Really fine move... well, except....

Rating: 9/10 (3 April 2004)

The acting is top-notch (Michael Caine is underestimated), the action is stirring, the pacing deliberate and inexorable, and the tension builds steadily. The scenery is indeed striking, and the music underscores all the developments ably. I gave this movie a nine. Otherwise, I doubt I could add to others' praise.
I only add this one criticism.
OF COURSE there is one major religious figure, the missionary Reverend Witt, and OF COURSE he turns into a raving loon, a coward, a drunk, and therefore a hypocrite. The only problem with that being that evidently the actual Rev. Witt was nothing of the sort, and in fact was one of two clergy who served nobly in this fight (see http://rorkesdriftvc.com/zulu.htm). And now, forty years later, one notes that STILL it seems most comfortable for screenwriters to depict all Christians (particularly clergy) as dangerous lunatic hypocrites. One wishes, repeatedly, that they would deal with their personal problems with God, or at least get out a bit more in a wider circle of acquaintances.
That rant aside, I recommend the film highly.