Although much-loved, the epic war film often finds itself overlooked in the war drama genre (Image: Diamond Films/Paramount Pictures)
If you feel like it’s been a long time since you watched a truly great British war film, we’ve got just the recommendation to scratch that itch.
A ‘masterpiece’ war film is currently streaming free on ITV and it’s one most people have forgotten about. The 1964 epic war drama brings the story of one of the most intense British battles to ever be fought to the big screen.
Zulu is an often overlooked war film depicting the 1879 Battle of Rorke’s Drift — an engagement in the Anglo-Zulu War where a small British garrison of around 150 troops successfully defended their outpost (a remote supply station) in South Africa, on the border of Natal and Zululand, against 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors.
Written and directed by Cy Endfield — who was blacklisted in Hollywood and moved to the UK in 1951 — the film stars the legendary Michael Caine in his first major leading role alongside the iconic Stanley Baker.
The pair are joined by Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Nigel Green, Paul Daneman, Glynn Edwards, Ivor Emmanuel, and Patrick Magee to round out a talented ensemble cast. Richard Burton narrated the movie’s opening and closing dialogues.
The ‘masterpiece’ war film has a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes (Image: Diamond Films/Paramount Pictures)
The epic war drama was co-written by Endfield and historical writer John Prebble and was based on Prebble’s 1958 Lilliput magazine article entitled ‘Slaughter in the Sun’.
In the film, the role of Zulu King Cetshwayo kaMpande was played by his real-life great-grandson, Zulu chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who eventually went on to become a South African political leader.
Zulu first premiered at the Plaza Theatre in London’s West End on the 85th anniversary of the battle on January 22, 1964. A Zulu tribal historian was reportedly consulted by Endfield in the making of the movie, and the basic premise of the war film remains largely accurate to true events. However, certain characters and events were fictionalised and created for dramatic effect.
Hailed an ‘all-time great’ war classic, Zulu proved to be a massive success at the box-office after its release, with figures estimating an $8 million worldwide gross against a production budget of $1.7 million.
Post its release, Zulu became one of the biggest hits of all time at the British box-office, and remained in constant cinema circulation for the next 12 years — a testament to the film’s popularity and adoration by the British public.
The historical war drama is available to stream free on ITVX (Image: Diamond Films/Paramount Pictures)
Zulu was nominated for one BAFTA and remains a beloved British classic, though it often finds itself overlooked and forgotten when it comes to the popular war films genre.
With a near-perfect 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Zulu is an audience favourite through and through. One critic said of the film: “Epic in scale, Cy Endfield’s stirring account of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift features bruisingly authentic battle sequences and Michael Caine, dodging spears, in one of his most memorable performances.”
While another reviewer simply added: “The movie is a revelation.”
A third critic praised Caine’s portrayal of Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead: “Caine was just splendid, it is still one of his finest hours in film.”
Audiences are equally bowled over, with one viewer writing: “Zulu is one of the greatest war films ever made. An absolute must-see masterpiece.”
While a user review posted to IMDB says: “I cannot find words to fully express how perfectly formed this film is. I’ve seen Zulu so many times since it was first released that I have lost count.
“From Stanley Baker & Michael Caine on through the cast list the acting is, quite simply, superb. This is an ensemble piece, and the ensemble gives its all!”
The film is hailed as an ‘all-time great’ war classic (Image: Youtube)
Another review of Zulu reads: “It’s shameful no-one makes films like ZULU anymore. I could go on all day as to what’s brilliant about Zulu, but I won’t. Without doubt the greatest British film of the 1960’s, probably the greatest British picture ever, and possibly the greatest film ever.”
While one viewer wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “Cy Endfield’s Zulu is a masterclass in war cinema, combining breathtaking cinematography with relentless battlefield tension. The sweeping South African landscapes and expertly staged battle sequences create an epic sense of scale, while Stanley Baker and Michael Caine deliver compelling performances.
“Zulu remains a gripping, respectful, and visually stunning retelling of Rorke’s Drift, standing as one of cinema’s greatest war films.”
Zulu is available to stream for free on ITVX.
