Product: Nowhere in Africa (2003)
Rating: 5.0
"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.