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 I wasn't able to enjoy the movie as much as I would have if only the subtitles were adequate to support the power of the movie. As a result, I wasn't able to fully appreciate the deepness and complexity of this cultural diversified movie. Anyhow, I still would like to recommend this to everyone especially those who can understand German. Definitely an Academy Award material!
All the actors were great and very natural and the mood of the film reminded me of the "Trees Of Theikla," and a little of 'Out OF Africa." The movie centers on a family in Germany pre WW2. The husband, Walter, sees the Nazis' are not going to leave the Jews alone and he strikes out for Kenya, Africa to work on a cattle farm. He was a lawyer in Germany but his credentials were taken away from him. He sends for his wife and five year old daughter. The period of adjustment does not come quickly to the wife, Jettel, but, Regina has already taken the wide eyed acceptance of the young. She makes fast friends with the Masai cook Owour and he looks out for her. And teaches Regina the native languages. Soon war breaks out in Europe and the Brits round up all the German immigrants and bring them in to their compounds. Which for the women and children is like staying at the Grand Hotel. Walter has been fired from his job on the cattle ranch as the owner does not want a German working for him. Jettle, has a contact and is able to get Walter another job on a farm this time. Jettle is coming around to wanting to stay in Africa. But, Walter is growing impatient and wants to do something for the war effort. He joins the British army. There is much tension between Walter and Jettle, she stays on the farm and he lives in the compound and visits. The war ends and Walter wants to go back to Germany. I won't go into the particulars of the last scenes, but I will say that this movie is worth seeing. ciao yaaah69 I give this flick 41/2 OF 5
The husband/father is compasionate and caring, not just to his family but to the Africans and others who help him. The wife/mother begins as a very spoiled, elitist who is forced to re-evaluate herself, her relationship with her husband, the people and country of Africa. The daughter grows in both body and spirit, adjusting almost too well to the new situation. Of the 3, she is the most grounded in reality and is wise beyond her years. The focus of the film is not the war itself but it's impact on this family. There are moments of joy, more of tears and many of deepness but this is not a depressing film. Just the opposite. I left with more respect for what these people did and how they adjusted to the changes in their lives, as well as a greater appreciation for the fact that I have never had to face some of the issues that the characters do. This is not a war movie, nor a movie about Judaism. It is a glimpse into the lives of people forced to make drastic changes in their lives and how they learn about each other and themselves. This is definitely "Best Picture" material! |
One of the 10 or 15 best movies I've ever seen in my life. Say no more.
