Customer Reviews

Shaka Zulu [VHS]

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Having watched and thoroughly enjoyed the entire miniseries on TV in the 1980s, I bought this set and expected it to be the same. I was very disappointed with the editing done to reduce the length from 8 hours down to 5 hours. The result is choppy, with dialogue frequently referring to scenes and sequences that were cut. In addition, there are editorial gaffes in some of the recaps of previous episodes where the cut scenes are recapped. These instances left me wondering what I had missed -- and then I realized that the scenes had been cut out. While this cut is still riveting, if you're willing to sit still for 5 hours of this version of Shaka Zulu, I'd recommend spending the additional 3 hours watching the complete version -- and at about the same price. It's well worth it!

Shaka Zulu, the story of one of the world's most brillant military minds, who revolutionized warfare on the face of Africa forever. This has to be one of my favorite epic films, i regret that i have watched it so many times that i know all the words, i wish i had never seen it before so that i could watch it again and get the feeling that i had when i first saw it 15 years ago. It dosen't star Elizabeth Taylor, it's not about the great British empire conquering the "savage" people, or about the "all mighty" U.S. calvary hunting down Geronimo and Mexican bandits out on the lone prarie. So you most likely won't see it on AMC or TCM anytime soon. They showed this on the History channel a few weeks ago and i was astounded, they finally showed something about black people besides Roots. Something where the black people weren't slaves or servants to White Americans, but were the heads of a large quarter-million empire that dominated any other on the continent. I found out recently that the white sport hunters nearly wiped out the Black Rhino population in the 1800's, only about 14 survived. Those 14 only survived because they were on Shaka Zulu's land and they were forbidden to be hunted there. All present day Black Rhino's come from those 14, so if not for anything else than for that alone, this story needed to be told in honor of Shaka Zulu. I am glad the movie is as long as it is [nearly 4 hours], the director didn't cut any corners to fit it in the standard 2 hours. Watch Shaka grow from boy to King, follow him on and incredible journey from outcast to ruler. I highly recommend it.

This is an outstanding series. This tells of the rise and power of the Warrior King Shaka Zulu. Shaka Zulu ruled with an iron fist over the Zulu Nation (current day South Africa) for over 30 years. Henry Cele portrays the powerful leader in a convincing way. This series never has a dull moment and is riveting to watch. Shaka Zulu was embittered towards his father who was a Zulu King due to his harsh treatment of his mother, sister, and grandmother and it is Shaka's quest to bring him to justice and to take over as King.

Eventually, Shaka Zulu completes his goals and crowns himself King of the mighty Zulu Nation. The Zulu's were fierce warriors, just ask the British and the Boers. A European missionary who was in the Zulu territory said that the landscape was littered with bones and skulls due to Shaka Zulu's fierceness of battle and conquest.

The story does end with the downfall and death of Shaka Zulu, as all mighty leaders must fall and die over due course, but Shaka Zulu definitely had a full life. He was cunning, a brilliant battle strategist and a great warrior, he is one of the few true conquerors of history, and is yet overlooked due to Western Civilizations ignorance of African history. Hopefully, one day this will be solved. There was controversy at the time of the making of this film in 1983 due to it being filmed and produced in Apartheid South Africa, but the film and the director due the Zulu's justice. It does not take anything away from the story and the proud history of the Zulu tribe.

This film is highly recommended to those who enjoy a riveting film about battle, treachery, revenge and triumph. The historical accuracy is also quite good with just a few minor details that were not true, but overall it is a good historical portrait of the mighty Shaka Zulu.

It was a great idea to make a DVD out of this extraordinary series of Shaka Zulu. The DVD version is much better than the VHS version because it's the original full-length track from the original series. There is no cut or anything. However, there is no special features (subtitles, languages...) even though the cover says there are. Don't get tricked. There is absoluteley NO SPECIAL FEATURES. It's a pity because if included, those special features would have made this DVD a perfect one. Tha's why I gave 4 stars instead of 5.

