At once a captivating romance and a breath-taking travelogue into the Kenyan outback, The white Masai (Die weisse Massai) carries us on an epic journey. Based on the autobiography of Corinne Hofmann, one of the most popular books in Europe of the past decade, it tells the unbelievable - yet true - fish-out-of-water tale of a white European woman who becomes the wife of a Masai warrior. The exotic urban jungle of Mombassa - where the two first fall in love - and the tiny village surrounded by majestic landscapes where they make their home provide a backdrop that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Swiss businesswoman Carola (Nina Hoss) had intended to holiday on the stunning white sand beaches of Kenya for only two weeks. Her plans change dramatically when she meets Lemalian (Jacky Ido), a handsome Masai warrior in traditional tribal garb. She finds herself falling for Lemalian and resolves to stay despite their seemingly insurmountable cultural and language differences and the many bureaucratic hurdles thrown in their way. Although barely able to communicate with her new love, she follows him to his remote village. When Carola starts a grocery store, buys a car and begins to adapt to this radically new environment, it looks like their relationship may triumph against adversity. But can it truly flourish in the face of this cataclysmic culture clash?
Special Agent Matti
The white Masai (Die weisse Massai) is a story of tragic love set against every kind of travail that can tear the lovers apart. "Two houses"? Romeo and Juliet have nothing on Carola and Lemalian.
M (Moderate sex scenes, moderate themes, infrequent moderate coarse language)
131 minutes (2:11 hours)
Film: 20 July 2006
