Basinger has wisely bided her time and chosen her post-Oscar project carefully. It’s a pity that in this empty spectacle, she comes off lost in the bush.
I Dreamed of Africa (2000)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:87
Fresh:8
Rotten:79
Average Rating:3.6/10
Consensus: The straightforward retelling of Kuki Gallman's life in Africa neither moves or entertains the viewer.
Synopsis: Based on the book of the same name, I DREAMED OF AFRICA is the true story of Kuki Gallman (Kim Basinger), a wealthy Italian socialite whose life changes abruptly after a near fatal car crash.... Based on the book of the same name, I DREAMED OF AFRICA is the true story of Kuki Gallman (Kim Basinger), a wealthy Italian socialite whose life changes abruptly after a near fatal car crash. Vowing to appreciate her life more deeply, she agrees to marry Paolo Gallman (Vincent Perez), a man she does not know well, and sets off with her young son, Emmanuelle (Liam Aiken), for a new life in the countryside of Kenya. A cattle ranch in the Lakipani region of Kenya becomes the Gallmans' new home, far away from the creature comforts of their posh household in Italy. Kuki is beset with the daily challenges of life in Africa, including harsh weather, dangerous animals, and the absence of her husband, who spends days away hunting with his new friends. Forced to face many challenges alone, Kuki experiences a cultural awakening, inspired by an intense and emotional connection to the land, animals, and rhythm of Africa. Finding her new purpose in life, Kuki becomes an activist for endangered African animals, most notably elephants and rhinoceroses. Her resulting battles with those opposing her ideas provide the greatest conflicts in this inspiring and lyrical film that features an impassioned performance by Basinger. Director Hugh Hudson effectively captures the breathtaking beauty of both the African landscape and the animals that Kuki dedicated her life to help save. [More]
Starring: Kim Basinger, Vincent Perez, Eva Marie Saint, Liam Aiken
Starring: Kim Basinger, Vincent Perez, Eva Marie Saint, Liam Aiken, Allison Daugherty Smith, Robert Loggia
Director: Hugh Hudson
Director: Hugh Hudson
Screenwriter: Paula Milne, Susan Shilliday
Producer: Stanley R. Jaffe, Allyn Stewart
Composer: Maurice Jarre
Reviews for I Dreamed of Africa
Hugh Hudson's film plays curiously like a friendly documentary of Kuki's life, especially with the voice-over narration that sounds like it belongs in an idealistic travelogue.
Africa never gets inside the heads of its characters. They may be based on actual people, but they're flat as cardboard.
I Dreamed of Africa plays like a string of journal entries waiting to be assembled into the fully involving narrative you're convinced it can be, but isn't here.
Like the star's acting, the movie is bland, full of good intentions and generally as stiff as a fireplace poker.
Ultimately the movie is alluring and respectful -- its sadness may be what saves it from becoming sensationalist or trite.
Moviegoers looking for exotic scenery and a good cry may find the picture enjoyable.
Ms. Basinger clearly relished the chance to throw herself into a character who endures many emotional extremities, though the joy and happiness she professes to find in Africa is not much in evidence.
Considering this is what star Kim Basinger picked to follow up her Oscar-winning supporting turn in L.A. Confidential, the film has got to be considered at least a minor disappointment.
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