I went to see Zulu the other night in Paris having never heard of it, but intrigued enough by the cast and the brief synopsis I read at the cinema. It was just after the death of Mandela so I liked the idea of seeing something set in South Africa. First of all- the film had me for the whole time, the premise was intriguing and both Whitaker and Bloom provide excellent tension throughout. It was well paced and fairly unpredictable. The plot here is relatively thin- they start in true film noir fashion with the murder of a girl and follows with the tried and true tradition of jaded detective partners working the case. There is not much more to it than that. However, the film is more interested in the political and social world of Cape Town, and does this pretty well whilst maintaining the gripping action. The characters also are well developed, in particular Bloom as the booze soaked apathetic detective who keeps falling deeper and deeper into the seedy underbelly he's investigating (much like a Raymond Chandler character). I have the hon our of being the first to write a review of this, I also noted that there is nothing yet on rotten tomatoes. So as the first cab out of the rank, this is a well played and watchable flick, it is flawed but with the best of intentions... A good way to spend your night!
65 Reviews
Zulu 2013 is well worth your time to enjoy
bob-larrance21 April 2014
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.
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.
Outside the Hollywood comfort zone
Movie_Reviews29 May 2014
Wow! Hollywood is expanding and seeking out new environments. This time Orlando Bloom and Forest Whittaker are sent to South Africa - into a dark the sinister Apartheid leftovers.
Great acting by both of them. Great photo and great plot. Violent, although probably not violent enough to do the setting justice, and grim. Tough lives and tough country. No country for weak men.
Please make more of this kind. Please allow the actors from the Lord of The Ring, and such, to really show what they are capable of - instead of hiding behind special effects.
See it!
.
Great acting by both of them. Great photo and great plot. Violent, although probably not violent enough to do the setting justice, and grim. Tough lives and tough country. No country for weak men.
Please make more of this kind. Please allow the actors from the Lord of The Ring, and such, to really show what they are capable of - instead of hiding behind special effects.
See it!
.
"Brutal Cape Town Policing"
kevinkishin17 July 2020
I lucked up on this piece of good cinema a year ago & I finally bought the DVD Region 2 of course, this film pacing is good the characters are spot on & the subject matter is great, post apartheid South Africa is the Wild West. Forest Whitaker & Orlando Bloom give spot on performances, this is a good Non-Hollywood production worth it's weight in gold.
The dialog is good, at least the English language dialog
silverton-3795924 November 2022
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 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.
Rather faithful to the book
searchanddestroy-120 January 2023
The novelist Caryl Ferey, from whom the film has adapted one of his book, is French and specialized in brutal, dark, gloomy serial killer stories taking place in New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina.... Anywhere but France or Europe where cultural, social and political matters lead to collapse of the society. This writer is a great traveler, very accurate in his description, very poignant in his character depiction, and so far only ZULU has been put on screen. And the movie is rather faithful to the book: action, sequences and atmosphere, overall genuine soul of this amazing story. It is a mystical topic, not only a crime, investigation scheme,,and also a study of South Africa social, ethnological situation. It is question of a deep analysis of the political collapse of this country in the decades after the fall of Apartheid. A semi documentary thru the prism of a bloody and dark serial killer tale, which is a pretext to make a deep and desperate description of this country.
Good story line with great supporting cast
tonyflintjackson21 January 2015
This was a very good film indeed. The story was OK, set just after the passing of Mandela, the environment was very interesting. The main stars were the cast, nearly everyone surpassed expectations. Forest Whitaker takes the show as well as Orlando Bloom.
Tell you the truth I was surprised by Orlando Bloom,I have seen him in various films and TV shows but this role was completely opposite of what he usually does, I wasn't 100% sure it was him until the credits rolled, well impressed indeed.
I would recommend this film.
It a great mix of action, emotions and hard truths.
Tell you the truth I was surprised by Orlando Bloom,I have seen him in various films and TV shows but this role was completely opposite of what he usually does, I wasn't 100% sure it was him until the credits rolled, well impressed indeed.
I would recommend this film.
It a great mix of action, emotions and hard truths.
Hard Boiled Cop Drama with South African Twist
clarkmick3312 January 2015
Orlando Bloom and Forest Whitaker are both actors that seem to have starred in movies that did not let their real character shine but Zulu brings out a lively and believable performance from both actors as well as the cast.
