Movie review – “Zulu” (1963) *****

Classic guys movie, about a bunch of guys fightin’ off a massive swarm of black people. This film’s been accused of racism and it you can see that point of view – the Zulus are mostly a face-less personality-less mass. But that contributes a great deal to the effectiveness of the movie – apart from the opening scene at Isandlwhana, it’s all from the POV of British soldiers, for whom the Zulus were a face-less personality-less mass. And to cut away form this POV, to have scenes showing the Zulu’s side, would have detracted a great deal from the appeal of the film.

Also, this is a 60s Imperial film, which means the emphasis is on the soldiers not on any British-Empire-is-the-greatest messages like in the 30s films. The Zulus are shown to be brave, clever fighters, just ones without rifles. Indeed, the 60s liberalism strikes a bit of a bung note at the end with Stanley Baker and Michael Caine surveying the battle scene saying they feel ashamed, and talking about their first time of battle like its their virginity. (I get the point, but it doesn’t ring true.)

Very strong cast; Baker is an imposing presence, though he’s overshadowed by Michael Caine because Caine’s (a) blonde and (b) more likeable. However the flashiest role in the movie is that of James Booth who plays the coward-who-comes-good Hooke (a total distortion of history and utterly justifiable historically). Nigel Green also shines as the sergeant.

Many great moments: the opening scenes at Isandahlwana, the leisurely build up, Hooke coming good, the duelling singing, the final amazing battle at the redoubt. A big success by Cy Endfield never came close to it again – why?