Zulu is one of the most spectacular movies of all time. A cinematic masterpiece set in the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879. The film portrays the heroic stand of around 150 British soldiers defending an outpost at Rorkes Drift in the wake after a military disaster at Isandlandwa.
Whilst not entirely historically accurate (due to artistic licence) it does portray the bravery of the small British garrison in their stand against an overwhelming Zulu force of some 4,000 warriors. At the time it was used as a propaganda tool to overshadow the defeat of a modern equipped western army by a native force.
Nevertheless this battle lead to some exceptional bravery from members of the besieged British. More Victoria Crosses were awarded at Rorke's Drift than any other battle in British military history.
I first saw this when it was shown at the pictures and has remained my favourite film of all time to this day.
The film is broadcast on one channel or another at least once a year for as long as I can remember.
Fast forward to earlier this year when the Silver Screen cinema in Folkestone decided on a special showing of Zulu to raise money for an armed forces charity. Personally I would have rushed out and purchased a ticket for the opportunity to see this movie on the big screen it was designed for. As would many others did in the locality.
Now of course given the year in which it was made and the era in which Zulu was set does mean there are some none-PC moments. That's only to be expected. However the Zulus are not portrayed as mindless savages but as brave and organised warriors that demand nothing but respect.
Enter the censerous left who wrote to the local council calling for the film to be banned. Kent on Line reported their letter which stated:
"..we believe that the choice of the film Zulu, with its inaccurate portrayal of historical events and its distortions and racist overtones, could have a negative effect on relationships within the changing and richly diverse communities here in Folkestone.”
The letter was signed by a grand total of just 28 people. Folkestone has a population of around 50,000. Of course numbers alone don't necessarily make something right but in this case when the Kent-on-Line website ran a consultation 93% of respondents though the showing of the film should go ahead.
This idiotic campaign is part of the growing attempt to re-write history, remove historical monuments and ban the teachings of white writers & scientists in the university sector. History is what it is and cannot be whitewashed. Certainly the banning of films like Zulu leads to the frightening aspects of book burning.
Fascism isn't just the preserve of right-wing white men these days. Take note "comrades".
A large portion of the left has lost its way in the development of identity politics and has a censorious outlook on everything. Trying to ban Zulu was foolish beyond all reason. These individuals need to re-learn the concepts of freedom of speech and expression.
Or one day their campaigns will come back to bite them hard.........
________________________________________________________________________________
Catch Up Posts: are an occasional series of posts to catch up with items of interest that I was unable to blog about whilst in hospital.
No comments:
Post a Comment