| Date | Original Topic |
| 14th February 2001 | Zulu film music
By Iain
Hi,
From the Film Zulu. Just before the Zulus carry out their first attack they are stood in a line chanting and sining Zulu etc. This same chanting and singing is used inthe film Gladiator. At the start of the film the Germanic tribe toss the head of the Roman Diplomat onto the ground as they all emerge from the woods. You can clearly hear the Zulu chanting. Strange that they should feel the need to do this when you consider the size of budget that the fil mhad. |
| Date | Replies |
| 14th February 2001 | Peter Critchley
Funny, because I spotted that too! It was exactly the same, even down to the noise of the beating of the shields! Maybe they were doing it for some poetic reference??
Still, I'm glad it wasn't just me who spotted it!
Peter |
| 14th February 2001 | Alan
Immitation is the highest form of flattery |
| 14th February 2001 | Mike Brown
Well, having read the replies above, I'm glad I was not wrong. Yes, the Battle chants in Gladiator are the same ones that were used in the film "Zulu". I wonder why Ridley Scott decided to use that sound track. As alan says, maybe it is as haunting to him as it is to me
regards
Mike, York, UK. |
| 14th February 2001 | Peter Critchley
Interestingly, I went back and watched the DVD of Gladiator, this time with the commentry of Ridley Scott, and he does indeed mention the Zulu's as being his main inspiration for the chanting at the beginnning.
He was keen to highlight, what he called the "barbaric nature of the Germans" as opoosed agains the civility of the Romans. Not so sure I agree, but it does answer the question of if it was intended or not.
If you are interested, it is at the end of the first track on the DVD (disc 1 if you have the 2 disc set.)
Peter |
| 7th April 2001 | FalconNeil
I noticed that as well, and if Ridley Scott did it on purpose, why didn't he credit Zulu in the credits? I stayed for 10 minutes after the film watching every inch of the credits. No mention. |
| 9th April 2001 | Richard Howes
I watched Gladiator for the first time on Saturday and like everybody else noticed that Zulu chants were used- tried to convey my excitement to my girlfriend but she was none too impressed by what I thought was quite impressive film and historical knowledge...
Anybody know why theres no mention in the credits? |
| 17th April 2001 | Peter Critchley
It was actually a direct sample of 'Zulu' I have since learnt. I haven't checked the credits, but will next time I watch the movie! |
| 1st January 2002 | Eddie Saunders
I noticed the Zulu chants in Gladiator too and was "shhh'd" in the cinema by my GF and those surrounding me when I vociferously pointed out the fact. I was quite dismayed by the idea that many filmgoers wouldn't realise the true source of the soundtrack, a bit like when one of these boy bands does a cover of an old classic song and the kids all think it's the boy band's song. |
