The 1964 film Zulu chronicles the Battle of Rorke’s Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Directed by American screenwriter Cy Endfield, Zulu was a megahit upon its release.
But among its few criticisms is that it didn’t give much in the way of context about the war—i.e., it was a British invasion of the Zulu Kingdom—yet despite what you may or may not know about 19th-century empire building, Zulu shines in its portrayal of humanity amidst the chaos of war. Through nuanced characterizations and poignant interactions, the film explores themes of bravery, camaraderie, and the futility of violence.
Moreover, the respectful depiction of the Zulu warriors adds depth and complexity to the portrayal of both sides of the conflict, transcending simplistic notions.
Zulu stars actors Stanley Baker (who produced the film with Endfield, who was also a co-writer) as Lieutenant John Chard and Michael Caine as Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead (played as a foppish aristocrat) in what was his breakthrough role.
Above, you can watch a clip from the film where Baker’s and Caine’s characters meet for the first time, and it’s a captivating performance by both men. The real Chard and Bromhead were among the 11 recipients of the Victoria Cross from the battle, the most ever awarded for a single action. To watch the clip, click the above play button at the left of the feature image.
As part of its legacy, Zulu sparked renewed interest in the history of the British Empire, the Zulu Kingdom, and the Rorke’s Drift defense.
The battle followed the disastrous British defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana earlier on the same day, where a large British force was overwhelmed and massacred by Zulu warriors.
The Battle of Isandlwana itself was later turned into a film in 1979—Zulu Dawn, which has been labeled as a prequel to Zulu. Also written by Endfield, Zulu Dawn was directed by Douglas Hickox and has a cast that includes Peter O’Toole, Burt Lancaster, Nigel Davenport, Denholm Elliott, John Mills, and Bob Hoskins.
Defence of Rorke’s Drift
For those unfamiliar with Zulu or the history behind it, Rorke’s Drift was a mission station and a supply depot for the British army located near the Buffalo River.
After the Zulu victory at Isandlwana, a Zulu force numbering around 4,000 warriors moved towards Rorke’s Drift, which was garrisoned by about 140 British and colonial troops, most of whom were from the 24th Regiment of Foot.
The defenders quickly fortified the mission station by constructing barricades using mealie bags, biscuit boxes, and other materials. Throughout the night of Jan. 22-23, 1879, the Zulus launched a series of attacks on the British position.
Despite being heavily outnumbered, the defenders held their ground and repelled wave after wave of Zulu attacks, utilizing disciplined fire and strategic positioning. The battle was fought at close quarters, with hand-to-hand combat occurring at times.
The British defenders, under the command of Lieutenant Chard (as played by Baker in the film) and the aforementioned Lieutenant Bromhead (played by Caine), managed to hold off the Zulu assaults until dawn. By then, the Zulu force withdrew, having failed to breach the defenses of Rorke’s Drift.
After the war’s initial setbacks, the British Empire mobilized additional forces and launched a series of counterattacks against the Zulus, with a British victory at the Battle of Ulundi (July 4, 1879), effectively ending the conflict.
Following that battle, the British Empire annexed Zululand, which was incorporated into the British colony of Natal.