I wasn't sure who to root for in this one...

Rating: 9/10 (22 January 2012)

There was a strange tradition in the US for Hollywood to feature British colonialism in a VERY positive light--especially during the 1930s and 40s. Brits were clearly the heroes in many classic films of the era. Yet, looking at it through 21st century lenses, you wonder why we rooted for them. After all, the locals were fighting them in order to gain their independence--just like we Americans did in 1776. So you'd THINK we'd be rooting for the Zulus in "Zulu" thought this film, too, seems to portray the natives as somewhat savage (though well organized and tough in this case) and the Brits as good--though not quite as heroic and good as they'd appear in the 30s-40s. As this was made in the 60s, some folks like Hook (the malingerer) and the missionaries are less than noble--a bit of a change from the old pattern at least.
The story is based on the defense of a tiny fort in South Africa during 1879--in the Natal region (in the Northeastern part of the country). This makes for a VERY tense and intense film. At times, you sit there anticipating the inevitable and at others it's non-stop frenetic slaughter. It's exceptionally well made throughout and gives you a real feel for what it must have been like.
By the way, according to IMDb this film is historically inaccurate in that in this fight with the Zulus, only 17 British soldiers were killed. I lost track at 157239238 killed (give or take) during the course of the film!! Although it's NOT the ideal film for this, I watched this movie because I am headed to South Africa in the next few weeks. In addition, I've gotten a hold of a few other films about the country and am watching them to get me in the mood--though, aside from "Invictus", I can't think of any films about modern post-apartheid South Africa. If you can think of any appropriate films, drop me a line.