This has been on my wish list for some time. Hayley Mills, remembered from so many Disney movies, is a full grown adult with a young daughter who is fascinated by the people and experiences of Africa.
The story is simple but touching. The family is conned into a coffee farm in Africa and like an American western, encounters all types of difficulties in getting started. A neighboring family and a dashing white hunter provide a romantic love triangle. There is spectacular scenery and wild animals. Then it all goes wrong thanks to WWI.
July 8, 2008 |  | A National Geographic special which hasn't aged well |  |
Depressing, too long story of middle class British colonizing Narobi and trying to become wealthy growing coffee (other Europeans tried it and they all fail in the end). Adaptation of an autobiographical novel of young girl growing up here but lacks the book's perspective on the tragedy of taking the African's land and pastoral existance away. No character arcs here, instead panoramic shots of herds of wild animals. Probably not anymore interesting to children than to adults. Sadly, I am not sure that story the exploitation of the "Dark Continent" has ever been told acurately, maybe it is too tragic to put to film or words.
April 30, 2008Most of the other reviews cover what the story series is about. I will add that the scenery of flora and fauna add so much interest. As a woman, the story through the eyes of the little girl was my favorite of the actors. This series appealed to both men and woman, and children. It was also fun to see Hayley Mills in a 'grown up' role!
March 4, 2008 | | A wonderful glimpse into Kenya's history | |
I saw this in VHS format while I was living in Kenya back in 1982. I am going on memory as I write this but I do remember it was awesome. It gives such a wonderful, accurate glimpse into the history of what the early British settlers of Kenya went through. While some people having written poor reviews, unhappy with the 'violent' scenes, it was based on true facts. I don't like seeing animals killed either but it was true to the story as it happened. Of course, the scenery was incredible. It brings back wonderful memories of living in a country where while cruising down the highway through the vast plains it felt like you could stretch out your arm and touch the clouds. I do plan to purchase the movie and look forward to seeing it again and again. If you're unsure about purchasing this movie, it will be worth your while to rent it first!
August 12, 2007Hayley Mills looks great wherever she is. Half of the American adolescent/pre-adolescent population fell in love with her years ago when she was Disney's favorite little star. I was one of them, so the pleasure of this marvelous mini-series rests in the joy of seeing Ms Mills again. She is decidedly middle-aged, but she is still a sweet and innocent and charming as ever. The entire production is first-rate: the setting itself is the star, of course, but the musical score, the acting, which includes a sizable native tribe who shares the land with the pre-WWI colonial family trying to make something of the arid property. There are multiple themes at work here: class tensions and rivalries, love affairs, intriguing white-blacks miscues and misunderstandings, along with expected colonialist arrogance and racism. It was a magical time nonetheless, and one shares the young family's hopes and ambitions. They may be carrying the British flag, but they are decent and good and honorable at every turn, so you can't help cheering them on.
July 4, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
Daily Birthdays
(23 reviews)