Product: Nowhere in Africa (2003)
Rating: 5.0
Nowhere in Africa
Nowhere in Africa won best foreign picture 2002 which it deserved. This is as close to a perfect movie as I've ever seen. I'm hoping that word of mouth will spread and that more people will get to enjoy this film on the big screen where it must be seen to enjoy the breath-taking scenery of Africa. The story is compelling and as the viewer you will be immediately drawn. A young lawyer in prewar Nazi Germany sees the writing on the wall and gets himself out of Germany into Kenya. He arranges for his wife and five year old daughter to join him but gives his wife strict instructions to tell no one of the plan. He also instructs his wife to leave home the good dishes and instead bring a refrigerator which they will desperately need. She ignores his instructions, brings the good dishes and to add insult to injury brings an evening gown which she will not have any use. The little girl takes to Africa immediately and adjusts as only children can in an absolutely alien environment. She befriends and is in-turn befriended by the village children. The wife does not adjust so easily making life a misery for her husband. We are also struck at how insensitive she is with the cook who is their righthand man, looking out for them at every turn. She treats him like a servant and that's putting it kindly, when this hurts him deeply as he sees himself as a professional. There are problems in the marriage and stuggles which move the story along. Not until word from home reaches them about the full magnitude of the war and what is becoming of their friends and family does the wife begin to understand how very lucky she is. At every point we are drawn to the story and the characters and want to know what will happen next. The acting is seamless. The little girl is played by two actresses, one when she is little and one when she is more grown and these two girls couldn't be more perfect in their roles. This movie is beautifully cast and beautifully acted. There isn't a false note in it. Viewers will also enjoy the amazing soundtrack. One more thing, even though this movie is in English subtitles, you will hardly be aware that you are reading. At a certain point you will almost feel as if you understand German. This movie should not be missed by anyone who loves film and has a love for interesting story lines. In a word: Incredible.Brenda PizzoBoston