Out of Africa

An Oldie But A Goodie...Sorta!

Not having a lot of prospects, Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep) marries a friend for convenience and the title of Baroness. They move to Africa in hopes of making it big in the coffee growing business. Not long after the move they find that their goals and aspirations are far from being in sync but love is not lost for Karen when a local adventurer and free spirit Denys (Robert Redford) shows up to help out. On the long road of life, Karen learns that the heart wants, what the heart wants.

I watched Out of Africa years ago and I remember loving it. So I was expecting to have the same euphoric experience, but I found it to be a slow and somewhat boring film. Meryl Streep and Robert Redford are both young and beautiful and even almost 20 years ago, still put out Emmy award winning performances. The problem sadly, is that I think I’m too used to a fast pace, dramatic musical scores, and modern cinematography. Watch for the beautiful scenery and to see Streep and Redford pre-wrinkled, but beyond that don’t expect a lot.

Motherly Advice: I watched Out Of Africa with my filters on medium. A few things to be aware of in this film; Karen is newly married so you see a lot of “post-intercourse” laying about and you do see Streep’s bare back. Quite a few scenes include alcohol and smoking. Karen also contracts a STD so there is talk of her husband’s infidelity and of course she develops feelings for another man as well. Lastly with the violence factor you do see some lions attacking and eating the cattle, it’s not so much the gore as it could be jumpy if you’ve got little ones watching. I would recommend this film for ages 14+.

Trisha~ So fun watching Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in their prime!!

This film is rated PG; 161 min; Directed by Sydney Pollack