Top-Rated Episodes
S1.E10
Shaka helps Farewell and a Zulu delegation to get to Cape Town, where Lord Somerset imprisons them; Nandi's death sends Shaka into a frenzy of destruction.
S1.E8
Fynn traces the history of Shaka and the Ndwandwe king Zwide after Shaka orders the Britons to help fight Zwide, who was responsible for the death of Dingiswayo.
S1.E6
Shaka goes deep into the Nkandla forest and has a blacksmith forge a stabbing spear, which he has empowered by "The Nameless One" and given magical powers. However, it is predicted that the weapon ...
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Title: Shaka Zulu (1986– )
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Shaka Zulu: The Citadel
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Director:
Joshua Sinclair
Stars:
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Zulu
(1964)
Drama
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History
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War
Director:
Cy Endfield
Stars:
Stanley Baker,
Jack Hawkins,
Ulla Jacobsson
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Cast
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Framed around Queen Victoria's decision on England's political stance towards the Zulu Nation, this mini-series details King Shaka's rise and fall with mythic detail. Prophecy is mixed with recorded fact regarding Shaka's birth, exile, innovations in warfare, assumption of the throne, building of the Zulu Empire, first contact with Europe and the events that lead to his downfall. Written by Renee Ann Byrd <byrdie@wyrdbyrd.org>
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The Most Savage Warrior of All Time!Certificate:
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Details
Release Date:
24 November 1986 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Shaka Zulú See more »Filming Locations:
South AfricaEdit
Box Office
Budget:
$24,000,000 (estimated)Company Credits
Production Co:
Harmony Gold,South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC),Tele München Fernseh Produktionsgesellschaft (TMG) See more »
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
| (original)Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1
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["Swallows" is the Zulus' term for the British... since they, like their bird-namesakes, first came to Africa from across the sea]
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Based on Joshua Sinclairs novel "Shaka Zulu", which was based on Zulu oral tradition. See more »Quotes
Shaka: [last words, as he is slain by his own bodyguards] ... THE SWALLOWS HAVE WON!["Swallows" is the Zulus' term for the British... since they, like their bird-namesakes, first came to Africa from across the sea]
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Alternate Versions
Also released on video in an edited, 'feature length' version. See more »Frequently Asked Questions
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"Shaka Zulu" the ten part mini-series is an interesting mix of good film-making and bad film-making. Certain scenes are beautifully done and perfectly paced while others seem to be the work of a bored and untalented film student.
The late William C. Faure's talent as a director really starts to shine when the story is told from the Zulu point of view. For instance, the love scene between Nandi and Senzagakona at the river is beautifully played and executed. The scenes with the young Shaka are generally over played and poorly directed. All the scenes with the British are of a poor standard especially the pontificating and condescending opening scene with the Zulu King and Queen Victoria. The best British scenes are the ones involving Christopher Lee.
The acting is generally of a very high standard. Edward Fox is as good as always. He plays his part with dash and honesty rarely seen nowadays. Robert Powell is his usual studied and self-conscious self. The beautiful Dudu Kkhize portrays Nandi and for the most part she is very good.
The most remarkable performance has to be that of Henry Cele as Shaka. It is hard, if not impossible, to imagine anyone else in the part of Shaka. He is simply perfect in every aspect and is a surprisingly good actor. It is possible to empathize with Shaka, even understand him and this is because of the towering performance given by Henry Cele. He lets you inside the mind of this despot and translates his pain, confusion and arrogance. This has to be one of the best pieces of casting in cinema history. Conrad Magwaza gives a great performance as Shaka's father, Senzagakona. He plays the part with confidence, comedy and charm.
The production design and costumes for the Zulu sequences are first class. Also a remarkable amount of historically accurate material finds itself within the script and this has to be commended. The death of Shaka is open to interpretation but it is generally believed that a relative poisoned him.
The contrasting styles of film-making that abound in this production are a shame. An inept scene usually follows an excellent one and visa versa. I am sure this was partly due to the tight scheduling and production constraints.
The musical score is dated and histrionic. A low quality keyboard orchestra pervades scenes that need no accompaniment and destroys certain well-crafted moments. The songs are pretty cheesy as well. With the wealth of extraordinary Zulu music that exists, it is a shame that the score could not have utilized its rhythms and instruments to a more satisfying degree.
Having so little African history on film, this mini series has to be classed as a classic. The whole experience is rewarding, exciting and surprisingly refreshing.