This movie stays true to the harsh reality of life in Africa were legacy of violence and inequality is felt today. You had better get use to the fact that this is Africa!!! and human life is as worth much as the next gold coin you can bite.
Although Orlando's cop character felt a bit cliché with the liquor and sleeping around. Ultimately it did not distract from the story. The story has a great pace which builds up showing how when you pull the thread of crime you can unravel a whole lot more than you bargained for. I like how they used a multi-ethnic cast to display the reality of society in South Africa.
Harsh, brutal and realistic display of fighting crime in South Africa definitely one to watch if you get tired of all those New York cop dramas.
This movie stays true to the harsh reality of life in Africa were legacy of violence and inequality is felt today. You had better get use to the fact that this is Africa!!! and human life is as worth much as the next gold coin you can bite.
Although Orlando's cop character felt a bit cliché with the liquor and sleeping around. Ultimately it did not distract from the story. The story has a great pace which builds up showing how when you pull the thread of crime you can unravel a whole lot more than you bargained for. I like how they used a multi-ethnic cast to display the reality of society in South Africa.
Harsh, brutal and realistic display of fighting crime in South Africa definitely one to watch if you get tired of all those New York cop dramas.
Deserves your time...
Thanos_Alfie27 April 2020
"Zulu" is a Crime - Drama movie in which we watch two policemen investigating a brutal murder and they soon starting to reveal the truth behind it and every secret that lays with it. Drugs, gangs and more disappearances of people will be reveled and they have to search a lot in order to find the truth.
I liked this movie very much because it had a very interesting plot with much of suspense and many plot twists that made it even more interesting. Regarding the interpretations of the cast, I have to say that Orlando Bloom who played as Brian Epkeen was the surprise for me because I did not expect him to be so good. Forest Whitaker who played as Ali Sokhela was for one more time simply amazing and his interpretation left me speechless. The direction which was made by Jérôme Salle was very good and I enjoyed the way he presented not only the crimes that happened in this movie but also the political scene behind them and the truth about South Africa and especially Cape Town. He showed South Africa from a different perspective and that is something that he deserves credit for.
I liked this movie very much because it had a very interesting plot with much of suspense and many plot twists that made it even more interesting. Regarding the interpretations of the cast, I have to say that Orlando Bloom who played as Brian Epkeen was the surprise for me because I did not expect him to be so good. Forest Whitaker who played as Ali Sokhela was for one more time simply amazing and his interpretation left me speechless. The direction which was made by Jérôme Salle was very good and I enjoyed the way he presented not only the crimes that happened in this movie but also the political scene behind them and the truth about South Africa and especially Cape Town. He showed South Africa from a different perspective and that is something that he deserves credit for.
Worth the watch I was glued to the screen
soldiertoddopos2453616 April 2014
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!
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 furious pace of the movie makes it a thrilling experience from start to finish.
peterp-450-2987167 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
"Death on the Nile" but in the present time and a little further to the south on the African continent namely Cape Town, the jewel of South Africa. A typical detective story in which two very different detectives are searching for the murderer of the daughter of a famous rugby player. Despite the many cliché's and typical characteristics of the two detectives, it has become a surprising film. Brooding, menacing, hard and intense. A dark and grim study in which the spirit of the old apartheid regime is still present.
"Zulu" closed the 66th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. It is an adaptation of the novel by Caryl Férey and made by the French director Jerome Salle. The opening scene immediately gives an indication of what you can expect. It's a black and white fragment. A flashback to 1978 at the time of the apartheid in which a small young kid witnesses how his father is burned alive. This little boy is Ali Sokhela (Forest Whitaker), one of the two detectives and head of "Cape Town's Serious Violent Crime Unit" who is in charge of the murder investigation. Later in the movie you get to see the sequel of this flashback. A grim and gruesome sequel which clarifies why Ali deals with his amorous bonding with a particular woman in a very special way.
The second detective Brian Epkeen is played by Orlando Bloom. A surprising rendition by Orlando who normally got well mannered and clean-shaves roles in previous movies. However Epkeen has a rugged image. He looks rather crumpled with a not so fresh and unshaven appearance. A womanizer who's always late for work and an emotional wreck with a failed marriage and a son he doesn't seem to care for. His son hates him like the plague. As a result he has a alcohol problem and he takes every opportunity to seduce a woman who crosses his path. A petulant and pedantic nuisance who does everything in his own way. And yet Ali believes in him and thinks he's a decent detective.
