountains in this is just breathtaking . Its filmed all outdoors and its magnificent. MIchael Caine, Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins all young and in there prime for acting.. its understandable how they made it big.
To begin with, this is an important British War Story...Most meaningful, if you understand the Brit high society, and certainly the Royals. I happen to be at the right place, at the right time, and purchased an Original Etching of this fantastic 5000 Zulu, battling approx. What...100 odd Bridge Building Engineers, coupled with a few wounded regulars and misfits...in an African outpost...during the after math of 1000 Brit troops, having been killed off by the same 5000 Zulus...only to be "STOPPED" in their tracks by a fraction of " Red-Coat Engineers"??? Even the Zulus were shocked...and most respectful of this IMPRESSIVE BATTLE! Cheers!!!!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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