Is Zulu a True Story? Zulu Plot, Cast and More
by Mathelene
Updated Jan 06, 2024
Is Zulu a True Story?
Yes, "Zulu" is based on a true story. The 1964 British war film recounts the Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War in Southern Africa in 1879. After the Zulus defeated a British garrison at Isandlwana, they attempted to overrun the small British depot at Rorke's Drift. The movie follows Lieutenant John Chard, played by Stanley Baker, who, despite lacking combat experience, leads around 120 soldiers against a massive Zulu force of 4,000 warriors.
The British troops, facing overwhelming odds, manage to hold their ground and earn the respect of their Zulu adversaries. The film combines striking battle sequences with strong performances, notably from Michael Caine in his first major role. John Barry's score is influenced by African tribal music, and the narration is provided by Richard Burton. The events depicted in "Zulu" are historically accurate, making it a true story.
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Zulu (1964)
The 1964 British epic war film "Zulu" tells the true story of the Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War in January 1879. Directed by Cy Endfield and produced by Stanley Baker and Endfield, the movie depicts 150 British soldiers, including 30 sick and wounded, defending a remote outpost against 4,000 Zulu warriors.
The screenplay, written by Endfield and historical writer John Prebble, is based on Prebble's 1958 article "Slaughter in the Sun." The film stars Stanley Baker, introduces Michael Caine in his first major role, and features a supporting cast including Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, and others.
Zulu chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a future South African political leader, plays his great-grandfather, Zulu King Cetshwayo kaMpande. Richard Burton provides the opening and closing narration. "Zulu" premiered on the 85th anniversary of the battle in 1964 and was later ranked the 93rd best British film ever in a Time Out magazine poll in 2017.
Where was Zulu Filmed?
"Zulu" was primarily filmed on location in South Africa, with the mission depot at Rorke's Drift recreated beneath the natural Amphitheatre in the Drakensberg Mountains. The set for the British field hospital and supply depot was constructed near the Tugela River, against the backdrop of the Amphitheatre. Despite its steeper terrain compared to the actual Rorke's Drift location, the setting provided a visually striking backdrop.
The real battle site at Isandlwana, situated 100 kilometers northwest, near the Buffalo River, differed from the recreated scenes. Various scenes were also shot within the national parks of KwaZulu-Natal. Twickenham Film Studios in Middlesex, England, were used for interiors and scenes featuring James Booth. The film employed real Zulus, with 240 Zulu extras brought in for battle scenes, and an additional 1,000 tribesmen were filmed in Zululand by the second unit. Additionally, eighty South African military servicemen were cast as soldiers.
Zulu Plot
In 1879, after the British suffer a big defeat by the Zulus at Isandlwana, a small group of British soldiers, less than 200, led by Lieutenant John Chard, defend Rorke's Drift in Natal. They receive a warning about 4,000 approaching Zulu warriors. Unable to evacuate in time, Chard decides to stay and fight, fortifying the station with wagons, mealie sacks, and makeshift defenses. Missionary Otto Witt and his daughter Margareta witness Zulu celebrations of victory and flee.
Despite challenges, including Witt's objections and desertions, the British hold their ground against relentless Zulu attacks. The Zulus try to find weak points but face determined resistance. The British sing to boost morale, and in the final assault, they repel the Zulus, who unexpectedly honor the defenders and withdraw. Eleven soldiers receive the Victoria Cross for their bravery in the defense of Rorke's Drift, the highest military decoration.
Zulu Cast
Stanley Baker
Lieutenant John Chard
Michael Caine
Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead
Jack Hawkins
Reverend Otto Witt
Ulla Jacobsson
Margareta Witt
Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi
King Cetshwayo
James Booth
Private Henry Hook
Nigel Green
Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne
Paul Daneman
Sergeant Robert Maxfield
Joe Powell
Sergeant Joseph Windridge
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 Davies
Private 593 William Jones
Denys Graham
Private 716 Robert Jones
Patrick Magee
Surgeon-Major James Henry Reynolds
Dickie Owen
Corporal Frederick Schiess
Gert van den Bergh
Lieutenant Gert Adendorff
Dennis Folbigge
Acting Assistant Commissary James Langley Dalton
Larry Taylor
Hughes
Kerry Jordan
Louis Byrne
Harvey Hall
Sick Man
Actor
Character
Where to Watch Zulu?
You can currently watch the movie "Zulu" on streaming platforms like Channel 4, Paramount Plus, and Apple TV Channel. Additionally, if you prefer to own or rent the movie, you have the option to buy it on platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, Microsoft Store, YouTube, and Rakuten TV for download.
Renting options are also available on platforms like Amazon Video, Microsoft Store, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, YouTube, and Rakuten TV. This allows you to access the film conveniently through various online services. Whether you choose to stream or purchase, "Zulu" is accessible through a range of platforms to cater to your viewing preferences.
Is Zulu a True Story: FAQs
Yes, "Zulu" is based on the true events of the Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879.
The film follows the defense of Rorke's Drift by a small British force against 4,000 Zulu warriors after a British defeat at Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War. It explores the challenges faced by the defenders and their eventual victory against overwhelming odds.
"Zulu" was directed by Cy Endfield, and Stanley Baker and Cy Endfield were the producers, with Joseph E. Levine as the executive producer.
"Zulu" premiered on the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Rorke's Drift, on January 22, 1964, at the Plaza Theatre in London. In 2017, it was ranked the 93rd best British film ever in a poll by Time Out magazine.
"Zulu" is available for streaming on Channel 4, Paramount Plus, and Apple TV Channel. You can also buy or rent it on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, Microsoft Store, YouTube, and Rakuten TV.