I've been watching lot of world cinema to learn different ways of film making. While watching, I came across this german movie called, Nirgendwo in Afrika. This movie is one of those rare movies which has tried to show the consequences of World War II on a common man, without showing any form of gun battle, holoucaust, invasions etc. But, the movie has taken a different way to tell a world war II story. That, I would say is a element that makes this movie special.
The movie goes around a german family who immigrates to Kenya from Leobchutz during 1938 to escape the increase in persecution of Jews. The man in the family(Walter), who was a former lawyer in Germany finds a new job as a farm manager send for his family to come and live with him in Kenya. The wife (Jettel) finds it dificult to stay in the farm with the local villagers. But, their little daughter (Regina) adapts to the environment quickly. She soon forms a close relationship with the farm's cook Owuor.
As the war breaks out, the family experience all sorts of situation untill 1947. The movie flows with the narration of Regina. There are some beautifully drawn scenes, where the white little girl plays with the local black kids and the news of jewish mass murder in Germany affects their family in Kenya. The final scene is the best of all, a very small scene to show what Africa means to the family. That, I'll not reveal it now, as I am sure that you will definitly watch this movie.
This movie is directed by Caroline Link and it is based on a autobiographical novel. This movie has won many awards including best foreign film in 2002. A great movie to watch. So, I hope my small description about this movie will create interest in you to watch this beautiful movie. Do watch it. And feel free to comment. Thank you.
