Out of Africa Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Danish baroness moves to Africa, gets syphilis from her husband, falls for Robert Redford, loses her farm, and then becomes a writer; basically, a very expensive real estate and dating disaster.

🍿 Out of Africa: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Kenya and a Marriage of Convenience

Karen Blixen, a Danish woman, enters into a marriage of convenience with Baron Bror Blixen-Finecke to gain a title and escape her stifling life in Denmark. They move to British East Africa in 1913 to establish a cattle farm, but Bror instead invests their money in a coffee plantation against Karen’s wishes. Their relationship quickly deteriorates as Bror proves to be unfaithful and irresponsible, leaving Karen to manage the plantation largely on her own.

Developing the Plantation and Encountering Denys

Karen dedicates herself to running the coffee plantation, facing numerous challenges including poor soil, labor shortages, and the outbreak of World War I. During this time, she meets Denys Finch Hatton, a charismatic and adventurous big-game hunter with a deep love for Africa’s wilderness. Denys introduces Karen to the beauty and vastness of the continent, and their friendship gradually evolves into a passionate but unconventional romance.

The War Years and Community Involvement

With the outbreak of World War I, Karen demonstrates her resourcefulness by leading a supply expedition to Danish troops in Africa. She also becomes deeply involved with the local Kikuyu tribe, providing them with medical care and establishing a school on her land, actions that are met with disapproval by some of the other colonial settlers. Her growing connection with the land and its people deepens her sense of belonging in Africa.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep): A Danish baroness who moves to colonial Kenya and develops a strong connection to the land and its people while navigating complex relationships.
• Denys Finch-Hatton (Robert Redford): A free-spirited hunter and adventurer who captivates Karen with his love for Africa and his independent nature.
• Bror Blixen (Klaus Maria Brandauer): Karen’s unfaithful and opportunistic husband, whose actions lead to complications in her life and eventual divorce.
• Farah (Malick Bowens): Karen’s loyal and dignified Somali servant, who becomes a trusted confidant and friend.
• Berkeley (Michael Kitchen): A fellow hunter and friend of Denys, who provides a brief connection and romantic interest for Karen.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Karen Blixen: “I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills.” – The iconic opening line sets the stage for Karen’s story and her deep connection to the land.
• Denys: “You know, if I know a song of Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon lying on her back, of the plows in the fields and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa know a song of me? Will the air over the plain quiver with a color that I have had on, or the children invent a game in which they play the long-legged stride of a huntsman?” – Denys reflects on the reciprocal relationship between himself and Africa, questioning his impact on the land and its people.
• Denys: “I’m not a possession to be owned.” – Denys explains his independent nature and refusal to commit to traditional marriage, highlighting his free spirit.
• Karen Blixen: “It’s an odd feeling, farewell. There is such envy in it. Men go off to be tested, for courage. And if we’re tested at all, it’s for patience, for doing without, for how well we can endure loneliness.” – Karen muses on the different expectations and challenges faced by men and women during that era.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $31,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $87,071,205
• Worldwide Gross: $227,514,205

💥 Out of Africa Reviews

Personal Review

Out of Africa is one of those movies that stuck with me. The sweeping landscapes and John Barry’s music still give me chills. I was completely drawn into Karen’s story; the loneliness, the passion, and the ultimate loss. The scene where Denys takes Karen flying over the savanna is unforgettable. It made me want to pack my bags and head to Kenya. I have to admit, I’ve watched this movie countless times and it never gets old.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of epic romances”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas set in colonial Africa”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning cinematography”
  • “Meryl Streep and Robert Redford fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of violence involving animals”
  • “Depiction of colonial attitudes and historical inaccuracies”
  • “Implied infidelity”
  • “Discussion of sexually transmitted diseases”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Sydney Pollack delivers a sweeping and visually stunning epic, showcasing Meryl Streep’s exceptional talent. The film beautifully captures the landscapes of Africa, though its length may test some viewers’ patience.
• The New York Times: “Out of Africa is a grand, romantic film that immerses you in its world. Streep and Redford’s performances are captivating, bringing depth to their characters. The story is rich, though the pacing can be slow at times.
• Rolling Stone: “A beautifully shot film that captures the exotic landscape, but can be a bit of a slow burn. Meryl Streep is excellent. However, the script is a bit weak and the overall experience does not quite live up to the hype.

Audience Reactions

Breathtaking cinematography and landscapes made the movie visually stunning.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s visuals and the performances of Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.

Sweeping musical score perfectly captured the essence of Africa.: Many audience members found the music and cinematography to be the most memorable aspects.

Overall Consensus: Out of Africa is generally regarded as a visually stunning and emotionally resonant epic, though some find its pacing slow.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Picture)- 1986
2. Academy Award (Best Director)- 1986
3. Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 1986
4. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 1986

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Meryl Streep worked extensively with a dialect coach to perfect her Danish accent for the role of Karen Blixen.”
• “The film was shot on location in Kenya, which added to the authenticity and visual splendor of the movie.”
• “Sydney Pollack aimed for a realistic depiction of colonial Kenya, including the complex relationships between the settlers and the native population.”

🖥️ How to Watch Out of Africa?

Out of Africa is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, where it’s often available for rent or purchase. Similarly, Apple TV offers both rental and purchase options. For those who prefer physical media, the film is available on Blu-ray and DVD through retailers like Amazon and major brick-and-mortar stores. Check local listings for potential broadcast schedules on cable networks.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Out of Africa, you might like these similar films:

• The English Patient (1996): Both are sweeping romantic dramas set against exotic landscapes during times of conflict and feature forbidden love.
• The Sheltering Sky (1990): Explores themes of alienation and the impact of foreign lands on personal relationships.
• Lawrence of Arabia (1962): Another epic historical drama with a focus on a Westerner’s experience in a foreign, often unforgiving, landscape.
• Memoirs of a Geisha (2005): Focuses on the transformation of a woman in a drastically different culture, and the beauty and struggle of that world.

🛒 Out of Africa Related Products

• Out of Africa [Blu-ray]: Experience the breathtaking visuals and epic story in stunning high definition. Perfect for movie nights and collectors.
• Out of Africa: Isak Dinesen, Karen Blixen: Dive deeper into the true story with this captivating biography. Explore the life of Karen Blixen and her experiences in Africa.
• John Barry – Out of Africa (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the iconic score that brought Africa to life. This soundtrack captures the romance and grandeur of the film.
• African Safari Adventure Game: Embark on your virtual journey through Kenya’s National Parks. Explore the African Wilderness.

🎧 Soundtrack

Out of Africa features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title – I Had a Farm in Africa” – performed by John Barry
• “Karen’s Theme” – performed by John Barry
• “Flying Over Africa” – performed by John Barry
• “Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra in A, K.622” – performed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Movie Accent Expert Breaks Down 32 Actors’ Accents | WIRED

Ever wondered about the secrets behind Meryl Streep’s captivating accents? This video breaks down her performance in ‘Out of Africa’ with expert commentary. It’s a fascinating look into the craft of acting.

✨ Rate