“Out of Africa”, directed by Sydney Pollack, is a classic film that tells the true story of Karen Blixen, a Danish writer who runs a coffee plantation in Kenya in the early 20th century. The movie is known for its stunning cinematography, powerful performances, and memorable quotes that capture the essence of love, adventure, and the human spirit.
One of the most famous quotes from the movie is when Karen Blixen, played by Meryl Streep, says, “I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills.” This line sets the stage for the entire film, conveying the beauty and allure of the African landscape that captivated Blixen’s heart.
Another notable quote from the movie is when Karen Blixen says, “I don’t want to keep you, I want to absorb you.” This line perfectly encapsulates Blixen’s deep love and longing for Denys Finch Hatton, a British adventurer played by Robert Redford. It speaks to the intense passion and desire she feels for him, and the way he consumes her thoughts and emotions.
The movie also contains many profound quotes that reflect on the human condition and the complexities of life. One such quote is when Denys Finch Hatton says, “I don’t want to be in a world without you, Karen.” This line speaks to the profound connection and interdependence between two people, and the fear of losing someone who has become an integral part of one’s existence.
“Out of Africa” is a timeless film that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world. Its quotes are a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of words to capture the depth of human emotion and experience.
About the Movie
“Out of Africa” is a 1985 Academy Award-winning film directed by Sydney Pollack. It is based on the memoir of the same name by Karen Blixen, who wrote under the pen name Isak Dinesen. The movie tells the story of Blixen’s time in Kenya, where she owned a coffee plantation.
The film stars Meryl Streep as Karen Blixen and Robert Redford as Denys Finch Hatton, the man with whom Blixen has a passionate love affair. The movie explores themes of love, loss, and the struggle to maintain a balance between personal happiness and societal expectations.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the African savannah, “Out of Africa” captures the beauty of the landscape and the challenges faced by Blixen as she tries to navigate the complexities of colonial Africa. It also delves into the complicated relationships between Blixen, Finch Hatton, and the people who work on her plantation.
The film received critical acclaim for its stunning cinematography and powerful performances. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Sydney Pollack, and Best Actress for Meryl Streep. The movie has since become a classic, known for its sweeping storytelling and poignant portrayal of a remarkable woman’s life in Africa.
With its memorable quotes and breathtaking visuals, “Out of Africa” continues to captivate audiences and remains a timeless masterpiece in the world of cinema.
Overview of “Out of Africa”
Released in 1985, “Out of Africa” is a multi-award-winning film directed by Sydney Pollack. It is an epic romance drama based on the memoir of the same name by Danish author Karen Blixen, who wrote under the pseudonym Isak Dinesen.
The movie is set in colonial Kenya during the early 20th century and follows the life of Karen Blixen, a strong-willed Danish woman who travels to Kenya to marry her distant cousin, Baron Bror Blixen. After arriving in Africa, Karen falls in love with the breathtaking landscape and begins to manage a coffee plantation.
As the story unfolds, Karen’s marriage starts to crumble, and she finds solace in the arms of a free-spirited big-game hunter named Denys Finch Hatton. Their passionate love affair becomes a central theme in the film, depicted against the backdrop of the changing political and social landscape in Kenya.
“Out of Africa” is not just a love story; it also explores themes of colonialism, feminism, and the clash between European and African cultures. It portrays the struggles and challenges faced by Karen Blixen in her journey to assert her independence and find her place in the world.
| Director | Release Date | Running Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney Pollack | December 18, 1985 | 2 hours 41 minutes |
“Out of Africa” received critical acclaim and went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Sydney Pollack, and Best Actress for Meryl Streep, who portrayed Karen Blixen. The film successfully captured the beauty of Africa and the complexities of Karen’s life, making it a timeless classic.
Overall, “Out of Africa” is a captivating film that takes viewers on a journey through love, loss, and self-discovery in the awe-inspiring African landscape. It remains a beloved and influential piece of cinema that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Plot Synopsis
Set in colonial Kenya in the early 20th century, “Out of Africa” tells the story of Karen Blixen, a Danish woman who moves to Africa to marry a wealthy friend and run a coffee plantation. However, after her marriage ends in ruins, Karen finds herself falling in love with the land and its people.
