Die weisse Massai (2005)

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Director:

Hermine Huntgeburth

Writers:

Corinne Hofmann (novel)
Johannes W. Betz (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

15 September 2005 (Germany)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Plot:

A girl, Carola, whose vacation in Kenya takes an interesting turn when she becomes infatuated with a Masai...

Plot Keywords:

Local Blockbuster | Based On Novel

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Nina Hoss	...	Carola Lehmann
Jacky Ido	...	Lemalian
Katja Flint	...	Elisabeth
Antonio Prester	...	Pater Bernardo (as Nino Prester)
Janek Rieke	...	Stefan
Helen Namaso Lenamarken	...	Lemalians Mama
Nicolas Sironka	...	Mini-Chief
Damaris Itenyo Agweyu	...	Asma (as Damaris Agweyu)
Barbara M. Ahren	...	Carolas Mutter (as Barbara Magdalena Ahren)
Robert Dölle	...	Frank
Barbara Herschbach	...	Jenny
Morgan Lematampash	...	Tom
Kiriniyaga Lenamatiyo	...	John
Christine Namkuny	...	Saguna
John Erick	...	Mike

Also Known As:

The White Massai (International: English title)

Runtime:

131 min | Argentina:131 min (Mar del Plata Film Festival)

Country:

Germany

Language:

German | Swahili | English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Germany:12 | Netherlands:12 | Argentina:13 | Finland:K-15 | Hungary:16 | Czech Republic:12 | Australia:M | Brazil:16 | South Korea:18 | Iceland:16

Filming Locations:

Kenya

Company:

Constantin Film Produktion

Trivia:

The cast and crew lived in tents among the Samburu during the entire shoot. They also studied their language and customs.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Smagsdommerne: (#3.14)" (2006)

Good film - don't get worked up on character flaws!!

I was curious to see this film seeing the split type of reviews it got on IMDb. It has been showing at our small town cinema for full two weeks. And, yes, there were still quite a number of viewers - mostly women. I believe the problem is that people get worked up on the main character and get to dislike her strongly, then reflecting this on the film as a whole. Which of course is not fair, but maybe understandable. So if you want to see a marvelous, well made, well photographed and even well written film with an intriguing plot - this will be it. If you want to agree with all moves of the main characters and seek harmony, happiness and want to relax - just stay away. My boys, for instance, hated 'Gegen die Wand' for the lack of happy ending and the pain the main characters live through. So does this mean that we Germans have an affinity to 'difficult' plots? (including our German-Turkish compatriots in 'Wand') Maybe. What makes the film less understandable - but very much more realistic - is that it is based on a true story. So why complain? The Carola character has her flaws and gets stuck between wanting to Europeanise the Massai life and adapting to their customs. Which in itself would render enough material for several films. The Massai accept her but are also stuck with their traditions - what else would you expect. But this film is not about how this dilemma can be solved - it is about Carola and Lemalian - and if you come to think of it, two very brave characters, no matter how they behave in detail. They exist(ed)!!! And the film gives you an opportunity to partake in their torment. Just take this as ONE possible outcome and ponder on the potential and possibilities such a setting can offer. Enjoy.