Ultimately "Zulu" is no more than a brutal police film with drugs, gangsters, corruption and again a pharmaceutical company involved. It's something less casual then "Starsky and Hutch", but the unfolding of the story follows a well known pattern. Whether or not there have been experiments to decimate the black population , I don't know, but it sounded pretty far-fetched in my ears. If it's authentic, then the regime was sicker than we can imagine.
The two protagonists were realistic portrayed. Forest Whitaker used again his "Droopy" expression and looked frighteningly thin. The traumatic past that he carries is constantly present and shown. However, Orlando Bloom made the biggest impression on me. A grim role he hasn't played before, but he still manages to shine quite successfully. I found the South African dialogs interesting. This emphasized the authenticity of this film.
South Africa is dark and gloomy in this film, full of poverty and hopelessness, full of hatred and resentment, so many things which can never be forgiven. Despite the sometimes beautiful images of the coast and the wealthier neighborhoods, the overall picture remains a depressing one. The explicit action ensures that it exceeds the average detective movie. And at times it's intensely exciting. The furious pace of the movie makes it a thrilling experience from start to finish.
More reviews at http://opinion-as-a-moviefreak.blogspot.be/
"Zulu" closed the 66th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. It is an adaptation of the novel by Caryl Férey and made by the French director Jerome Salle. The opening scene immediately gives an indication of what you can expect. It's a black and white fragment. A flashback to 1978 at the time of the apartheid in which a small young kid witnesses how his father is burned alive. This little boy is Ali Sokhela (Forest Whitaker), one of the two detectives and head of "Cape Town's Serious Violent Crime Unit" who is in charge of the murder investigation. Later in the movie you get to see the sequel of this flashback. A grim and gruesome sequel which clarifies why Ali deals with his amorous bonding with a particular woman in a very special way.
The second detective Brian Epkeen is played by Orlando Bloom. A surprising rendition by Orlando who normally got well mannered and clean-shaves roles in previous movies. However Epkeen has a rugged image. He looks rather crumpled with a not so fresh and unshaven appearance. A womanizer who's always late for work and an emotional wreck with a failed marriage and a son he doesn't seem to care for. His son hates him like the plague. As a result he has a alcohol problem and he takes every opportunity to seduce a woman who crosses his path. A petulant and pedantic nuisance who does everything in his own way. And yet Ali believes in him and thinks he's a decent detective.
Ultimately "Zulu" is no more than a brutal police film with drugs, gangsters, corruption and again a pharmaceutical company involved. It's something less casual then "Starsky and Hutch", but the unfolding of the story follows a well known pattern. Whether or not there have been experiments to decimate the black population , I don't know, but it sounded pretty far-fetched in my ears. If it's authentic, then the regime was sicker than we can imagine.
The two protagonists were realistic portrayed. Forest Whitaker used again his "Droopy" expression and looked frighteningly thin. The traumatic past that he carries is constantly present and shown. However, Orlando Bloom made the biggest impression on me. A grim role he hasn't played before, but he still manages to shine quite successfully. I found the South African dialogs interesting. This emphasized the authenticity of this film.
South Africa is dark and gloomy in this film, full of poverty and hopelessness, full of hatred and resentment, so many things which can never be forgiven. Despite the sometimes beautiful images of the coast and the wealthier neighborhoods, the overall picture remains a depressing one. The explicit action ensures that it exceeds the average detective movie. And at times it's intensely exciting. The furious pace of the movie makes it a thrilling experience from start to finish.
More reviews at http://opinion-as-a-moviefreak.blogspot.be/
one of the best drama of 2013
bektaskonca13 April 2014
i don't know what film the idiots who review this movie here watched, i can say in all honesty this is one of the best Drama of 2013 and very good production money well spend. i will give 10 stars if not for over acting in some scenes but this is due to script flaws i think. director is not known to me but he can be proud of the job he has done, style of camera use in action scenes reminded me POINT BREAK but way better, gun fights felt of those in western movies and was very tense. character development was the best thing about this movie you felt for every one most of all Orlando Bloom he has done a great job portraying a failed tortured soul as same as Mel Gibson did in first Lethal Weapon. i am guessing most people did not understand Forest Whitaker, his suffering and the way he acted at the and of the movie i did, this is why i loved the ending character Forest Whitaker played suffered in silence for 40 years then at the end he realised everything he suffered was due to certain evil man and he decided there was only one way to stopped them then he took action to do so with no remorse. i will recommend this movie to any one over 18 due to very disturbing scenes.