The video is great; the one unfortunate aspect being that it is edited from the original TV series to a degree in which some of the characters do not fulfill their personalities and impact upon the life of Shaka. Aspects of Shaka's childhood have been left out that appeared in the TV series and which greatly help to clarify some of his later actions and personality traits. Yet another thing I found disappointing is that it is told from the point of a white man, a needless aspect.

In spite of this though it is a great story of a little known part of African history documenting the difficult childhood of Shaka, his rise to prominence and forging of the Zulu Empire from a kingdom of a few thousand to one of hundreds of thousands.
Some great characterizations, a particular favourite being Shaka's maiden aunt Mkabayi. If anyone is interested they may also want to purchase E.A. Ritter's book 'Shaka Zulu' which explores many of the myths surrounding Shaka. A great video though and well worth the money.

I didn't know about this movie until I saw it at my friends house. It had my favorite actor, Robert Powell in it, so I decided to give it a try. This movie is very long, I can say that, but the acting and the cinemetography is wonderful. The soundtrack could use a little work, though. The story basically focuses on the life of the Zulu chief Shaka Zulu from his illegitemate birth to a commoner to his rise in power as a chief to his death. After shaka zulu was born, he was forced to leave his village because he was born between a prince and a commoner. Out in the wildnerness, he learns to live under the harsh conditions. Later he becomes a warrior, and reclaims his rightful place as zulu king. The movie is very dramatic piece of work, and is worthwhile to watch.

We want to know why wasn't Henry Cele, the real star of Shaka Zulu listed as the star of this series! His portrayal of Shaka deserves an Emmy Award! His command of Zulu/English as well as incredible dramatic acting skills deserves credit. Henry Cele made the movie! Publishers and media should put have his name on the front cover!

Seeing this film when it was on t.v as a mini seris I was drawn by the legend,and how his great nation was not the unorginized bunch of savages britian thought it was. Sadly After purchasing this tape I was surprised to see VIDMARK cram 300 mintue into one tape recorded at ep speed. The quility of the picture was almost fair, but the sound would contiuly go in and out. Then to add more insult to this great film very essential parts were edited out that would explain Shakas determination of revenge. Its a shame that this is what this great documentry film has been reduced to throughout time.

In Cy Endfield's 'Zulu' and the sequel 'Zulu Dawn', as well as an awful faux-patrician accent by the young Michael Caine (stick to cockney roles please Michael!) we encountered the Zulu nation merely as a monolithic black asegi-waving horde that was obliging enough to offer itself up as canon fodder to the measured firepower of British redcoats. However, we learned nothing about the Zulus as individuals or as a people suffice that they were brave and had a certain respect for the bravery shown by their foes. In Shaka Zulu, we encounter these magnificent people 'National Geographic' style with the capable telling of the origins and eventual pre-eminence of Shaka Zulu, the father of the Zulu nation.

Make no mistake, though. Shaka's not the kind of guy you'd invite home to meet the parents. He ranks alongside Darius, Atilla, Stalin and Hitler as one of the great despotic rulers of all time. The story is told in two threads: the first strand involves a group of English emmissaries sent to parlay (and stall) Shaka as his expansionism began to threaten the Cape Colony.

The second (and more interesting thread by far) tells the story of Shaka's mother, Nandi, and how she overcame unbelievable adversity in siring Shaka against great social prejudice and how her sick little boy grew up to become one of the most feared men in Africa. Simply marvellous stuff with brilliant vintage performances by Henri Cele as Shaka, as well as Edward Fox and Robert Powell.

As Jack Hawkins' reverend Witt character said in 'Zulu', "the Zulu are a great people!" You better believe it.

This is a great movie. It has all of the wonderful things that a movie should have: character developement, great acting, landscapes, and costumes. Watch this film to find out what really happend to Africa and why it is in the status it's in now. It is very long though ('5' 100min tapes). Well worth the time to watch this great piece of history on film. Ranks up to "PATTON"!