Cheap Nowhere in Africa (German with English Subtitles) (DVD) (Juliane Köhler, Merab Ninidze, Matthias Habich) (Caroline Link) Price

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Customer Reviews of Nowhere in Africa (German with English Subtitles)

"Nowhere in Africa" best of Dark Continent adventure genre
While "Out of Africa" acquainted movie-goers with the wild territory of Kenya while spinning a yarn of romance, adventure and failure, the new film "Nowhere in Africa," which gives us English subtitles for the German content, breaks out with a story of compassion, passion and the perils of human relationships set against that country's splendor and ancient customs. The set-up in the first act, examining one Jewish-German successful lawyer's foresight in his family's future in Germany in 1938, convey's the fright of living in a Nazi regime. But when the picture goes to Africa, it's hard to remember where this man, woman and child originated; they are totally without direction or purpose other than to stay alive. As their worse fears play out in the homeland, the story delves into the trio's interpersonal relationships and raw emotion. Without giving away the strongest elements of the film, I was mesmerized by the performances of everyone, and most impressed with the depth of emotion displayed by their daughter who grows into womanhood in the veldt and the help of a Neirobi boarding school. The angst of the Jews during this time in history is never far from the forefront of the film, while the couple, spent physically and emotionally beyond imagination on very foreign soil, undergoes a series of transitions that grasp your attention. It is a beautiful presentation, well deserving of its Academy Award this year for Best Foreign Film. It will leave you with a newfound discovery of the push and pull of lovers in a transitional world where nothing -- even the evening meal -- can't be taken for granted.

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Truly exceptional !
This was an absolutely incredible movie, about a subject of which I was largely unaware, that of German Jews who sought refuge in Africa in the early 1940s. It is based on a true story.

The cinematography of the breathtakingly beautiful African landscape was outstanding, and the extra section on the DVD that explored the logistics of filming in such a remote location in Africa was fascinating.

The Redlich family escapes from Germany and the movie details the varying reactions of each family member to their new environment. Walter, a lawyer in his native land, becomes a farm manager to survive. His wife, Jettel, misses her privileged life, and their daughter, Regina, adapts most easily to this place she comes to love.

The family is aided by Owuor, who is ostensibly their cook, but is really so much more. He is their protector, defender, savior, teacher, and lifeline.

The details explored in this movie are fascinating and compelling, as is the story of how these refugees come to identify with, and even love, their new homeland.

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Excellent -- the best of this genre
At first glance, "Nowhere in Africa" might appear to be something we've seen on the screen before, i.e., "Out of Africa", "The Flame Trees of Thika" and the much inferior "I Dreamed of Africa" -- another installment in the European-in-East-Africa genre: Europeans newly arrived in Africa, cross-cultural conflict and confusion followed by acceptance, an "old Africa hand" lending support, a child growing up more African than European, the noble African servant, encounters with the local fauna, etc.

But "Nowhere in Africa", while definitely part of the genre, is better than the other films mentioned. Largely this is the result of the strong character development. We see husband and wife really changed by their experience. Adding depth to the story is the fact that these European ex-pats are escaping Nazi persecution. The fact that they can only do so by participating in colonial oppression is not lost on them.

The dialogue and acting are first rate, as are the cinematography, editing, and music. There are many memorable scenes, including some interesting ones where voices are layered over images in such a way that you can't tell whether the couple are speaking to each other or keeping their thoughts to themselves. Great work. Recommended!