Die weisse Massai (2005)

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:

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

I didn't expect to like this movie...but I did.

As a (white) woman who was once involved with an African man, I'm always a bit skeptical of these "Jungle Fever"-like movies. I was very pleased to discover there isn't a huge emphasis on titillation. The director could've easily made it more salacious. Interracial couples are more than just their contrasting skin colours or fodder for the sexual fantasies of others.

I wasn't surprised by this woman's difficulties in the small, remote, Kenyan village. One could predict she'd face all those obstacles, and more.

I was surprised by how many of the reviews suggest her problems were her "fault" or that there is ANY "reason" for the husband's actions. No matter what the nationality of my various, past boyfriends and current husband, none of them would ever conduct themselves like that towards me (and live to tell about it) (wink), nor would they desire to do so. My African boyfriend was a model of civility and respect for women. Indeed, every man I've been involved with has been the embodiment of the term "integrity". Men who behave in insulting, unjust, much less violent, ways towards women (or anyone, really) aren't worthy of my consideration.

It's not that I don't "get" why the dynamics between the two lead characters causes some conflict within the framework of the society in which they live. It's just that, at some point, some things are just right or wrong. Making false accusations, especially against someone you profess to love, is unconscionable. There is no excuse for his behaviour. Comparing his outrageous behaviour to her naiveté is ludicrous! This man, like soooooooooooo many around the world (it seems), is so infantile and weak, he feels he must brutalize a woman to make himself feel better. ...Pathetic.

Still, I generally liked Lemalian (Jacky Ido), until he fell from grace. I was surprised by Carola's decision not to adopt more of the local customs, as well as her ultimate decision, at which point the movie ends. I could still see ways the two could work beyond their cultural differences, especially since both had so generously tried to understand the other's point of view.

In all honesty, I found the couple's attire differences to be jarring, especially in more urban settings. I fully expected one or the other to start dressing more alike. With the very traditional Masai garb juxtaposed against modern women's clothing, I surprised myself with how much I noticed this contrast, throughout the film.

In all, I enjoyed this movie most because it is alleged to be a true story. I think it wouldn't be either as believable or engaging, if it were fictitious. I would recommend it as a video rental for an easy-going Sunday afternoon.