Outstanding combat action

Rating: 9/10 (13 July 2000)

ZULU is the true story of the defense of Roarke's Drift, Natal, by a company of the South Wales Borderers against an overwhelming force of Zulu warriors. Badly outnumbered, the British troops are ably led by Stanley Baker (who also produced) and Michael Caine, in one of his first starring roles. It is a matter of firepower against stabbing spears as the British, fighting in red coats for one of the final times, struggle to survive.
An interesting facet of this movie is the depiction of bravery and discipline on both sides. Beautifully photographed in Natal, with authentic costumes and equipment, it is a stirring and well played depiction of this action, one of the most famous of the Victorian colonial wars.