The White Masai (2005)

Fascinating film and all the more compelling to think this woman actually chose this life.

really interesting movie, i thought 10 mins into it omg don't think I will be able to watch this but stayed glued to the screen until the end

In german with english subtitles. Not an easy movie, but very interesting being based on a true story: a courageous woman gives up the comforts of a normal european life to move in a remote village in Kenya for love...unfortunately it did not work!

A beautiful movie. Scenery, cultural differences, storyline and the people all made for an interesting insight into life in Africa. I loved it.

After a dodgy start I found this to be a very interesting drama. How close to the book that it's based on is anyone's guess but as there was a fair amount of involvement by the author herself one would hope that it's pretty honest. Performances are terrific.

Not a bad story just couldn't handle all the subtitles!

Some of this movie was culturally incorrect

A story of naivete & ignorance. I saw a long i/view with Carola Hofmann at the time of her autobiog release, & was struck by what a very odd her personality she was. Having seen the film, my initial impressions are only compounded. She professed love for a man with whom she could not communicate on any deep or significant level, a man who never once said that he loved her & who already had several other wives at home. She subjected herself to a life of subjugation, deprivation, humiliation, isolation & danger, & was not even the adventurous, wanderlust-type of spirit who would view all of this as an exotic chapter in her life to explain her behaviour. If I had not seen her speaking in person, I would have been baffled. As it is, I am left with the impression that she has significant personality issues, with an intense need for self-punishment. Perhaps a book/film exploring these issues would have been more interesting. Well-written, filmed & acted (&, so, gets 3 stars), but ultimately unsatisfying & unbelievable (yes, even though it is based on true events!)

An amazingly strong woman who took a chance; thought the movie could have provoked more emotion. Stunningly, breathtaking scenery and photography and a bit of an insight into life in Africa and their culture, although lacked pace and seemed slightly disconnected in parts.

yep, enjoyed this national geographical culture clash romance...

I did not enjoy this movie, the scenery was good but...

The scenery is lovely but the story line was average.Worth a watch.

A amazing movie, i recomend it to anyone to watch, its raw and honest..

This movie is absolutely stunning both in the acting ability of the main characters and the scenery. The culture of the Masai is far different from the life we know it. A Must See.

An engrossing movie that’s entirely believable, as it ought to be, based on a true story. Particularly well done is the changing face and demeanour of the central character as she goes from the naivety of the young to facing the grim adult reality. Oddly whenever she is angry with her warrior man she first speaks to him in German, but then quickly translates into English. She might as well use English in the first place. Indeed, despite being a German movie, it is mostly in English, as befits its setting in Kenya.

This is a great story and a superbly shot film. The only downside is the multiple languages used which can get annoying.

Great movie - the scenery, village life and customs of the Kenyan people were portrayed well. Must see.

This movie made me shake my head, laugh, hope and cry! The first scene was so corny I was laughing my socks off but I think this was intentional; a display of how ridiculous attraction and expectation can be. Interesting to see where two extremely different cultures can, will, won't, should and can't cross their invisible boundaries

An amazing love story

Enthralling but not an easy film to watch. Some disconnected scenes would probably make more sense if you had read the book

I enjoyed this moving story and found it hard to believe any western woman would willingly chose to live such a different life.Ultimately the cultural divide was too great and also concern for her daughters' future must have led to her leaving. A real eye-opener.

Great movie, give it a go!

The wife loved it - told me to give it 4 stars. Apparently the book was much better, but then they always are. If you liked the book, you'll like this.

Interesting to me as we had been to the same region in Kenya and visited a Samburu village as was used here. Very authentic!

Interesting, rare subject based on autobiographical experience I understand.

This is based on real events and I have seen the actual woman involved in an interview. I thoroughly enjoyed this as much for the storyline as for the rich colours of Africa.

Did not like it. Impossibly foolish situation.

This movie was very moving and emotional! The scenery was magnificient! The only downfall was the fact it was not in English and the sub titles were annoying!

An interesting film of a Swiss girl giving up her life in the West to live with and amongst the Masai in Kenya. An insight to different cultures and attitudes towards women - many of which have been documented in recent times! Worthwhile

Powerful story depicting the status of women among the nomadic tribes of Africa - men living one life and women another and never the twain shall meet until the men have a need for a woman, with women being oppressed throughout their lives. Not that different in the rest of the world really, but to a lesser degree. However I found it interesting that the Masai's mother had a strong influence over her son. Excellent cinematography, music and a particularly well directed film - done by a woman!

This might not be for everyone, but I was brought up in Kenya and it brought back memories. I enjoyed it

As a treatment of a wonderful book it wasn't too bad. Clearly there are moments in the book not covered in the film but it is nonetheless a compelling story of a very unusual situation and set of circumstances

great movie for women , to many subtiles for some loses the story at times. but really enjoyed this movie.

OMG - wonderful movie!

Very interesting, it gave us a better view of the differences in cultures

I loved it. Showed how two cultures can be melded into one and the difficulties faced in doing so.

One day later i am still thinking about this true story,it was amazing how she gave up everything she knew about life to marry and live the way she did,i could never do that,how did she?if you want 2 good hours hire this dvd.

It is actually quite a moving film...and I'm not usually the type to get emotionally involved with films!

A beautiful, moving movie. Being based on a true story made it even more memorable.

enjoyed the fascinating aspect of it and the fact that its a true story

This is a sensational movie. I had read the true story several times and couldn't believe anyone could leave all the mod cons they had to live in such primitive conditions, but when you see the movie it's like "wow" HOW COULD ANYONE LIVE LIKE THAT AFTER LIVING IN THE MODERN WORLD_ IT WAS FANTASTIC!

Not the greatest movie to watch if you are 36 weeks pregnant! A little too depressing for my liking, even though the scenery and locale were amazing.

would prefer it was in English (not sub titles)

Beautiful, raw, true to life. A must see.

an amazing movie

This film is worth watching for its stunning scenery/photography and its fascinating insight into the Masai culture, as well as the culture clash between a Western woman and her Sumburu warrior lover/husband. But somehow the story itself lacks emotional resonance, falling short in its dramatic impact. There are some powerful scenes, such as the sequence when Carola (actress Nina Hoss) tries to help a woman in labour. However during other sequences the pace seemed too slow - tighter editing could have helped drive the story forward more powerfully. Overall - a visually stunning film that is nevertheless disappointing in its lack of emotional engagement.