The colonial wars of Africa and Asia have resulted in far fewer movie depictions than I thought. The story of the road to American Independence even fewer it seems at least in the classic era there have been a few more recently. So what is your fave film about colonial wars ? I'm going for The Four Feathers (1939).

Where the heck is Lawrence of Arabia????

I didn't really think of it as a British Empire movie to be honest. I think it more as a World War I movie but yes you're right it involves colonial conflict I'll edit the poll and put it in.

As much as I enjoy The Four Feathers i'll vote for Zulu. There are a number of errors in the depiction of the battle and the characterization of some individuals, but it's still, more than forty years later one of the best and most exciting war movies ever made.

Michael Caine and Stanley Baker certainly get most of the acting plaudits, but Nigel Green as Colour Sergeant Bourne is surely the epitany of the Colonial N.C.O.

Lawrence Of Arabia is a WW1 movie so doesn't or shouldn't count regardless of setting. A couple missed of the list though are Khartoum and Zulu Dawn.

I am torn between "The Drum" and "The Four Feathers".
"The Four Feathers" had exquisite technicolor, June Duprez
looked so beautiful, not to mention a rivetting story but
"The Drum" had Sabu. :unsure:

interesting topic..... I went with GUNGA DIN.... great film

I chose GUNGA DIN too, it's a great film. And I haven't seen many of the others listed. :unsure:

I agree Diane... Both The Drum and Four Feathers had lovely Technicolor...

Well, I just LOVE The Charge of the Light Brigade, so I voted for that. It's a great film - my second favorite Errol Flynn film, in fact.

But I also love Gunga Din, and Lives of a Bengal Lancer.

Not a fan at all of LofA...but no point in discussing that as I've spoken about my reasons is other threads in the past...and don't see anything to be gained by reprising my sundry grievances here. :laugh:

I'm going for "Zulu." We just watched this again a week ago and I was struck once more by the level of tension throughout the film. It is relentless until the end, and despite my not knowing much about the conflict, I found myself caring immediately about the soldiers and their plight. Chin, chin...great film.

"The Four Feathers" is another great one, although some of the acting is a wee bit over the top. I love the "thin red line" speech. My daughter is currently reading the book, and I hope to steal it afterward.

LisaMc

And where is THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING?

I would have to go with Gunga Din. But then Ghandi is another of my favorites. Granted it is more about the slipping of the British Empire.
Howard's End is not about the Empire but more about the British caste system. It is one of my favorites also. Alas, no more Merchant Ivory films.