Sydney Pollack
La Mia Africa

Cinematic adaptation of the memoir of the same name by Danish writer Karen Blixen, or rather of her biography. Masterpiece adaptation, I would like to add, because it effectively reproduces the content of Blixen's biography, successfully recreating the unreal and magical atmosphere of the memoir, in a romantic (in the broadest sense of the term) and realistic combination.

Karen Dinesen and Baron Bror von Blixen marry by mutual agreement for reasons of mutual convenience, supported by a solid friendship, and decide to seek their fortune in Kenya. Karen throws herself heart and soul into her relationship with Bror and their new life together in Africa, which he sabotages to pursue his own freedom and passions. At this point, Denys Finch Hatton (Robert Redford) enters the scene, an English hunter with a genuine passion for Africa and his own freedom, who reciprocates Karen's feelings and establishes a relationship with her. Bror will be the one to request a divorce to remarry, while Karen will remain alone with her love for her unfruitful coffee plantation, but above all for "her Kikuyu," the indigenous people who work on her land and become her other reason for living along with Denys. Denys will perish in a plane crash (it was the era of early flights), while the farm in Africa will burn in a fire. Karen will return to Denmark after saying goodbye to the Kikuyu and making arrangements for their future.

Beyond the sentimental theme (possession, betrayal, jealousy, individual freedom, sacrifice), the film highlights Blixen's position regarding the Kenyan population during the colonial wars, when black people were often and willingly considered inferior to Westerners. Blixen's character is well-rounded, an incisive, strong-willed female protagonist, with the tenacity to give substance to the reasons for her flaws and the nonconformist courage of the real Karen. Streep is excellent, but Redford is even better, with an understated performance that keeps intact the mystery and aura of the lord enchanted by the Masai and the life of wilder Africa. But Malick Bowens also deserves a mention for the dignity he gives the character of the butler Farah.

The film, which was released in 1985, is the classic hyper-romantic melodrama, but digestible as it is refined, with spectacular cinematography, a dreamy soundtrack, a substantial screenplay, and outstanding actors. For those who love to be captivated by true stories and are not afraid of a bit of African allure.