So full of clichées
orionschwert18 January 2014
The good aspect of this film, Bloom found a way out of his "Legolas and the 7 Smurfs" image. Quiet good acting from him and his partner Whitaker in this policier. Under the line I even would say that movie was somewhat entertaining and therefore not lost time or money. On the other hand it is so full of clichées, that you here and there need to smile. That smile will fade then quickly when the next one got shot, tortured or something cut off his body. I would say a 6.5 at best but as this is not an option I give it a 6. To good to be bad and to bad to be good. And to fill the 10 lines of text, I can add that it was interesting to see some surroundings of South Africa but not enough to go therefore in Cinema. DVD will do it, unless you are a huge Orlando Bloom Fan.
I love South Africa and I wanted to love this film.
planktonrules16 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This film is set in my very favorite city in the world, Cape Town, South Africa—and I just got back from a trip there about a month and a half ago. I've been there a couple times and it is truly beautiful. Table Mountain and the sea shores are just amazing. Additionally, when folks in the film suddenly started talking in other languages, this seemed pretty understandable to me, as the country has 11 different official languages and English and Afrikaans (an Africanized version of Dutch) are NOT spoken by all. And, when you see huge fences around homes, again, I was not at all surprised by this. In fact, I loved seeing and hearing all this. And so, it can be rightly assumed that I really wanted to love this film, as I really love the country. Unfortunately, my love for South Africa and its people did NOT extend to this film. It seemed crude and muddled and is a film I wouldn't recommend to friends.
The first portion of the movie worked fine for me. Aside from a seemingly irrelevant intro where you see one of the leads as a child as he watches his father being burned to death as well as LOTS of gratuitous nudity, the film kept my attention. Forrest Whitaker and Orlando Bloom (neither one of which is African, sadly) play detectives who are investigating a vicious killing. A woman is discovered near the Botanical Gardens and she's been horribly beaten to death. However, this goes from being just a vicious killing to something much deeper—and a strange conspiracy that really didn't work for me. I'd say more, but I don't want to spoil the plot.
So why didn't I like the film? Well, the last portion seemed to be constructed with far less care than the first half of the film. While I didn't buy the conspiracy angle, the mystery and how it was all unraveled led to many scenes that just didn't make logical sense. First, if this was such a HUGE conspiracy and involved millions of Rand worth of profits, how was it THAT easy for Orlando Bloom's character to just sneak into the place and steal incriminating information of the computer?! After all, folks had been trying to kill him and his partner and the corrupt superiors at work were pressuring him to drop the case. Additionally, once he got this information, the baddies called him and demanded he return the evidence or they'll kill his ex-wife, you would assume no one would be stupid enough to simply go to rescue her with absolutely no back up—especially since they'd already killed a lot of folks. Yet, inexplicably, he walks right into this situation and only survives because it's such a contrived movie. That's because although the baddies had been very willing to massacre everyone that got in their way, like in a James Bond film, they didn't just put a bullet into the detective's head but gave him ample opportunity to escape! And, the very ending and what occurs to Forrest Whitaker's character .it just didn't make a lot of sense either. Nor, for that matter, the lack of footprints in this desert locale.
The bottom line is that unless you are absolutely crazy about seeing Orlando Bloom's butt, I can't think of a lot of reasons to see this film. While the depiction of the police as being corrupt and South Africa being a violent place isn't far from the truth, the film just makes too many logical leaps to be taken very seriously. And, I was a bit turned off by all the violence and nudity—they got in the way of the story. For me, a much more enjoyable film about South Africa is White Wedding—a charming little comedy that you cannot help but like.
If you do see this film, a couple things to note: the term 'coloured' in South Africa refers to bi-racial people, not blacks and a 'shabeen' is a locally owned and operated shop that serves drinks in the poor townships as opposed to the more upscale pubs in the suburbs.
The first portion of the movie worked fine for me. Aside from a seemingly irrelevant intro where you see one of the leads as a child as he watches his father being burned to death as well as LOTS of gratuitous nudity, the film kept my attention. Forrest Whitaker and Orlando Bloom (neither one of which is African, sadly) play detectives who are investigating a vicious killing. A woman is discovered near the Botanical Gardens and she's been horribly beaten to death. However, this goes from being just a vicious killing to something much deeper—and a strange conspiracy that really didn't work for me. I'd say more, but I don't want to spoil the plot.
