Review of Nowhere in Africa

I rarely get to see German films, but I serendipitously happened upon this one. First mesmerized by the beauty of Africa, I was drawn in by the story. No need to rehash the plot. It is described here elsewhere. Don't be put off. This is not your typical suave Nazi thugs maiming, torturing and pillaging. It is much more subtle, and therefore achingly effective. Regardless, the horrors of those times are exquisitely drawn in this movie. Indeed, they are so much more horrible when depicted against the story of this family's survival and longing for lost loved ones, including the homeland that sought to destroy them. I was utterly captivated by the young Regina's acceptance of her life in Africa and the effect on her mother, Jettel. The actress who portrays Jettel does an amazing job of showing a slow transformation from a selfish, self-centered, spoiled child into a full-blown adult.