Shaka Zulu is an epic tale of an unwanted son. Who took a minor South African tribe and forged them into a vast empire, through military conquest and fear.

Filmed on location in South Africa, in 1986, when apartide was still very much in force. The government attempted to stop its production. Fearing that the Zulu nation would feel justifiable pride in Shaka's exploits. However Harmony Gold pushed and pushed. Till it was made.

There were terrible delays in filming. Due to fires and torrential rains. Until at the insistance of the Zulu elders. A white ox and a white goat were sacrificed. After this there were no delays and everything ran smooth a silk for the rest of the shoot.

In spite of this, the writer Joshua Sinclair, on who's book the series is based and director William C Faure. Have created a masterpiece of the genre. The acting, cinematography and South African landscapes are all first class.

This can be seen by the fact it is the most repeatadly screened mini-series in American TV history. Between 1986 and 1992 it had been seen by over 350 million viewer's.

If i was to list all the actors in this series this review would go on forever. So instead i shall list just some of the most important characters.

Lt Francis Farewell = Edward Fox
Dr Henry Fynn = Robert Powell
Lord Charles Henry Somerset = Trevor Howard
Lord Bathurst = Christopher Lee
Shaka = Henry Cele
Nandi = Dudu Mkhize

The series is spread over 4 discs, 3 episodes per disc with the 4th disc given over to the 10th part and the DVD extras.

Episode 1

The series begins at the end of the Anglo-Zulu wars. With the defeated king of the Zulus, Cetshwayo, meeting Queen Victoria to ask for his Kingdom to be returned to him. The Queen asks him to tell her about Shaka.

So we go back in time to the 1820's and a letter sent by Lord Somerset (Trevor Howard), the Govenor of the Cape, to Lord Bathurst (Christopher Lee), The Colonial Secretary about the Zulu threat.

Bathurst sends Lt Francis Farewell (Edward Fox), to the Cape where he teams up with Dr Henery Fynn (Robert Powell) and a group of adventurers to meet with Shaka.

Episode 2

After being shipwrecked off the coast of Zululand they are escorted to Shaka's Capitol, Kwa-Bulawayo. Where they meet Shaka (Henry Cele) and his mother Nandi (Dudu Mkhize). Shaka then demonstrates his power over his people and proves to Farewell he is not a man to be under estimated.

Episode 3

Dr Fynn chronicals shakas life and rise to power. Starting with the meeting and affair between Nandi and Prince Senzangakona of the Zulu's. How, in spite of Senzangakona's marriage to another and Nandi's fathers attempts to marry her off. They continue to meet and Nandi becomes pregnant. She gives birth to a boy who she names Shaka -the beetle.

Episode 4

Nandi's father demands that the Zulu's recognise Nandi and the baby, shaka. Senzangakona, now king of the Zulus takes her as his wife. However he continually abuses Nandi, till one day Shaka can take no more and threatens to kill his father. Nandi and Shaka flee and return to her people, but find themselves the object of scorn. So they flee once again.

Episode 5

Shaka has grown into a fine young man. Senzangakona invites him to return to Zululand and become the heir apparent. Shaka returns, but disrupts a ceremony and is forced to flee for his life. He is taken in by another tribe and trains as a soldier. However he clashes with the generals over how to fight.

This episode also has one of my favourite lines from the film. When speaking to the General, Shaka arrgues that they should have bigger shields to protect them from enemy spears.

"Perhaps we should go into battle wearing our huts." says the General. Shaka replys with "No they are to cumbersome."

Episode 6

Shaka goes deep into the Nkandla forest and has a blacksmith forge a stabbing spear, given magical powers and named "Ixwa".

Shaka returns to his regiment and convinces the king that his new method of warfare is woth trying. His new regiment are used against the Zulu's and win the day.

Soon after Senzangakona dies and Shaka takes the throne for himself.

Episode 7

returning to the 1820's and Farewell and his men are Shka's guest's. Shaka is severly wounded during an assasination attempt and Fynn saves his life. In gratitude Shaka gives land and permision to hunt for ivory to Farewell. However in Cape town both Shaka and Farewell are both proclamed dead.

Episode 8

Farewell and his men establish Port Natal on the coast. The men however are restless and wish to return home.

Shaka then forces them to join him in a war against another tribe. He uses them and there cannon to force the enemy into making the first move. This results in an overwhelming victory for the Zulu's.

Episode 9

After burying the dead, Farewell asks for help in building a boat to return to Cape Town. Shaka agrees, but keeps most of the party including Fynn as hostages.

On returning to Cape Town Farewell and the Zulu delegation are imprisioned by Lord Somerset.

Shaka learns that his wife has given birth to a son. He has the child killed so he can never threaten Shaka's reign. Nandi however falls ill and Shaka begs Fynn to save his mother.

Episode 10

Fynn fails to save Nandi's life and Shaka flys into a rage having thousands killed. Shaka then gathers his army and begins to march on the Cape. Farewell returns to Zululand and meets with Shaka, who abandons his reign of terror. Ending with Shaka's empire falling apart.

The DVD extras include interviews with William C Faure. Dudu Mkhize and Henry Cele. A preview reel, stills gallery and CD rom with publicity material.

This is a truly outstanding DVD, with incredble performances from both Henry Cele as Shaka and Dudu Mkhize as Nandi. It has a little something for everyone. History nuts (like me) will love it, as although Joshua Sinclair did use some poetic licence when writing it. It is still based very much in fact.

My only word of advice is that there is an awfull lot of nudity. In fact Dudu Mkhise was very unimpressed when she saw how little her costume left to the imagination. After the first few scenes the fact that most of the women in it are topless is forgotten about. However It is rated 15. Just be aware of this if you have children around.

I paid £27.99 for this last year from MVC. Believe me ladies and gentlemen in my opinion it has been worth every penny.