Thursday 15 October 2009

Nowhere In Africa (Review)

For the seasoned biography-reader, the name Stefanie Zweig might at first make him or her do a double take. After all, it is not everyday that we come across with monikers resembling that of the famous Austrian writer, Stefan Zweig, who penned, amongst others, important works such as the following texts: 'Joseph Fouché', 'Mary Stuart' and 'Conqueror of the Seas: The Story of Magellan'.

However, it is with the German-Jewish writer Stefanie Zweig's memoir 'Nowhere in Africa' with which we are dealing in this post. This book served as the basis for the 2001 film of the same name.

'Nowhere in Africa' (in German 'Nirgendwo in Afrika') details the travails of the Redlich family as they flee Nazi persecution in their native Silesia only to end up in the middle of the Kenyan countryside. The movie explores the problems they face in adapting to a foreign land, especially Frau Jettel, whilst at the same time looking at the last world conflagration from a different angle.

Whereas most flicks about World War II focus on Europe, the Nazi occupation and the concentration camps, 'Nowhere In Africa' concentrates on the refugee's mindset. And it is an interesting perspective indeed. Walter, the father and a former lawyer, adopts his newfound farmer's role compliantly. His wife, Jettel, hates the locals, loathes the conditions in which they live and pines for her old life. Their daughter, Regina, quickly makes friends with some of the Kenyan kids and adjusts to the new situation. In the midst of all this ordeal, it should not come as a surprise that Walter and Jettel's marriage begins to deteriorate.

When war breaks out the Redlich family is forced to go to a detention camp where men and women are kept separate. Jettel sleeps with a German-speaking British officer to ensure that her family has both a home and work to go back to. Unfortunately her daughter Regina and Walter find out. Once outside their enclosure, Mr Redlich joins the British army, whilst Regina is sent to a boarding school. Jettel stays behind to run the farm. During this time, an old German friend of Walter's, Süsskind, frequents his house, thus planting the idea in the former's head that his wife is having an affair with Süsskind. When the war ends one of the options is to return to Germany, however the couple struggle to come up with a decision. Jettel has finally fallen in love with the country she used to abhor, as well as enjoying the result of her labour. Walter has the opportunity to become a judge in the new Germany.

'Nowhere in Africa' is a film full of symbolisms. From the expansive, open sea the Redlich family crosses to get to Nairobi, to the dry plains in their African surroundings, these tokens suggest freedom and captivity, resolution and impasse. All the characters, from the astute Süsskind to the loyal Owuor, are nuanced, rounded and believable. One of the most poignant moments in the movie for me was when a plague of locusts attack the fields which Jettel and the other farmers have been tending to. We see her first feeling downtrodden and tearful when the swarm becomes too difficult to handle, then we hear the banging on pots and pans by the locals to scare away the insects and see Jettel joining in. Finally, when the pestilence is pushed away we see her face beaming with joy. It's as if at that moment Jettel has had an epiphany that runs along the lines of: 'I belong here, this is home!'.

'Nowhere in Africa' is one of the most sincere tributes to the human disaster caused by the Second World War I have seen in a long time. I strongly recommend it.

I would like to thank both Polly from Sotto Voce and Willow from Life at Willow Manor for reviewing this film on their respective blogs. Without their input it would have probably taken me ages to rent this movie, lazy sod that I can be sometimes. Ta muchly.



Copyright 2009

Next Post: 'Sunday Mornings: Coffee, Reflections and Music' to be published on Sunday 18th October at 10:00am (GMT)

17 comments:

  1. This really is a beautiful film. I've only seen it once and need to watch it again, soon. I'm glad you liked it. :)

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  2. How did I miss it, I am always hanging around the mannor but no matter, I will rent it. Sounds like a film I would love.

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  3. Hmmm. Haven't heard of this movie, but (being born in Zimbabwe and now living in South Africa) it's a must-see. Off to put it in my amazon cart now! Thanks for the review.

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  4. I remember this movie well -- and am glad to be reminded of it. Thank you -- it's going on my Netflix list for another viewing!

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  5. Always interested in such movies; here especially since some of it takes place in my home country; curious to examine the refugee mindset of a European in Africa, as opposed to the expat status symbol I have historically attached... I'll try not to be lazy and actually go rent it one of these days. Thanks for the review.

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  6. I remember seeing this movie not long ago. One of the things about "Nowhere in Africa" that has stayed with me is Walter's almost ironic change of heart immediately the war ended in Germany. Also strong in my memory is the absolutely incredible cinematography. An interesting movie filled with dichotomies and contrasts between cultures and values. I completely enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. Thank you for reviewing it, Cuban!

    Nevine

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  7. I am always looking for good movies to add to my Netflix queue so I will go add it right away. Thanks!

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  8. Many thanks for your kind words.

    Greetings from London.

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  9. I remember when this movie came out and ignored it because I find that I usally don't like Hollywood portrayals of Africa. Now I will put this in my Netflix queque because of your high recommendation.

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  10. I have not seen a good movie in ages. I wonder if this might be it.

    xoox

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  11. Un Film molto intenso. Qui lo chiamerebbero una sorta di "filmisches Zeitdokument".

    Il messaggio del film, almeno per me personalmente, conferma solo quello che mio padre diceva sempre: "dove lavoro e dove sto bene, li é la mia casa. A cosa serve la patria se non ha nulla da offrire?"
    Sono daccordo con lui!!

    Un saluto da Colonia,
    Salva

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  12. This was a movie that I treasured..in the midst of physical and moral collapse, the heart and soul of some insist on surviving. A plague of locusts..and a smile when victory triumphs. Amazing how Jettel evolves.

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  13. amazingly, I have heard of neither the film nor the book. the book will have to come first. being German I find the subject extremely hard to cope with, but your recommendation makes it unmissable. Thanks Cuban.

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  14. Many thanks for your kind feedback.

    Greetings from London.

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  15. great movie indeed! i've seen it 3 times (am a bit monomaniac :-) and could see it again !!

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  16. A beautiful film about an incredible story. Awesome film!

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  17. Many thanks for your kind comments.

    Greetings from London.

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