So why didn't I like the film? Well, the last portion seemed to be constructed with far less care than the first half of the film. While I didn't buy the conspiracy angle, the mystery and how it was all unraveled led to many scenes that just didn't make logical sense. First, if this was such a HUGE conspiracy and involved millions of Rand worth of profits, how was it THAT easy for Orlando Bloom's character to just sneak into the place and steal incriminating information of the computer?! After all, folks had been trying to kill him and his partner and the corrupt superiors at work were pressuring him to drop the case. Additionally, once he got this information, the baddies called him and demanded he return the evidence or they'll kill his ex-wife, you would assume no one would be stupid enough to simply go to rescue her with absolutely no back up—especially since they'd already killed a lot of folks. Yet, inexplicably, he walks right into this situation and only survives because it's such a contrived movie. That's because although the baddies had been very willing to massacre everyone that got in their way, like in a James Bond film, they didn't just put a bullet into the detective's head but gave him ample opportunity to escape! And, the very ending and what occurs to Forrest Whitaker's character .it just didn't make a lot of sense either. Nor, for that matter, the lack of footprints in this desert locale.
The bottom line is that unless you are absolutely crazy about seeing Orlando Bloom's butt, I can't think of a lot of reasons to see this film. While the depiction of the police as being corrupt and South Africa being a violent place isn't far from the truth, the film just makes too many logical leaps to be taken very seriously. And, I was a bit turned off by all the violence and nudity—they got in the way of the story. For me, a much more enjoyable film about South Africa is White Wedding—a charming little comedy that you cannot help but like.
If you do see this film, a couple things to note: the term 'coloured' in South Africa refers to bi-racial people, not blacks and a 'shabeen' is a locally owned and operated shop that serves drinks in the poor townships as opposed to the more upscale pubs in the suburbs.
A socio-political suspense thriller that is set in South Africa.
Reno-Rangan1 August 2014
Warning: Spoilers
It is not a remake of the '64 movie because of having the same name, but a story based on a novel of the same name. It is about the secret ethical war waged by the militant party against the Nelson Mandela's national party that set in the present South Africa. The theme was kind of true, but not the story which is totally a fictional. The movie talks about the unclassified mission, which is planned to solve the issue by a gang. As a socio-political suspense movie, does it fulfill what we expect? The answer is yes only if you do not desire for much bigger level like 'Bourne' movies.
A young boy Sokhela who witnessed the murder of his father escapes from the scene. After the years later the country is forgotten what happened in the past, the racism is abolished. The 50 year-old Sokhela is now a police officer live with his mother. He is assigned to a recent homicide case. He and his men follow the clue which leads them to a drug dealer, which changes the plan and pace of the movie and appears to be a bigger conspiracy than they had expected. Along with the crucial battle between cops and gangster the movie also focuses to tell the story of the personal lives of the lead characters like marital problem and sexual struggle. Fixing the trouble in a relationship, sacrifice, revenge, all comes in the later parts.
''If you want to make peace with your enemies, work with your enemies. Then they become your partners.''
Good to see Orlando Bloom back in such a heavy role. If there is a sequel to it, then he's going to take the lead. I am praying for that because he has done a wonderful job in this movie. Could have anyone performed better than Forest Whitaker in a role he played? I don't think so, he was so incredible like always. A life giver for the characters he plays. Initially like all the detective stories the murder mystery was created enough curiosity about the upcoming events including the opening scene. Carried out well till the halfway, when it reveals so the gun fights takes the lead. The second half was a little stumble, but the pace was its advantage. I felt it was better than the recent Hollywood's cop movies like '3 Days to Kill', 'Shadow Recruit' etc. Overall a decent movie, which mostly favors because it was executed better.
A young boy Sokhela who witnessed the murder of his father escapes from the scene. After the years later the country is forgotten what happened in the past, the racism is abolished. The 50 year-old Sokhela is now a police officer live with his mother. He is assigned to a recent homicide case. He and his men follow the clue which leads them to a drug dealer, which changes the plan and pace of the movie and appears to be a bigger conspiracy than they had expected. Along with the crucial battle between cops and gangster the movie also focuses to tell the story of the personal lives of the lead characters like marital problem and sexual struggle. Fixing the trouble in a relationship, sacrifice, revenge, all comes in the later parts.
''If you want to make peace with your enemies, work with your enemies. Then they become your partners.''
