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showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsNirgendwo in Afrika (2001) More at IMDbPro »
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Caroline Link (writer)
Stefanie Zweig (novel)
Release Date:
27 December 2001 (Germany) more
Tagline:
Sometimes home is where you least expect it more
Plot:
A German Jewish refugee family moves to and adjusts to a farm life in 1930's Kenya. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Won Oscar. Another 17 wins & 6 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(2 articles)
And the Other Awards Go To:
(From Studio Briefing - Film News. 24 March 2003)
Counting the 'House'
(From Studio Briefing - Film News. 18 March 2003)
User Comments:
First Epic in a Long Time more (78 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Juliane Köhler | ... | Jettel Redlich | |
| Merab Ninidze | ... | Walter Redlich | |
| Sidede Onyulo | ... | Owuor | |
| Matthias Habich | ... | Walter Süßkind | |
| Lea Kurka | ... | Regina Redlich (younger) | |
| Karoline Eckertz | ... | Regina Redlich - Older | |
| Gerd Heinz | ... | Max | |
| Hildegard Schmahl | ... | Ina | |
| Maritta Horwarth | ... | Liesel | |
| Regine Zimmermann | ... | Käthe | |
| Gabrielle Odinis | ... | Dienstmädchen Klara | |
| Bettina Redlich | ... | Mrs. Sadler | |
| Julia Leidl | ... | Inge | |
| Mechthild Grossmann | ... | Elsa Konrad | |
| Joel Wajsberg | ... | Hubert |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Nowhere in Africa (International: English title)
more
MPAA:
Rated R for some sexual content.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
141 min
Country:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:L | Malaysia:18SX (uncut version) | Malaysia:U (cut) | South Korea:15 | Philippines:R-18 | Argentina:13 | Australia:MA | Brazil:12 | Chile:14 | Finland:K-7 | Germany:6 (bw) | Hong Kong:IIB | Netherlands:AL | Singapore:M18 (re-rating) | UK:15 | USA:R
Fun Stuff
Goofs:
Crew or equipment visible: After giving the radio to Walter, Susskind wishes him good luck with the well; as he drives away, the reflection of the camera truck can be seen on the door of his truck, and the tire tracks from the camera truck are visible as the camera backs up. more
Quotes:
Walter Redlich: This country saved our lives, but it isn't our country! more
Movie Connections:
Featured in The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007) (TV) more
FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (78 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Nirgendwo in Afrika (2001) moreRecommendations
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Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Biography section | IMDb Germany section |
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Here is a grand epic in the scale of "Gone With the Wind", "Lawrence of Arabia", and "Fitzcarraldo". It is the best movie I've seen this year, and more than that, it was one of the most amazing film experiences of my life.
It is Caroline Link's "Nowhere in Africa", which won the Best Foreign Film Award when, in actuality, it was far better than the Best Picture of the Year. To call it a great or brilliant or majestic film is an understatement; in fact, I'm at a loss for adjectives to describe it.
The film tells the story of a German Jewish woman and her young daughter summoned to Kenya by her husband, circa. 1938. Adolf Hitler is on the brink of declaring his "final solution" of the Jews, and it is with great luck that Jettel and young Regina escape.
In Africa, they adapt slowly to their new rural life. While Regina befriends cook Owuor, Walter and Jettel's relationship threatens to destroy itself because of the hardships the family encounters.
I will not spend too much time going into detail, for watching this masterful story unfold is a treasure in itself. This film is based on an autobiography by Stephanie Zweig, and when it is available in English, I will certainly read it.
Also, the language in this movie is truly beautiful. I saw "Nowhere in Africa" again, just days after watching it for the first time, and spent more time ignoring the subtitles and listening to the beautiful spoken German.
And then there is one scene toward the end that I simply could not believe. It involves a locust invasion, and, quite simply, it was the first time I've ever seen something on the screen and asked myself aloud (as I did the first viewing), "How did they do that?"
The performances here are first-rate, too. Julianne Kohler, who was wonderful in the ultra-weird "Aimee & Junger" is perfect; we understand this woman fully, even when she doesn't speak. Merab Ninidze has some great scenes with Walter, the father; and Sidede Onyulo is simply magical as Owuor.
But the movie belongs to the two girls who play Regina. They look amazingly similar, and they are both stellar. Lea Kurka brings much hope as the adorable young Regina, and Karoline Eckertz is subtle and remarkable as the older Regina, particularly in a heartbreaking exchange with her father at her school.
It would be a shame to miss this film. No, it would be more than a shame. It would be downright wrong and discouraging. This film, along with the wonderful "Whale Rider" are two remarkable international films that bring beauty, grace, and majesty to the screen, and are perfect for adults and older children.