TV Cream

Films: Z is for...

Zulu

Holiday stand-by and endlessly repeated as this may be, but it still is really very good. Jack Hawkins is splendid as the boozy minister, Michael Caine is actually credible as something other than a cockernee sparra, and the rest of the cast include an eclectic mix including Glyn ‘V and T?’ Edwards and Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, would you believe, and Richard Burton is on voice over duties wisely not taking part. Stanley Baker is supposed to be the star but it’s difficult to pinpoint anyone for that position which is an enviable achievement in such a quality ensemble cast. Yes, it’s long, no, it may not be terribly PC and, okay, it’s been on a million times. But if you’ve never sat through it before then do so now and defy our belief that no-one with anything about them cannot feel the lump in the throat as the male voice choir roar Bread of Heaven at the end.

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  1. Adz

    July 30, 2009 at 11:28 pm

    Actually it’s ‘Men of Harlech’ but your point is well made.

    Worth knowing that the record for awards of the Victoria Cross in one action established at Rorke’s Drift(11), still stands

  2. Bob V

    September 5, 2009 at 12:56 pm

    “Not terribly PC”?

    For 1964, Zulu was actually ahead of it’s time in it’s essentially anti war stance and respectful portrayl of the Zulu people.

  3. Enoch S

    November 4, 2009 at 3:42 pm

    Can’t agree it’s not PC, consider these quotes: “Cowardly blacks? They died fighting on your side, didn’t they? And who the hell do you think’s coming to wipe out your little command, the Grenadier Guards?” – Ardendorff. “They’ve got more bloody guts than we have, boyo.” – Private Owen.

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