Meryl Streep's award-winning 1980s drama Out of Africa has been widely hailed as a "masterpiece" for its compelling storyline, stunning scenery, and the Hollywood icon's portrayal of aristocrat Karen Blixen. The romance drama, now streaming on Netflix, follows the fiercely independent Danish baroness as she relocates to Kenya to run a dairy farm.
Plot Overview
After being turned down by a Swedish nobleman, Karen enters a marriage of convenience with Baron Bror Blixen (played by Klaus Maria Brandauer). However, Bror recklessly converts the land into a coffee plantation and leaves Karen to manage it while he pursues hunting and engages in infidelity. Despite enduring heartache such as financial ruin, death, and a plane crash, the baroness is forced to choose between love and personal growth. During this journey, Karen develops a deep, spiritual connection with Kenya and its Indigenous communities, specifically the Kikuyu people.
Fan Reactions
Although Out of Africa was released over 40 years ago, it continues to receive praise. One fan gushed: "This is a masterpiece in all aspects, Meryl Streep was robbed of the Oscar; her meticulous German/Danish accent was first-rate." Another echoed: "Good emotional drama. Romantic dramas generally don't work on me, but this one did. Good story with superb performances (it is Robert Redford and Meryl Streep, though, so one should expect that)."
A third fan added: "One to savour, to sit back and let the events, the music and the performances wash over you, one of the best of Meryl Streep's acting." Out of Africa was also branded "a must-see!" as one fan hailed its "beautiful scenery, gorgeous and sweeping soundtrack, and a story that touches my heart makes this a favourite of mine that is certainly in my top five." Another said: "Gorgeous scenery/beautiful actors. Amazing music. Hadn't seen it for years and thoroughly enjoyed it - again."
Behind the Film
Out of Africa is the onscreen adaptation of a memoir of the same name, released in 1937 by the real Karen Blixen, a Danish author who also wrote under the pen name Isak Dinesen. The drama featured many real-life elements, including much of the heartbreak seen on screen. Blixen divorced her husband, faced financial ruin when her coffee farm failed, and suffered the aftermath of a tragic plane crash. Ultimately, she sold the land and returned to Denmark, where she poured her nostalgia into writing.
Meryl Streep's Favorite Scene
Streep has frequently opened up about her starring role and remembers the famous river hair-washing sequence with Redford as her all-time favourite film scene. Just last month, the actress spoke to Vanity Fair and described it as an incredibly intimate "love scene" that felt so good she didn't want the day of filming to end.