Good to see Orlando Bloom back in such a heavy role. If there is a sequel to it, then he's going to take the lead. I am praying for that because he has done a wonderful job in this movie. Could have anyone performed better than Forest Whitaker in a role he played? I don't think so, he was so incredible like always. A life giver for the characters he plays. Initially like all the detective stories the murder mystery was created enough curiosity about the upcoming events including the opening scene. Carried out well till the halfway, when it reveals so the gun fights takes the lead. The second half was a little stumble, but the pace was its advantage. I felt it was better than the recent Hollywood's cop movies like '3 Days to Kill', 'Shadow Recruit' etc. Overall a decent movie, which mostly favors because it was executed better.
Disappointing police movie
Wizard-81 August 2015
I was interested enough to watch this movie for several factors, like the cast (Orlando Bloom and Forest Whitaker), the South African setting, and the fact that the filmmakers were not American - the last two factors promising that the film would feel a lot different than Hollywood product. But to be honest, I kind of felt let down by what I saw. The main problem with the movie is that there is a distinct lack of tension and urgency for the most part. Yes, there is some brutal violence here and there, but otherwise the movie felt kind of soft and slow, and I found it hard to get involved with the story. Also, while the South African backdrop does definitely provide some color and originality, at the same time the movie more often than not feels and looks like a television show. A respectfully budgeted TV show, but a TV show all the same. While I wouldn't immediately say no to watching something else by these same filmmakers, I would hope that they would have learned from their mistakes here.
Best South African film in years
Vindelander26 December 2020
Designer Drugs
Prismark1025 May 2014
An adaptation of a novel by a French writer, Zulu sees two detectives Ali Sokhela and Brian Epkeen investigate the murder and rape of a white. They soon find out that the killings are related to a new drug that causes behavioural changes and it seems that the use of the drug has gone out of control leading to gang warfare. A shady security firm is placing obstacles on the progress of the investigation.
This is a visceral and hard hitting film set in Cape Town. During the Apartheid era filming in South Africa was not allowed although that did not stop some stars from committing pro celebrity sanctions busting. Since the ending of apartheid very few films have been made actually set in South Africa.
This feels like Cape Town, the opening scenes at Kirstenbosch gardens on the foot of the Table mountain. A slimmed down Forest Whitaker plays Ali a person haunted by events in his past and working in a multiracial police force even though his bosses were the racists under the old regime.
Orlando Bloom plays Brian, someone who has relationship issues and money issues.
Bloom and Whitaker make a good pairing, the screenplay tries to imbue the complexities of the novel to the characters but it gets silly at the latter part of the film where the film resembles more like a wild west shootout and neither of our police officers have heard the concept of calling for back up as they go guns blazing on their own or in the finale with a pump action shotgun against a private army.
This is a visceral and hard hitting film set in Cape Town. During the Apartheid era filming in South Africa was not allowed although that did not stop some stars from committing pro celebrity sanctions busting. Since the ending of apartheid very few films have been made actually set in South Africa.
This feels like Cape Town, the opening scenes at Kirstenbosch gardens on the foot of the Table mountain. A slimmed down Forest Whitaker plays Ali a person haunted by events in his past and working in a multiracial police force even though his bosses were the racists under the old regime.
Orlando Bloom plays Brian, someone who has relationship issues and money issues.
Bloom and Whitaker make a good pairing, the screenplay tries to imbue the complexities of the novel to the characters but it gets silly at the latter part of the film where the film resembles more like a wild west shootout and neither of our police officers have heard the concept of calling for back up as they go guns blazing on their own or in the finale with a pump action shotgun against a private army.