As Karen struggles to make her coffee plantation successful, she forms a deep bond with the local tribesmen and learns to appreciate their customs and way of life. She also develops a romantic relationship with Denys Finch Hatton, a British big-game hunter who shares her love for Africa.
Despite the challenges and hardships she faces, Karen discovers a new sense of freedom and independence in Africa. She learns to embrace the untamed wilderness and finds solace in the beauty of the land.
However, as World War I breaks out, Karen’s life is once again upended. Her coffee plantation is forced to close, and she is forced to leave Africa and return to Denmark.
Reflecting on her time in Africa, Karen realizes that her experiences have shaped her in ways she could never have imagined. She leaves behind a piece of her heart in Africa, forever changed by her love for the land and its people.
“Out of Africa” is a poignant and evocative tale that explores themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of the natural world.
Best Quotes from the Movie
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“I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills.” – Karen Blixen |
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“God made the world round so we would never be able to see too far down the road.” – Denys Finch Hatton |
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“I think perhaps I will always hold a candle for you – even until it burns my hand.” – Karen Blixen |
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“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?” – Karen Blixen |
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“I have committed the sin of pride. I have never admitted my limitations to myself. I have been appallingly selfish. I have wanted you when I had no right to want you. I have endangered your life. I have endangered my own.” – Denys Finch Hatton |
“I had a farm in Africa”
“I had a farm in Africa” is one of the most iconic lines from the movie “Out of Africa”. It is a powerful statement that encapsulates the main character’s connection to the land and her deep love for Africa.
In the film, Karen Blixen, played by Meryl Streep, narrates her story of living in colonial Kenya and her struggle to maintain her farm amidst the challenges of the African wilderness. The line “I had a farm in Africa” represents her longing for the past, as well as the bittersweet memories and experiences she had on the farm.
The words carry a sense of nostalgia and wistfulness, evoking a strong emotional response from the audience. They also serve as a reminder of the beauty and majesty of the African continent, with its vast landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Furthermore, the line “I had a farm in Africa” reflects the theme of loss and change in the movie. It symbolizes the protagonist’s loss of her farm and her identity as a farmer, as well as the changing times that eventually lead to the end of the colonial era in Africa.
In conclusion, the quote “I had a farm in Africa” from the movie “Out of Africa” is a memorable and poignant line that captures the essence of the main character’s connection to the land and the beauty of Africa.
“I’m better at being you than you are”
This quote from the movie “Out of Africa” captures a moment of introspection and self-awareness. It reflects the complexity of relationships and how one person can sometimes understand another more deeply than they understand themselves.
In the film, Karen Blixen, played by Meryl Streep, utters these words to her lover, Denys Finch Hatton, portrayed by Robert Redford. It is a moment of vulnerability, as Karen admits that she knows Denys better than he knows himself. This statement suggests a deep connection and understanding between the two characters.
The quote also raises questions about identity and the extent to which one person can truly know another. It implies that Karen, in her role as lover and confidante, has gained a unique insight into Denys’ character, motivations, and desires.
Furthermore, this quote speaks to the theme of self-discovery and personal growth. It suggests that sometimes, others can help us understand ourselves better, and that through their eyes, we can gain new perspectives and insights.
This line is just one example of the beautiful and thought-provoking dialogue found in the movie “Out of Africa.” It reminds us of the power of words to convey deeper meanings and emotions, and the impact they can have on our understanding of ourselves and others.
“I had a compass from my father”
In the movie “Out of Africa,” one of the best quotes comes from the character Karen Blixen, who says, “I had a compass from my father.” This statement carries a deeper meaning, symbolizing the guidance and direction she received from her father throughout her life.
The compass serves as a metaphor for the values and principles instilled in Karen by her father. Just as a compass provides direction and helps navigate through uncharted territories, her father’s guidance helped her find her way in the world.
The quote also represents the connection between Karen and her father, highlighting the influence he had on her. It demonstrates the importance of familial bonds and the impact a parent can have on shaping one’s identity and beliefs.
Furthermore, the compass can be seen as a symbol of adventure and exploration. Karen’s thirst for adventure and her willingness to explore new territories were traits she inherited from her father. The compass serves as a reminder of her adventurous spirit and her desire to forge her own path in life.
