Shaka Zulu war movie

Shaka Zulu (1986, South Africa)

Categories: infantry movies political movies fantasy movies

Shaka Zulu

Director: William C. Faure

Czas: 500 minut

Laguages: English

war movies infoAdam 'Frey' Barczynski
2024-04-07 / 1970-01-01

In early 19th century Zulus under king Shaka grew into a biggest military power in southern Africa, which gathered attention of British colonists, who were afraid they will be his next target.

In early 19th century British colonists in southern Africa were alarmed about military power raising nearby - the Zulus under king Shaka conquered other tribes and turned the Natal into area white people are afraid to enter. Ivory dealer, Lieutenant Francis Farewell, is determined to establish a port in Natal - the region is full of elephants and he could make a fortune. Farewell’s ship sank near the coast of Natal, but he was among the survivors of the shipwreck. Unit of Zulu warriors approached them at the beach - for both sides it was a shock, most of the Zulus did not meet white people before, while for the Europeans it was first time they saw the infamous conquerors of Natal. Farewell and his companions were taken to the village of Shaka, the king of Zulus that turned his tribe into huge military power. On the way Dr. Henry Fynn, who was chronicler of the expedition, saved girl that was about to be buried - he noticed that she is still alive and cured her illness, which made the Zulus believe he is a witch-doctor. Farewell planned to make use of that believe - surrounded by thousands of Zulu warriors it was in their best interest to find any advantage over Shaka. Once they reached the king’s village the game between Shaka and the Europeans begins, the human lives and the future of the continent is in stake.

South African miniseries about the expedition of Lieutenant Farewell into Natal ruthlessly rules by infamous Shaka. They were the first Europeans to meet the king and learn about his cult-like empire, but the sophistication of Shaka and his approach to many things was surprise for them. To that point they knew him only by his fame, but when they learnt the whole story of his life it gave them look into the culture and the background behind Shaka as a warrior and leader. The miniseries tells the story of the Farewell expedition and the life story of Shaka from the point he was young boy and together with his mother had to fight for survival. While the episodes covered a lot of material and wide range of topics (from politics to romance and magic) it also shows how Shaka changed the face of the war in Africa: introduced improved weapons, superior tactics and ruthlessly attacked his enemies step by step building the power that will few decades later match the British colonial forces in South Africa in Anglo-Zulu War. Made with a lot of effort it is impressive production, although in some parts lacks the pace.

Our rating

6.8

Film value

6 / 10

Realism factor

4 / 5

Adventure factor

3 / 5

Historical accuracy

4 / 5

2024-04-07

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Shaka Zulu