Chard was the real senior officer who took command at Rorke's Drift. His competence and leadership during the battle are accurately reflected. The portrayal captures his historical role well, with minor dramatic license.

Bromhead was the real commander of B Company, 24th Regiment. The film accurately depicts his presence and eventual bravery. However, his portrayal as initially inexperienced or overly aristocratic is likely dramatic license; he was a seasoned officer.

Hook was a real private awarded the VC for his valiant defense of the hospital. The film's depiction of him as a malingering drunkard is grossly inaccurate and contrary to historical records, which describe him as a model soldier.

Bourne was the real Colour Sergeant (though actually youngest CSgt in the army) known for his steadiness. The portrayal of him as an experienced, calming influence providing crucial leadership is accurate.

Witt and his family were present at Rorke's Drift. His pacifism is historical. However, his portrayal as an alcoholic whose actions demoralized the troops is disputed and likely exaggerated for dramatic conflict.

Witt's daughter was present with him at the mission station.

The battle occurred on the same day and shortly after the disastrous Battle of Isandlwana nearby, setting the perilous context for the small garrison.

Survivors from Isandlwana reached Rorke's Drift, warning the garrison of the disaster and the approach of a large Zulu force.

After deliberation, the officers Chard and Bromhead, strongly influenced by Commissary Dalton, decided to defend the post rather than attempt a risky retreat.

The defenders hastily constructed barricades using available materials like large bags of maize (mealie bags) and sturdy wooden biscuit boxes.

A large Zulu force, estimated at 3,000-4,000 warriors, launched sustained attacks over approximately 12 hours against the heavily outnumbered British garrison.

The British defenders were primarily armed with single-shot Martini-Henry rifles and relied on disciplined volley fire to repel the massed Zulu charges.

Intense hand-to-hand fighting occurred in and around the hospital building, which the Zulus eventually set alight, forcing desperate escapes by defenders (including the Hooks).

The defense was marked by numerous acts of conspicuous bravery, resulting in the award of 11 Victoria Crosses, the most ever received for a single action by one regiment.

Accounts from both sides attest to the remarkable bravery and disciplined attack formations displayed by the Zulu warriors throughout the long battle, accurately reflected in the film.

This iconic scene is a dramatic invention; there is no historical record of the defenders singing this (or any) song during the battle to bolster morale or respond to Zulu chants.

After suffering heavy casualties and failing to overrun the defenses after repeated attacks lasting through the night, the Zulu force withdrew on the morning of January 23rd.

The depiction of a mutual salute or expression of respect between the withdrawing Zulus and the surviving defenders is entirely fictional, created for cinematic effect.

King Cetshwayo had instructed his commanders not to invade the colony of Natal across the Buffalo River, making the attack on the Rorke's Drift outpost an act of defiance by Prince Dabulamanzi.

Reverend Witt, deeming the post indefensible and opposing the fight, left with his family before the main Zulu attacks began.

Filmed on location in the Drakensberg mountains of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, near the actual battle site, providing authentic landscapes and a strong sense of place.

The film's sets for the storehouse (used as a redoubt) and the hospital building, along with the connecting walls and barricades, were carefully reconstructed based on historical plans and sketches.

The distinctive red coats, white helmets, and equipment of the British infantry (2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot - later South Wales Borderers) are accurately depicted for the period.

The appearance of the Zulu warriors, including diverse regimental shield colors/patterns, feathered headdresses, loincloths, and ornaments, reflects historical research into Zulu military regalia.

Both British weaponry (Martini-Henry rifle, long bayonet) and Zulu weaponry (iklwa stabbing spear, isihlangu shield, knobkierie clubs, some captured/older firearms) are accurately represented.

Effectively portrays the core British tactics: maintaining a defensive perimeter with barricades and relying on disciplined, rapid volley fire from their breech-loading rifles.

Shows the characteristic Zulu tactic of overwhelming the enemy with disciplined mass charges, attempting to close for hand-to-hand combat. The classic "Horns of the Buffalo" flanking maneuver is less evident due to the static defense scenario.

The film excels at creating a tense, dramatic atmosphere, conveying the desperation and intensity of the small garrison facing continuous attacks by a vastly larger force.

The cinematography makes excellent use of the dramatic South African landscape, contributing significantly to the film's visual authenticity and epic feel.