LINE OF FIRE SERIES: RORKE’S DRIFT
THE WAR AGAINST THE ZULUS

These two documentaries are typical of the kind of material Steve stocks. They are exceptionally interesting to anyone with a zeal for one of the last of the British Colonial wars. Since my favourite film of all time is ZULU, I’m always eager to boost my knowledge of this period of history, particularly focusing on the two premiere battles of this conflict, ISANDLWANA and RORKE’S DRIFT.

Cromwell Films in England is a company that produces thoughtful, intelligent, military history documentaries (and sometimes recreations). Steve has a lot of their stuff. They are high quality tapes with a wealth of information. Both these documentaries give detailed historical accounts in a variety of guises, using computer animation, film clips (from ZULU DAWN) and historical re-enactments of battles and ‘interviews’ with some of the participants (played by actors). The combination works extremely well and sustains the viewers’ interest throughout.

While they will be of particular interest to those of you with an existing fascination for the Zulu War of 1879, these documentaries will attract new fans as well. They are different enough that you will want to have both of them in your collection, though they do cover much of the same ground.

Another fine exploration of this subject matter is found in another BELLE & BLADE exclusive, BLACK AS HELL, THICK AS GRASS, hosted by the colourful Welsh actor Kenneth Griffith. His unique take on the entire Zulu War has a decided pro-Zulu flavour to it, in light of the contemporary realization that Colonialism was often motivated by racism and greed. Griffith offers yet another means of presenting the exciting historical material by portraying numerous characters, interspersed with his flamboyant narration. He even plays a young soldier on sentry duty who hollers down to his commanding officer upon spotting the advancing Zulu army, ‘Here they come, sir. Black as Hell and thick as grass!’

This take on the Zulu conflict is quite possibly the best documentary I have ever seen.

Jon Ted Wynne