What it’s about
In 1913, Danish aristocrat Karen Dinesen (Streep) enters into a marriage of convenience with the smooth Baron Blixen (Brandauer). They move to Africa together and use her money to start a coffee plantation. Though she's fond of him, he's repeatedly unfaithful, even giving her syphilis. After treatment back in Denmark, she returns to Kenya and insists the Baron move out. Then her budding relationship with big-game hunter Denys Finch Hatton (Redford) develops into an intense love affair, played out against the sumptuous backdrop of the African bush.
Why we love it
This multiple Academy Award-winner owes its magic to the happy confluence of superb cinematography, a lush musical score (by John Barry), and sheer star power. Streep in particular is working at the top of her game; her Karen is at once proud and vulnerable, capable and needy. And Kurt Luedtke's script captures all the poetry of author Dinesen's published memoirs. Director Pollack wisely lets the wild beauty of Africa take center stage for much of the film, yet once Streep and Redford exchange glances, we can feel the romance and passion simmer. Go on this cinematic safari, and experience one of the great epic love stories of the screen.