Zulu

The one serious flaw in the film is that at least half of the dialog is in Xhosa, Afrikaans, or Tswana ( or who-knows-what, South Africa having a dozen or so common languages) with no translations in the subtitles. Some of the dialog switches from English to Afrikaans in the same sentence by the same speaker. It could be said that English is the main language used, but that's just an estimate.

The two actors familiar to American viewers are Forrest Whittaker and Orlando Bloom and they also mix English and Afrikaans in the same sentences with no help in the subtitles. Entire scenes with the criminal gang members and/or the security goons speaking among themselves, conversations and not just a few words, are just unintelligible and I have no idea what is transpiring. The subtitles read "speaking foreign language". That isn't much help for viewers who don't know the language(s) being spoken.

The story suffers from this lack of translation, but the main points of the plot can be guessed, at least some of the time. Actually, it's a foreign language film (to a wide range of people no matter their main language) with no subtitles.

It's a good film, the language problem aside. The conspiracy at the heart of the story remains obscure to me. I blame that on my own lack of ability with languages and my limited imagination.

A well crafted and powerful drama that never compromises. There really isn't much more that needs to be said. This is the type of movie Hollywood rarely makes. A movie with well developed characters, telling a gripping story, that leads to a meaningful ending.

This is the type of product that comes from integrity, professionalism, and hard work. There's nothing particularly flashy or preachy. A strong compelling story that moves well and is believable. One that has characters you are invested in. Three homicide officers are tasked with investigating a drug murder. The officers are shown in detail as the investigation quickly evolves and then consumes them.

At it's strongest the movie does an amazing job of presenting a believable South Africa. One that is moral, realistic, and hopeful.

This is a very good movie. There, I said it. Let me say it again: this is a very good movie.

If I can identify one weak point, then I will point to the script that at times introduces some plot elements that rapidly fill in the blanks to advance the story. However, the script more than makes up for that minor problem by revealing complexity to the Whitaker and Bloom characters in a subtle way that makes us truly care about the two cops they portray.

Whitaker is very good, establishing a character then staying true to what he presents initially. If you like watching the mature Forest Whitaker do his thing then you will enjoy this movie.

However, to me this is Orlando Bloom's movie to carry, and he scores big time. If you are one of those that enjoys Orlando then this is a movie for you. All of that time he has spent adding to his bank account with fluffy roles has also brought him to this point where he can truly pull off a major role with skill.

Zulu is set in modern day South Africa and the portrait of that nation isn't pretty at all. Further, it is pretty easy to see that the social problems the film deals with are not only current but real and accurate. Zulu isn't just a who-done-it, but a powerful indictment of the causes of the subject crime embedded deep in 20th century history.

Like all good cop movies there is some redemption at the end so fear not in the middle, if you find yourself a little depressed. Stick it out and you will feel a little redemption yourself, maybe a little hope.

I see that the budget was $20 million and I think the producers got a great deal of worth for their investment. Problematic I guess is distribution of a cop film set in South Africa with some pretty harsh elements, at least to American audiences. Fortunately, for a few bucks in the near future you can watch it online.

Go see it if it at all sounds like your cup of tea, I promise you that you will enjoy it.

The name of this movie sounded like 100 other movies and the cover looked quite ordinary, the movie was another story altogether amazing. I have seen quite a few movies with Orlando Bloom and Forest Whitaker, but this movie in particular their talent in the lens and superior acting skills really blossomed.

Zulu was very well directed somehow the director kept the story full of action yet dramatic in a real down to earth way. Like this was a true story. Forest Whitaker and Orlando Bloom made quite an impression on me being they have been in a lot of big hits I thought they might remind me of other characters from another movie. "Not So Here"

I have not seen a good movie in a while so this was very refreshing a real gem of a movie. I recommend Zulu very highly, enjoy!

The story is set in Post-Mandela South Africa, with blacks and whites working side by side as both criminals and cops. The central mystery is the solution of a mysterious drug that hits the shack lined streets of the poor black neighborhoods who have seen little change in their poverty with the onset of the "rainbow nation", plus the mysterious disappearance of young black pre-teen boys. There is only violence as a solution; between criminals, between conflicting police officers and a vicious and extremely equal battle between good and evil.

Orlando Bloom does "edgie" as well as Colin Farrell, and that's saying a lot. He's a callous ladies man who contrasts nicely with Forest Whitakers mysterious sexuality. Bloom's character is a lost soul seeking redemption. Forest Whitaker is almost saintly in his forgiveness of the terrible wrongs done to him in childhood (shown in horrifying flashback). Both characters change, grow, suffer and adapt. There are excellent female roles; Forest Whitakers black mom, Orlando Blooms ex-wife who can't completely give up on him, an ambitious black geek detective who earns her place in a man's world by ingenious computer detective work, and a taunting stripper who captures Forest Whitakers attention. There are even excellent female supporting roles; a casual witness who uses Orlando Bloom for sex and not the other way around, and one of the nastiest female villains to ever point an assault rifle. Even secondary villains and police are memorable This is not a formula movie, where you know everything that will happen in the first 10 minutes. It's an intelligent action movie that keeps you guessing until the very end. You can watch Zulu several times, and continually catch more and more minute plot twists, amazing scenes depicting the beauty and squalor of South Africa and the importance of walk on characters that contribute to the depth of the movie. It just keeps getting better and better.