Is Zulu a True Story? Zulu Plot, Cast and More

Is Zulu a true story?

Yes, Zulu is based on a true story. This 1964 British war film tells the story of the 1879 Battle of Rock’s Mouth during the Anglo-Zulu War in South Africa. After defeating the British garrison at Isandwana, the Zulus attempted to capture the small British depot at the mouth of the Rock River. The film tells the story of Lieutenant John Chard, played by Stanley Baker, who despite his lack of combat experience leads about 120 soldiers against a massive Zulu army of 4,000 warriors.

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The British troops, facing overwhelming odds, managed to hold their ground and gain the respect of their Zulu opponents. The film combines compelling fight scenes with great performances, especially from Michael Caine in his first major role. John Barry’s score was influenced by African tribal music, and narration was provided by Richard Burton. The events described in Zulu are accurate and a true story.

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Zulu (1964)

The 1964 British epic war film “Zulu” tells the true story of the Battle of Rock’s Drift in January 1879 during the Anglo-Zulu War. Directed by Cy Endfield and produced by Stanley Baker and Endfield, the film depicts 150 British soldiers, including 30 soldiers. Suffering from injuries, he defended a remote outpost against 4,000 Zulu warriors.

The script was written by Enfield and historical writer John Prebble, and was adapted from Prebble’s 1958 article “Slaughter in the Sun.” The film stars Stanley Baker, Michael Caine plays a major role for the first time, and supporting roles include Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobson, etc.

Zulu chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a future South African political leader, plays his great-grandfather, Zulu king Cetshwayo kMpande. Richard Burton provides the opening and closing narration. Zulu premiered in 1964 on the 85th anniversary of the battle and was subsequently named the 93rd best British film of all time in a 2017 Time Out magazine poll.

Where was Zulu filmed?

“Zulu” was shot primarily in South Africa, where the mission station at Rock’s Drift was recreated beneath the natural amphitheater of the Drakensberg Mountains. The set of the British field hospital and supply depot was built near the Tugela River, with an amphitheater as the backdrop. Although the terrain is steeper than the actual Rock’s Drift site, the scene provides a visually striking backdrop.

The actual battle site of Isandwana, located 100 kilometers northwest, near the Buffalo River, differs from the recreated scene. Various scenes were also filmed in the KwaZulu-Natal National Park. Twickenham Film Studios in Middlesex, England, was used for filming James Booth’s interiors and scenes. The film used real Zulus, with 240 Zulu extras taking part in the battle scenes, with a second unit filming an additional 1,000 tribesmen in Zululand. In addition, eighty South African servicemen were selected as soldiers.

Zulu plot

In 1879, following the British defeat at the hands of the Zulus at Isandwana, a small group of fewer than 200 British soldiers, led by Lieutenant John Child, defended Rock’s Drift in Natal. They were warned that 4,000 Zulu warriors were approaching. Unable to evacuate in time, Chad decided to stay and fight, fortifying the station with wagons, flour sacks, and makeshift fortifications. Missionary Otto Witt and his daughter Margarita witnessed the Zulus celebrating their victory and fleeing.

Despite challenges, including Wit’s opposition and desertion, the British held their ground against the relentless Zulu attacks. The Zulus tried to find a weak point but faced determined resistance. The British sang to boost morale, and in a final attack they drove back the Zulus, who unexpectedly paid tribute to the defenders and retreated. Eleven soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration, for their bravery in the defense of Rock’s Drift.

Zulu cast list

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Stanley Baker

Lieutenant John Child

Michael Caine

Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead

jack hawkins

Pastor Otto Witte

Ulla Jacobson

margarita vitte

Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi

King Cetshwayo

James Booth

Private Henry Hooker

Nigel Green

Sergeant Frank Byrne

Paul Daneman

Sergeant Robert Maxfield

Joe Powell

Sergeant Joseph Windrich

Ivor Emmanuel

Private Owen

Glynn Edwards

Corporal William Allen

Neil McCarthy

Private Thomas

David Kernan

Private Frederick Hitch

Gary Bond

Private Cole

Peter Gill

Private 612 John Williams

Richard Davis

Private 593 William Jones

Dennis Graham

Private 716 Robert Jones

Patrick Magee

Surgeon Major James Henry Reynolds

Dickie Owen

Corporal Frederick Heath

Gert Vandenberg

Lieutenant Gert Adendorff

Dennis Folbigg

Acting Assistant Commissioner James Langley Dalton

Larry Taylor

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Kerry Jordan

Louis Byrne

Harvey Hall

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Where can I watch Zulu?

You can currently watch the movie Zulu on streaming platforms such as Channel 4, Paramount Plus and Apple TV Channel. Additionally, if you want to own or rent movies, you have the option to purchase and download them on platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, Microsoft Store, YouTube, and Rakuten TV.

Rental options are also available on platforms such as Amazon Video, Microsoft Store, Apple TV, Google Play Movie, Sky Store, YouTube and Rakuten TV. This gives you convenient access to movies through various online services. Whether you choose to stream or purchase, Zulu can be accessed through a range of platforms to suit your viewing preferences.

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