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Poster for Nowhere in Africa

Nowhere in Africa

Seen it?

2001 | 140 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (85% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved One Life or The Zone of Interest, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 20 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A Jewish woman named Jettel Redlich flees Nazi Germany with her daughter Regina, to join her husband, Walter, on a farm in Kenya. At first, Jettel refuses to adjust to her new circumstances, bringing with her a set of china dishes and an evening gown. While Regina adapts readily to this new world, forming a strong bond with her father's cook, an African named Owuor.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    85% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Oscar: Best International Feature Film.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $24 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 21K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Caroline Link

  • Juliane KöhlerJettel Redlich
  • Merab NinidzeWalter Redlich
  • Sidede OnyuloOwuor
  • Matthias HabichSüßkind
  • Lea KurkaRegina (younger)
  • Karoline EckertzRegina (older)
  • Gerd HeinzMax
  • Hildegard SchmahlIna
  • Maritta HorwarthLiesel
  • Regine ZimmermannKäthe