Zulu
Dir: Cy Enfield
1964
****
Zulu, now regarded as a classic British epic, is rather unique in that unlike most historical dramas of the time, it's pretty damn accurate in its portrayal of real events. It is not a part of history we Brits are proud of but both the British and Zulu sides are shown for what they were based on historical evidence. Indeed, neither side comes across as anything short of brave and at worst naive. There is respect payed to both sides and the event is regarded as it should be, something that never should have happened. It is full of memorable performances and exquisite direction and does deserve its classic film status. Interestingly, while the film tried to break down prejudices of the past, in 1964 the South African apartheid was in full swing. Director Cy Endfield wasn't allowed by law to pay the Zulu actors the same as the white actors so instead gifted them the animals used in the film. The animals were worth far more in value than the equivalent money would have been.