Out of Africa

In 1910s Kenya, Danish aristocrat Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep), establishes a coffee plantation with her husband, Bror Blixen (Klaus Maria Brandauer). Isolated from European society, Karen faces the challenges of rural life, navigates complex relationships with the local people, and confronts the failure of her marriage to her unfaithful husband. She then meets Denys Finch Hatton (Robert Redford), a captivating British adventurer and hunter whose independent spirit draws her in. Their burgeoning romance is tested by their differing worldviews: Denys cherishes freedom, while Karen desires stability and a settled life on her farm. Over the years, Africa’s breathtaking and untamed landscapes become the backdrop of their story - a place where Karen discovers both the raw beauty of the world and the limits of her own existence. War, political turmoil, and personal trials further complicate their relationship.

Out of Africa is a poignant epic about love, loss, and the search for identity. Sydney Pollack delivers a masterpiece, elevated by Meryl Streep and Robert Redford’s powerful performances, John Barry’s sweeping score, and the majestic African landscapes. It is a story of accepting fate, deep introspection, and the enduring power of memories.

Thibault Ramet (Lettres UNIL)