Out of Africa
Performance & Direction: Out of Africa Review
Last updated: February 5, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Out of Africa (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this History.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any History is often anchored by its ensemble, and Out of Africa features a noteworthy lineup led by Robert Redford . Supported by the likes of Meryl Streep and Klaus Maria Brandauer , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Out of Africa
Quick Plot Summary: Out of Africa is a History, Romance, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Tells the life story of Danish author Karen Blixen, who at the beginning of the 20th century moved to Africa to build a new life for herself. The film is based on her 1937 autobiographical novel. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Out of Africa
Ending Breakdown: Out of Africa resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to history resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the history themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Out of Africa reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Out of Africa Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Out of Africa draws heavily from documented historical records. As a history, romance, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Out of Africa adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Out of Africa?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy History films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Out of Africa
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $31.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $227.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Out of Africa Budget
The estimated production budget for Out of Africa is $31.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Out of Africa
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Where to Watch Out of Africa Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeOut of Africa Parents Guide & Age Rating
1985 AdvisoryWondering about Out of Africa age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Out of Africa is 161 minutes (2h 41m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, Out of Africa is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Out of Africa worth watching?
Out of Africa is definitely worth watching if you enjoy History movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Out of Africa parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Out of Africa identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Out of Africa?
The total duration of Out of Africa is 161 minutes, which is approximately 2h 41m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