unexpectedly good movie
blagomeni16 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I had no high expectations before seeing this movie. I have not been a huge fan of Orlando Bloom nor of Forest Whitaker, but after seeing this movie, I admit my appreciation of both has significantly improved. This is a movie set in Cape Town, South Africa. Most of the scenes take place in the surrounding slums and shanty towns depicting a rather depressing and gloomy picture of contemporary post apartheid South Africa. Interracial interactions and painful legacy of the oppressive apartheid rule constitute a prominent part in this movie. Orlando Bloom plays Brian Epkeen, a detective in the Cape Town Serious Crimes Division, a man deeply burdened by his family's involvement in the oppressive white rule, a failed marriage and problematic relationship with his teenage son. All this pushed him into a life of binge drinking and one night stands that significantly affect his work and appearance. His closest colleague Ali Sokhela, played by Forest Whitaker, is a self made man burdened by the legacy of the oppressive white rule which indirectly led to the violent death of his father and to an injury that he suffered from the hands of the white oppressors which made his intimate life troublesome at least. His traumatic childhood left deep scars on his body and mind. They served as an impetus launching him into a successful carrier of a detective, a member of the same police division as the Bloom's character. The two not only work together but are also close friends. Their friendship seems to be built on mutual respect and understanding. Following a murder case they struggle to solve, the men gradually get sucked into a deeper conspiracy of destructive designer drugs, distribution networks and white supremacist's plans that awaken their personal demons and open the freshly closed wounds of the recent past. The events spiral swiftly into a fast unraveling chain of events that spare no one and make the already sad existence of the main characters even more miserable. The movie displays some signs of a low budget productions but those misgivings do not tarnish the end product, nor do they diminish the impression of a very decent production solidly based on good acting and very skillful direction. It was an unexpected pleasure to watch Orlando Bloom play the character of Brian Epkeen. It was very interesting to see him perform in the land of his father. Kudos to Mr. Whitaker and his admirable efforts to bring his character to life, breezing through the use of several languages in harmonious interaction with refreshingly fine South African actors and actresses. Particularly noticeable were, in my opinion, the actress who played his mother and Joelle Kayembe, a young actress who played Zina. My initial expectation of this movie was rewarded with a very interesting and educative experience. It can proudly stand next to any decent Hollywood production. I would recommend it to those people who are into thrillers and crime movies. They will not be disappointed.
Decent, but rather cliché thriller
dfn-199212 April 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I had never heard about this particular film when it appeared on television. Zulu is set in modern post-apartheid-South Africa and evolves about two main characters played by Forrest Whitaker and Orlando Bloom.
I guess this title never made it to theaters, not in my native country Denmark, at least. But star names like Whitaker and Bloom, I think give this movie the necessary attention in order to be exposed to a large audience. The movie it self is rather cliché with Bloom playing an alcoholic- divorced-and miserable detective who has massive problems in his private life but is quite capable in his profession. However, the movie raises above the typical TV-crime thriller not only in terms of stars in the leading roles, but in it's overall cinematic feel. Some scenes turn surprisingly violent and have a change of pace, as well.
However, the movie is not only rather cliché, but quite predictable, as well. There is a scene in which Whitaker's character decides to singlehandedly kill a bunch of criminals and knocks Bloom's character out because he will not let him self be stopped by Bloom's character. I one is familiar with your typical action thriller one can very easily predict that Bloom's character is soon going to appear later on and safe the character of Whitaker from a close call.
But overall, Zulu is a decent movie. Not much new here, but the movie is quite entertaining and delivers what one might expect from a second- rate piece of cinema.
I guess this title never made it to theaters, not in my native country Denmark, at least. But star names like Whitaker and Bloom, I think give this movie the necessary attention in order to be exposed to a large audience. The movie it self is rather cliché with Bloom playing an alcoholic- divorced-and miserable detective who has massive problems in his private life but is quite capable in his profession. However, the movie raises above the typical TV-crime thriller not only in terms of stars in the leading roles, but in it's overall cinematic feel. Some scenes turn surprisingly violent and have a change of pace, as well.
However, the movie is not only rather cliché, but quite predictable, as well. There is a scene in which Whitaker's character decides to singlehandedly kill a bunch of criminals and knocks Bloom's character out because he will not let him self be stopped by Bloom's character. I one is familiar with your typical action thriller one can very easily predict that Bloom's character is soon going to appear later on and safe the character of Whitaker from a close call.
But overall, Zulu is a decent movie. Not much new here, but the movie is quite entertaining and delivers what one might expect from a second- rate piece of cinema.
Hard-handed thriller
Leofwine_draca27 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
ZULU is a surprisingly decent and hard-handed crime thriller that hails from South Africa. The story involves a pair of mismatched cops, each with their own personal problems, who find themselves investigating bizarre and violent murders in the locality. Their path leads them to a dark conspiracy involving mind-altering drugs, a government cover-up, and a very sinister organisation. Be warned, this is a graphic movie packed with sex and violence in a way reminiscent of GAME OF THRONES.
