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Action
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Drama
History
War

Zulu Dawn (1979) Review in 2025

6.5/10
Flop

Zulu Dawn is a historical epic film set in 1879, based on the Battle of Isandlwana, where British forces clashed with the Zulu Kingdom. The film stars Burt Lancaster and Simon Ward, and is directed by Douglas Hickox.

128 minutes
English (Dubbed: None)
Age group: 13-25, Interests: History, War, Action
Director:
Douglas Hickox
Budget: 12 million USD
Gross: 10 million USD

Family-Friendly Rating

Is this movie suitable for family viewing?

This film is not suitable for young children due to its graphic violence and mature themes. However, older teenagers and adults may find it interesting.

CineReview Recommendation

This film is worth watching for its historical significance and stunning cinematography, but it's not a must-see. If you're a fan of historical epics or war films, you may enjoy it, but be prepared for a slow pace and some clichéd moments.

Spoiler Alert!

Hover to reveal spoiler summary

The film tells the story of the Battle of Isandlwana, where the British forces, led by Lord Chelmsford, are vastly outnumbered by the Zulu warriors. Despite their bravery, the British suffer heavy losses, and the Zulu emerge victorious. The film explores the cultural clashes and misunderstandings between the two armies, and the devastating consequences of the battle.

Review Details

story7.00/10

The story is engaging and well-researched, but it suffers from a slow pace and some clichéd moments. The film's attempt to humanize the Zulu warriors is admirable, but it feels somewhat shallow.

acting7.00/10

The acting is generally good, with standout performances from Burt Lancaster and Simon Ward. However, some of the supporting actors feel somewhat miscast.

characters6.00/10

The characters are well-acted, but they feel somewhat one-dimensional. Lord Chelmsford is a particularly weak character, and his motivations are unclear.

direction7.00/10

Douglas Hickox's direction is solid, but he fails to bring much originality to the film. The cinematography is stunning, but it's not enough to save the film from its overall lack of excitement.

cinematography8.00/10

The cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning shots of the African landscape. The battle scenes are intense and well-choreographed, but they feel somewhat detached from the rest of the film.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The film's cinematography is stunning, and the battle scenes are intense and well-choreographed. The acting is generally good, and the story is engaging and well-researched.

Cons

The film suffers from a slow pace and some clichéd moments. The characters feel somewhat one-dimensional, and the direction is somewhat lacking in originality.

Notable Quotes

"The British are not used to fighting on uneven terrain, but we are."
"The Zulu are not savages, they are warriors."
"We are not here to make friends, we are here to win."

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