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Zulu (1964) — Largely Accurate Depiction of Rorke’s Drift
Zulu (1964) is often singled out for its historical accuracy regarding the 1879 Battle of Rorke’s Drift. The film gets key elements right: the battle tactics used by both British defenders and Zulu attackers, the appearance and drill of uniforms, and the layout and terrain surrounding the mission station. While the movie compresses events and dramatizes some individual actions and characters for narrative effect, its overall portrayal of the engagement—timing, numbers at the post, and the nature of close-quarters combat—aligns well with historical accounts. For a detailed assessment, see Ian Knight, Zulu Rising, which evaluates where the film matches and where it departs from the historical record.