Zulu

“Zulu” is not cinematic. It is not blessed with amazing acting. Its special effects are sketchy at best. But “Zulu” is surprisingly resounding nonetheless. Two lieutenants, Chard and Bromhead, are informed that there tiny contingent of 140 men in Natal has been isolated by the destruction of the main British force. 4,000 Zulu warriors will be upon them in mere hours.

Michael Caine and Stanley Baker as Lieutenants Bromhead and Chard

            Despite first impressions and a number of minor power struggles, Chard takes command of the garrison and uses all the knowledge at his disposal to lead his small force to some kind of victory. Using the wounded men in the hospital as well as the healthy men at the walls, the British manage to repel the Zulus’ onslaught time and again. A final confrontation soon after dawn leaves the British alone. Aside from the dead at their feet, the Zulus have disappeared.

            After two days of fighting, the British soldiers are exhausted. They are ready to break. Three hours following their heartening victory, they allow themselves to hope that the entire ordeal may be over. Just as they begin to relax, thousands of Zulus appear on the hilltop, chanting incomprehensibly at the British soldiers below.

            The exhausted men can only cry out in anguish that the Zulus are taunting them, demanding that the job be finished and be done with it. But one among them announces that the Zulus are not taunting the beleaguered soldiers. In fact, they are saluting their bravery. After an inexplicably long chant and shaking of spears, the Zulus withdraw from the hillside, leaving the soldiers in complete bewilderment. Beneath the confusion, though, lurks a gleam of pride, and the British soldiers stand a little taller, despite their fatigue.