It's also a very good one. Orlando Bloom has grown as an actor over the years and gives a solid, likeable turn here. Forest Whitaker steals all his scenes as the older cop with a dark secret and shows that he might have lost his weight but he's lost none of his talent with it. The twisty-turny story piles on the tension and builds to a satisfyingly cathartic climax. It's a thumbs-up from me.
It's also a very good one. Orlando Bloom has grown as an actor over the years and gives a solid, likeable turn here. Forest Whitaker steals all his scenes as the older cop with a dark secret and shows that he might have lost his weight but he's lost none of his talent with it. The twisty-turny story piles on the tension and builds to a satisfyingly cathartic climax. It's a thumbs-up from me.
Average but you will love it.
mspradeesh78621 July 2014
At first look, it looks like two detectives out to solve a murder case but as the movie and events unfold the plot gets murkier.The movie does not have the punch to the likes of "The fugitive" or " The Bone collector".It is slow in pace and the last 10 minutes makes it look like a Hollywood flick in the likes of Clint Eastwood.After watching the movie; you will have a notion that it is a take from real life events although it's fictional. Drug abuse is the core of the movie-In this case drugs are used to eradicate a race in itself. The movie concentrates on efforts by the duo detectives to nail the perpetrators and they do it effortlessly in the end.Worth a watch anyway.
intelligent action movie that keeps you guessing
paulwaidelich18 April 2014
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.
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.
Good South African accents by all
almerodupisanie1 April 2019
A film made by people who clearly have never been to South Africa but spend a lot of time in LA.
Luca-Aversa9 October 2014
This movie couldn't be further from the truth.
It is very clear that this is a story conceived with American culture in mind and then adapted to the racism, drug trafficking of South Africa.
The performances are unrealistic to real life in Cape Town (and lets bear in mind that Cape Town is a social beat unlike any other South African city), it is a mess.
People do their best to avoid each other or getting involved with the law. The black stripper girl scene would never happen in South Africa. The girl on the horse/beach scene would never happen in South Africa.
If a woman on a horse sees a strange man lurking around an abandoned building on a relatively quiet beach, it is common South African and especially Cape Town sense to steer very clear and just chalk it up to a guy going for a pee.
There is not a chance that she would approach the guy, question the guy and then trust to meet the guy at a police station without ever seeing a badge! That is just utter fantasy.
What I am getting at here is that this story it terribly forced, it it clearly written by someone who has never lived in South Africa or if they have, they do not have a very keen eye and sense for what makes South African people South African people.
Apart from the star cast of Mr Bloom and Mr Whitaker, The rest of the cast is a bevy of B grade actors that made it into the film compliments from the ever-present Capetonian nepotism.
If you look up the SA cast you will find a very intricate web of people that went to school together or are directly linked via blood or some close friend.
Unfortunately the cast director for Zulu was not presented with a list of the best actors it could buy, but a list of 'who thinks they are who' on the Cape Town social/film scene.
It makes me very sad as I was looking forward to watching this film and seeing somebody tackle this subject, but it is clear to me that this film is an even worse botch than The Tourist ever was.
It is very clear that this is a story conceived with American culture in mind and then adapted to the racism, drug trafficking of South Africa.
The performances are unrealistic to real life in Cape Town (and lets bear in mind that Cape Town is a social beat unlike any other South African city), it is a mess.
People do their best to avoid each other or getting involved with the law. The black stripper girl scene would never happen in South Africa. The girl on the horse/beach scene would never happen in South Africa.
If a woman on a horse sees a strange man lurking around an abandoned building on a relatively quiet beach, it is common South African and especially Cape Town sense to steer very clear and just chalk it up to a guy going for a pee.
There is not a chance that she would approach the guy, question the guy and then trust to meet the guy at a police station without ever seeing a badge! That is just utter fantasy.
What I am getting at here is that this story it terribly forced, it it clearly written by someone who has never lived in South Africa or if they have, they do not have a very keen eye and sense for what makes South African people South African people.
Apart from the star cast of Mr Bloom and Mr Whitaker, The rest of the cast is a bevy of B grade actors that made it into the film compliments from the ever-present Capetonian nepotism.
If you look up the SA cast you will find a very intricate web of people that went to school together or are directly linked via blood or some close friend.
Unfortunately the cast director for Zulu was not presented with a list of the best actors it could buy, but a list of 'who thinks they are who' on the Cape Town social/film scene.
It makes me very sad as I was looking forward to watching this film and seeing somebody tackle this subject, but it is clear to me that this film is an even worse botch than The Tourist ever was.
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