Is the film Zulu a true story?
A MULTI-MEDIA talk on the Battle of Rorke’s Drift in 1879 when 11 Victoria Crosses were won by British and Colonial Soldiers is set to take place at the Royal Agricultural University. The story was the inspiration for the popular 1964 epic war film Zulu, starring Michael Caine and Stanley Baker.
What is the movie Zulu about?
In 1879, the Zulu nation hands colonial British forces a resounding defeat in battle. A nearby regiment of the British Army takes over a station run by a missionary (Jack Hawkins) and his daughter (Ulla Jacobsson) as a supply depot and hospital under the command of Lieutenant John Chard (Stanley Baker) and his subordinate Gonville Bromhead (Michael Caine). Unable to abandon their wounded soldiers even in dire circumstances, the regiment defend their station against the Zulu warriors.
Zulu/Film synopsis
How many soldiers survived Rorke’s Drift?
| Battle of Rorke’s Drift | |
|---|---|
| Strength | |
| 139–141 British Army regulars 11 colonial troops 4 civilians 100 NNH cavalry (briefly engaged, then fled) | 3,000–4,000 Zulus: iNdluyengwe ibutho: 500 to 700 men uThulwana, iNdlondo, uDluko amabutho: c. 3,000 men |
| Casualties and losses | |
| 17 killed 15 wounded | 351 confirmed killed about 500 wounded |
Where was film Zulu filmed?
The main filming location was in the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains in the Royal Natal National Park, a popular tourist spot distant from any large township.
What happened to the Zulus after Rorke’s Drift?
Outcome. After the disaster at Isandlwana, the stand at Rorke’s Drift was a welcome boost to British morale. But it had little effect on the Zulu War as a whole. The conflict continued for several months until the Zulus were finally defeated in July 1879 at the Battle of Ulundi.
How long does the film Zulu last?
2h 18m
Zulu/Running time