It's 1879 South Africa. It's a clash of civilizations between the British empire and the Zulu nation under King Cetshwayo. When the King refuses to comply with the latest British ultimatum, the British declares war and invade. The British are under the command of the arrogant over-confident British commander Lord Chelmsford (Peter O'Toole). The troops cross the Buffalo river into Zulu lands and meet infamy at a hill called Isandlwana. Col. Durnford (Burt Lancaster) commands the Natal Native Contingent who tries to warn Chelmsford.
The first half has a bit too many uninteresting scenes. The British side especially needs to be streamlined. The encounter with King Cetshwayo is at least something different and has some tension. This has a great cast and a big production. It builds up to a great final battle. What I like most about the final battle is its wide ranging and scattered nature. It has the feel of reality as the British troops go into disorganized retreat.
The first half has a bit too many uninteresting scenes. The British side especially needs to be streamlined. The encounter with King Cetshwayo is at least something different and has some tension. This has a great cast and a big production. It builds up to a great final battle. What I like most about the final battle is its wide ranging and scattered nature. It has the feel of reality as the British troops go into disorganized retreat.