Zulu Dawn (1979)

57% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
61% of users liked it
(4,144 ratings)

This film depicts the events prior to the devastating conflict that occurred in 1879 when British soldiers were held siege by thousands of Zulu warriors. Fifteen hundred soldiers were killed in the epic battle. This film portrays the tensions existing between the tribal factions and the British… More This film depicts the events prior to the devastating conflict that occurred in 1879 when British soldiers were held siege by thousands of Zulu warriors. Fifteen hundred soldiers were killed in the epic battle. This film portrays the tensions existing between the tribal factions and the British invaders. ~ Iotis Erlewine, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 57 min.
Directed By: Douglas Hickox
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International

In Theaters: Dec 14, 1979 Wide
On DVD: Sep 27, 2005
Studio: Tango Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Christopher Lloyd, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
A simple two-act story: Prelude to war, and the war. The former is concerned with a lot of British derring-do and priggish behavior. The latter consists of battle scenes with a lot of kinetic energy but not as much emotional punch as they should have.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A rousing visual spectacle that's a prequel of the Cy Endfield directed Zulu (1964).
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Seen today, it's not only a startling indictment of British imperialism, but it seems a remarkably forward-thinking work.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Cassandra M

This film must be the most under-rated film of its time. It is a very accurate depiction of the battle of Isandhlwana and the massacre of the British Soldiers. The casting was brilliant, Burt Lancaster and Simon Ward were outstanding in the lead roles. The film following the lives of… More
This film must be the most under-rated film of its time. It is a very accurate depiction of the battle of Isandhlwana and the massacre of the British Soldiers. The casting was brilliant, Burt Lancaster and Simon Ward were outstanding in the lead roles. The film following the lives of very different people through a very short timespan was very well done baring in mind the amount of people the film focused on, from a native south african messenger, to an arrogant British General. The film was fair to both armies that fought on that day and deserves to be recognised as a movie epic.

Cast

            Burt Lancaster as Col. Anthony Durnford

            Peter O'Toole as Lord Chelmsford

            Simon Ward as William Vereker

            John Mills as Sir Henry Bartle Frere

            Nigel Davenport as Col. Hamilton-Brown

            Michael Jayston as Col. Crealock

            Denholm Elliott as Lt. Col. Pulleine

            Ronald Lacey as Norris Newman

            Freddie Jones as Bishop Colenso

            Christopher Cazenove as Lt. Coghill

            Ronald Pickup as Lt. Har-ford

            Donald Pickering as Maj. Russell

            Anna Calder-Marshall as Fanny Colenso

            James Faulkner as Lt. Melvill

            Peter Vaughan as QSM Bloomfield

            Graham Armitage as Capt. Shepstone

            Bob Hoskins as Sgt. Maj. Williams

            Dai Bradley as Pvt. Williams

            Paul Copley as Cpl. Storey

            Christopher Chittell as Lt. Milne

            Nicholas Clay as Lt. Raw

            Patrick Mynhardt as Maj. Harness

            Brian O'Shaughnessy as Maj. Smith

            Simon Sabela as Cetshwayo

            Midge Carter as Lt. Cavaye

            Phil Daniels as Boy Soldier Pullen

            Ken Gampu as Mantshonga

            Ray Davies as Sgt. Murphy
See full cast

Zulu Dawn (1979)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Cassandra M

Cast

Trailers & Clips