This is one of the great movies that inspired me to write "Knowledge For Tomorrow."

Although there are several historical faults, this movie should be shown worldwide, especially throughout Africa. More historically correct movies similar to Shaka Zulu should be made. The actor that starrred as Shaka should be a billionnare for his contribution to humanity by being the actor in that role.

One of the best movies/series I have ever seen; the story is epic and well-told, and the acting and cinematography are fantastic.

What I liked best was the ambivalent nature of all of the main characters, not the two-dimensional cardboard cut-outs typically encountered in movies (and series). Shaka, while certainly a great leader, warrior, and king, is also certainly an utterly ruthless, blood-stained tyrant; this production does an amazing job of illustrating these and other facets of the man. As other reviewers note, Henry Cele was just amazing in this role.

The English characters were also portrayed well; the leader, Lt. Farewell, is depicted as a well-intentioned rogue seeking ivory, but ultimately his relationship with Shaka changes him. Normally he might not be a very sympathetic character, but compared to the British colonial officials in Capetown, he is practically a paragon of wisdom and virtue. The Scottish doctor meanwhile attempts with rather limited success to school Shaka in the tenents of the Christian faith--Shaka has a way of turning all of the doctor's earnest efforts completely backwards.

Finally, a comment about the large portion of the series devoted to Shaka's birth and childhood--it is Shakespeare and Greek tragedy rolled into one--prophecies, witchcraft, parricide, regicide, vengeance, love, war, etc. Very very interesting.

This is a very good movie. Spectacular in it's cinematography. It does a very good job of elaborating on the life of the Zulu King, Shaka. I would personally recommend it to anyone, but....it can be had cheaper at overstock.com. $21 cheaper....

It would better if we could see the Directors cut....

PS
SZ is A Wonderfull Movie...

Dig

Although not a despot known to many, Shaka Zulu controlled an empire at the height of his power comparable to that of Napolean and was as brutal as Vlad the Impaler; this miniseries very succesfully shows his rise to power, relationship with British envoys, and eventual fall.

As the mini-series opens, a solemn South African representative listens to the British elite, including Queen Victoria, belittle his people and then begs them to let his people keep their sovreignty. The series then flashbacks to the British embassy going to meet Shaka, running into trouble, and eventually earning his trust after an assasination attempt. The series then flashbacks to his rise to power from a young boy to the most powerful man on the continent of Africa. The flashbacks never get confusing, the story is always well told. The cinematography is brilliant, the acting (especially by Henry Cele in the title role) is very competant, and the characters are very compelling.

The series has a little something for everyone, although I think it would appeal more to history buffs like myself. In addition, there is substantial amounts of nudity, as most of the African women go around topless. While the nudity didn't detract from the narrative or become gratutitious, it is something to think about before letting younger veiwers watch.

All in all i heartily reccomend this mini-series, whether for a really, really rainy day or an hour at at time after work. 8.5/10