When Thinking and Feeling Fall in Love

I saw this movie for the first time when I was only 19 years old, over 15 years ago. I had the video in my collection and watched it every now and then just to refresh my memory about why I fell in love with it from the first viewing. No matter how many times I watched it, I always appreciated it, and it always brought tears to my eyes.

Before I begin to praise the acting and the direction, I think it's important to tell people who have not seen this, that Out of Africa, was a book first that became a movie. This is not an uncommon event, however, many times people will say, "The book was better." I do not believe that can be said about this translation. I believe in this film, the story is expressed in a visual splendor as well if not better than any book could have done.

The movie will probably be found in the Drama section of your local video store. That is not a false description, however, I think it's more accurate to call it a Romance.

It is the story of Karen Blixen (played by Meryl Streep), a strong-willed, ambitious, and passionate woman who goes to Africa with her husband to start a farm. The relationship with her husband is interesting. They are not "in love" with each other, but they do love each other and they are very good friends. He has no interest in the farm, so she is left to tackle the project on her own.

She meets a man named Denys Finch-Hatton (played by Robert Redford) who will eventually become the love of her life.

There is so much story-telling going on this film. There is the story of Karen's relationship with the tribe (the Kuhuru) who help her with the farm. There is the story of her marriage of convenience. And then there is the story of the romance between Karen and Denys.

Karen becomes our heroine. We fall in love with her just as Denys does. Because of her strength and determination to succeed against the odds. For all her strength, we never forget that she is a sensitive and emotional woman who despite her theories of "ownership" wants mostly to love and be loved.

I think it's important to notice, that Karen was not interested in Denys in a romantic way upon their first meeting. She falls in love with him later, because she believes that he really loves her. They have some very interesting intellectual debates about their love. She pushes for marriage, while he is constantly explaining to her that it is unnecessary. Although Denys doesn't agree with the way that Karen wants to possess things and people, he does admire her very much for her courage to stand strong as a single woman in a new world.

The dialogue in the film is fantastic. Every word seems carefully chosen, and these lines are pearls of wisdom, that could be quoted like poetry. At times, you'll find yourself agreeing with Karen. And then, you'll see Denys's viewpoint, and think "Oh yeah, that's true too." Both characters state valid points. And that's why we love them both and that's why they are so good together.

The ending will have you crying (if you're the emotional type), but I won't spoil it.

As for the acting, Meryl Streep is one of Hollywood's finest actresses and she proves it again with this film.
Is Robert Redford really an actor? He always seems to be the same man in every movie I see him in. If you've seen him in "The Way We Were", and then you see this movie, you'll know what I'm talking about. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy his presence in this film. I think he's a wonderful leading man for a romance movie.

The directing is also top-notch. Some may complain the movie is too long, but if you enjoy the stories that are being told, you won't think so. And the cinematography is absolutely gorgeous with views of the untouched landscapes.