Out of Africa (1985)

In 20th century colonial Kenya, a Danish baroness/plantation owner has a passionate love affair with a free-sprited big-game hunter.

Director:

Sydney Pollack

Writers:

Karen Blixen (book), Judith Thurman (book),

Stars:

Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Klaus Maria Brandauer

Won 7 Oscars. Another 25 wins & 23 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Meryl Streep	...	Karen
Robert Redford	...	Denys
Klaus Maria Brandauer	...	Bror
Michael Kitchen	...	Berkeley
Malick Bowens	...	Farah
Joseph Thiaka	...	Kamante
Stephen Kinyanjui	...	Kinanjui
Michael Gough	...	Delamere
Suzanna Hamilton	...	Felicity
Rachel Kempson	...	Lady Belfield
Graham Crowden	...	Lord Belfield
Leslie Phillips	...	Sir Joseph
Shane Rimmer	...	Belknap
Mike Bugara	...	Juma
Job Seda	...	Kanuthia

Storyline

Follows the life of Karen Blixen, who establishes a plantation in Africa. Her life is Complicated by a husband of convenience (Bror Blixen), a true love (Denys), troubles on the plantation, schooling of the natives, war, and catching VD from her husband.

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Plot Keywords:

love | marriage | plantation | africa | hunter | 

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Taglines:

Based on a true story.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Swahili

Release Date:

18 December 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jenseits von Afrika

Filming Locations:

England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$31,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$87,100,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mirage Enterprises, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

161 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby (35 mm prints) (as Dolby Stereo)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The pilot in the scene where the flamingos take flight was Sir Henry Dalrymple-White, a British Baronet and former WW2 pilot who moved in Kenya in the 1940s. He flew until he was 80.

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Goofs

When Karen Blixen is about to shoot the lion, she has blood on the right side of her mouth from biting her lip. Afterwards, when Denys wipes her mouth, the blood is on the left side.

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Quotes

Karen Blixen: It's an odd feeling, farewell. There is such envy in it. Men go off to be tested, for courage. And if we're tested at all, it's for patience, for doing without, for how well we can endure loneliness.

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Connections

Referenced in Chicago Hope: Out of Africa (1996)

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Soundtracks

"For Me and My Gal"
(1917) (uncredited)
Music by George W. Meyer
Played as dance music at the party

User Reviews

I had a farm in Africa

What a memorable gem of a movie!! I thought this film deserved every one of its seven Academy Awards it got. After viewing this film again I'm just stupefied why didn't Meryl Streep win Best Actress in this movie. The role of Karen Blixen was very complex and she performed it beautifully. This is probably right up there with "Sophie's Choice" and "Kramer vs. Kramer" both Award winning performances for her and this is right there with "Bridges of Madison County" and "A Cry in the Dark".

Syndey Pollock hit the nail right on the head with this classic beautiful cinematography. The acting is excellent by Streep, Redford, and Klaus Maria Brandeur. I liked the scene when Karen (Streep) wants her servant to address her by her name and he said "You are Karen, Sabu". I also loved the owl that she had in her room - it was a small one, but it was so cute and I loved it.

If you have a chance to rent this movie, please do - it is a classic. I love the beginning line "I had a farm in Africa" it was so moving!!