Overall, the quote “I had a compass from my father” encapsulates the themes of guidance, connection, and adventure in the movie “Out of Africa.” It reminds us of the influence family can have on our lives and the importance of following our own path, even in the face of uncertainty.
“The music of Mozart was.. always there”
“The music of Mozart was.. always there” is a memorable quote from the movie “Out of Africa”. This line is spoken by the character Karen Blixen, portrayed by Meryl Streep, as she reminisces about the beauty and richness of her experiences in Africa.
In the film, Karen Blixen, also known by her pen name Isak Dinesen, is a Danish author who moves to Kenya to start a coffee plantation. Throughout her time in Africa, she finds solace and inspiration in the natural world around her, including the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
For Karen, Mozart’s music becomes a symbol of the enduring and timeless beauty she discovers in Africa. It represents the harmony and serenity she finds amidst the challenges and hardships of living in a foreign land. Mozart’s compositions serve as a soundtrack to her life, providing comfort, inspiration, and a sense of connection to something greater than herself.
This quote not only highlights the importance of music in Karen’s life but also underscores the profound impact that art can have on our experiences and memories. It speaks to the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries, evoke emotions, and create lasting impressions.
“The music of Mozart was.. always there” captures the essence of Karen Blixen’s journey in “Out of Africa” and serves as a reminder of the enduring power of music to shape and enrich our lives.
“I did not wish to feel anything”
In the movie “Out of Africa,” Karen Blixen, played by Meryl Streep, famously said, “I did not wish to feel anything.” This quote reflects the emotional journey of Karen, a Danish baroness who moves to Africa and struggles to find her place in a land foreign to her.
Karen’s statement captures her initial desire to protect herself from the intense emotions that living in Africa brings. She wants to keep her heart guarded and her feelings shielded, fearing that allowing herself to feel deeply would lead to vulnerability and pain.
However, as the movie progresses, Karen begins to experience the profound beauty and connection to nature that Africa offers. She becomes captivated by the people, the landscape, and the wildlife, which ultimately opens her heart to a range of emotions she had not anticipated.
Through her relationship with Denys Finch Hatton, played by Robert Redford, Karen learns to embrace her emotions and let go of her fears. Denys challenges her to live in the present moment, to fully experience the joys and sorrows of life, and to seize every opportunity for love and connection.
In saying, “I did not wish to feel anything,” Karen reveals her vulnerability and uncertainty. It is a reminder that sometimes, the things we resist the most are the ones that bring us the greatest growth and fulfillment. Karen’s journey in “Out of Africa” teaches us that embracing our emotions and allowing ourselves to feel deeply can enrich our lives and lead us to unexpected places of love and happiness.
“Perhaps he knew, as I did not”
In the movie “Out of Africa,” this line is spoken by Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep) as she reflects on the wisdom of her lover, Denys Finch Hatton (Robert Redford). It is a powerful moment that encapsulates the depth of their relationship and the complexities of love. Karen muses that Denys understood something about life and love that she was not yet aware of, and she realizes the depth of her feelings for him.
Throughout the film, Denys serves as Karen’s guide, teaching her about the ways of Africa and helping her to see the beauty and harsh realities of the land. His insights and observations about life, nature, and love inspire Karen and make her question her own beliefs and desires. He shows her a way of life that is free-spirited and unconstrained by societal expectations.
In this particular scene, Karen is reflecting on her evolving relationship with Denys. She realizes that he understood the depth of their connection long before she did. It is a moment of self-discovery and a realization that love can be complicated and uncertain.
With this line, “Perhaps he knew, as I did not,” the movie touches upon the universal experience of realizing the depth of love and understanding someone’s feelings for you when it might have gone unnoticed before. It highlights the complexities of relationships and the power of love to transform and enlighten.
The film “Out of Africa” is renowned for its beautiful cinematography, compelling performances, and memorable quotes. This line, spoken by Karen Blixen, is just one example of the film’s profound and thought-provoking dialogue. It captures the essence of the story and the depth of emotions experienced by the characters as they navigate love and loss in the African wilderness.