Shaka Zulu [DVD]

Bought for someone interested in the Zulu nation. Good buy, happy with purchase

I first saw Shaka Zulu on Australian TV around 1986 and, as an African living abroad, it made me homesick.Now I am home, and have rewatched the telemovie several times and my advice is: buy it, watch it, enjoy!The script, structure and acting are first rate, but historic detail is where the late director, William Faure, scores best.Shaka (1790 - 1828) was a tyrant who slaughtered neighbouring tribes into submission, so creating the Zulu nation. He was probably the biggest slave owner in African history and, when angry would impale his real and imagined enemies in the style of King Vlad from Rumania (on whom the Dracula legend was based).But Shaka was also a military genius in the league of Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great. And, like those men, once he had subdued an enemy clan or tribe, those who surrendered were incorporated into the Zulu nation, with full rights as citizens. Today, while no racial group has a majority in South Africa, the Zulu at 15 per cent (or six million people) are the largest single community and this dominance stems from Shaka.The series is long, and some of the dance scenes can drag, but the story is as gripping as the best period dramas from Europe or the USA.Henry Cele (also now dead) who plays Shaka, does a good job in showing the madness that overcame the king, until in 1828 he was murdered by his half brother, Dingaan, who took the throne.The Zulu monarchy continues today, inside the Republic of South Africa, and Zulus are rightly proud of their history and traditions. But Shaka remains the most famous character in the country's history and it is not hard to see why.I recommend this DVD set and it deserves a full five stars!Geoff HillAuthor and JournalistJohannesburg

Great DVD , 50 years in History been for Zulu dawn and Zulu wars , watch Zulu dawn and Zulu

I first saw this series when it was first transmitted on the SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation). I loved it then and love it now.It is the sory of Shaka, the greatest Zulu ever.It starts with his birth and early years, and follows him through his life as he expanded the Zulu empire. At the same time the story has been put into perspective by including the view as seen from the British standpoint.The scenery is outstanding and Henry Cele is an fantastic actor. But perhaps the best part - and the part I remember most - is the theme music. I dare anyone not to like it.Just one word of warning for those people who may be upset. The series portrays the Zulu as they were. The women were mostly topless, So if this offends then rather steer clear of this series. However, I have driven through Zululand and the ladies still walk along topless. It is the natural way for them, and eventually the traveller does not even notice it.A great series - highly recommended.

Been after this for a whileLots of knock off versions about so really happy to find it on Amazon

Very interesting

I originally hired this video on VHS soon after its release in 1986. When browsing recently for a DVD on "amazon.co.uk" I stumbled across it, and remembering how much I had enjoyed the original viewing, I bought it.Seeing it again was just as enjoyable as the first time, with parts I had long forgotten standing out as important features of the story. From what I have read, this video is close to portraying the actual events in the history of the Zulu nation, despite being a feature rather than a documentary. The interviews with the leading actors were a bonus and well worth watching. This DVD is well worth having in a personal collection as, like few others, it is seems ageless and can be viewed many times as an absorbing true story.

A true must see mini series! I remember seeing this when it first come out and seeing it now is truly a blast from the past. Henry Cele is excellent as Shaka and I was most dissapointed when I recieved the box set to see that all the pictures on the back are only of the white actors. Even Christopher Lee, who truly has a minor role, gets his picture on the back but Henry Cele, who only plays the leading character in the series, only gets his name on the back and it's about 5 in line!! Credit needs to be given where crdit is due! Disgracefull indeed but don't let this example of film industry racism put you off from seeing a truly remarkable story.