Movies We Like: ‘Zulu’

Big Hollywood ^ | 9-2-09 | Kurt Schlichter

[kingattax]

The members of the ruling class of the British Isles seem to be committed to demonstrating that they are nothing but hopeless neo-socialists busy sacrificing their green and pleasant land on the altar of nanny-state multiculturalism.

It seems that every day there is a report of some new Labor assault on free speech, a fresh disaster in the decaying single-payer health care system, or another craven surrender to domestic jihadism.

The latest atrocity is Scotland’s politicians’ ”compassionate release” of Lockerbie mass-murderer Abdulbaset al-Megrahi, a shameful maneuver that managed to combine greed, cowardice and self-righteousness all into one gutless package. I used to emphasize that I was 25% Scot and not mention my 12.5% French ancestry. Now? Well, can you say, “Bonjour?” At least the “frogs” leadership will take their own side in a fight.

But the people of the British Isles - the English, the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish - are a proud, tough bunch ill-served by their shabby politicians. And nowhere on screen can you see their heart and glory displayed better than in 1964’s war epic Zulu

[kingattax]

great movie. it was michael caine's first role in a movie.

[Parley Baer]

Yes great movie. The British have fallen so far.

[dynachrome]

“Front rank, kneel. Rear rank, fire!”

[Clemenza]

Love the film, although it gave many the wrong impression that the white Boers were fighting on the same side as the British against the Africans. NEVER learn history from the movies, folks.

The prequel, "Zulu Dawn", was also pretty good.

[kingattax]

that sure worked pretty well, didn’t it ?

[Non-Sequitur]

Men of Harlech stop your dreaming
Can't you see their spear points gleaming
See their warrior's pennants streaming
To this battle field

Men of Harlech stand ye steady
It cannot be ever said ye
For the battle were not ready
Stand and never yield

Form the hills rebounding
Let this war cry sounding
Summon all at Cambria's call
The mighty force surrounding

Men of Harlech onto glory
This shall ever be your story
Keep these fighting words before ye
Welshmen will not yield

[angkor]

Caine was a bit effete as Lt. Bromhead, but he was excellent in the role.

Zulu is a superb epic film with almost the same resonance as Lawrence Of Arabia and Bridge On The River Kwai. One of my top 20.

[Billthedrill]

Terrific flick. The Zulus stole the show, IMHO. Awesome cinematography.

[Frantzie]

Young Michael Caine was so cool. Harry Palmer in many ways was cooler than Bond. It was based more on reality.

[TADSLOS]

One of the few movies that makes me watch it every time it comes on TV. I never get tired of it.

[DuncanWaring]

Colour Sergeant Bourne: It’s a miracle.

Lieutenant John Chard: If it’s a miracle, Colour Sergeant, it’s a short chamber Boxer Henry point 45 caliber miracle.

Colour Sergeant Bourne: And a bayonet, sir, with some guts behind.

[abb]

Pte. Thomas Cole: Why is it us? Why us?
Colour Sergeant Bourne: Because we’re here, lad. Nobody else. Just us.

[kingattax]

[Polynikes]

Great movie. Ironically the real Lt Chard and Bromhead were regarded as being dull,unimaginative and generally not considered to be very good material by their superiors. The initiative for choosing to fortify the mission station at Rorkes Drift is considered to be Commissary Daltons idea. The battle is more of a testament to the toughness and fire discipline of the men of the 24th Foot Co B. For a good read check out “The Washing of the Spears” When the British picked a fight with the Zulus they severely underestimated their opponent

[Skooz]

My favorite thing about Zulu is the factual representation of Brit infantry firing in volley.

There is a myth that we won the Revolution by hiding behind trees and rocks and picking off redcoats who were absurdly standing in line just waiting to be shot.

Nothing could be further from the truth. It was only after the Americans learned how to fire in volley that they could stand up to British infantry.

Zulu shows the devastating effect of volley fire and such historical accuracy is rare in movies.

[Captain Rhino]

I’m sure there was a bit of muddling in historical accuracy in the film, but, in essence, I think the director and the actors got it right.

“Zulu” is the rare war movie that, even though at the end one side must win and the other lose, you have a sense of pride in the courage and valor displayed by the warriors on both sides.

[abb]

The movie is ‘reasonably’ close to “The Washing of the Spears,” by Donald W. Morris. It is considered to be the definitive history of the battle.

[Timocrat]

Nothing could be further from the truth. It was only after the Americans learned how to fire in volley that they could stand up to British infantry

Interesting. Do you have a cite for this ?

[VOA]

bump

[Stat-boy]

“It was only after the Americans learned how to fire in volley that they could stand up to British infantry.”

In my opinion, the statement definitely has an element of truth, not entirely the case, but maybe mostly true. Just my opinion.

For training the Revolutionary Army, look up Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben. Wiki article here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Wilhelm_von_Steuben