A Far Off Place

A Far Off Place (1993) is a captivating adventure-drama film, tailored from Laurens van der Post's two books; “A Story Like the Wind” and “A Far Off Place”, and brought to life by director Mikael Salomon. The film blends captivating storytelling with breathtaking cinematography to deliver an unforgettable coming-of-age story.

The film stars a young Reese Witherspoon as Nonnie Parker, a brave teenager raised on an African wildlife reserve run by her family who knows the wilderness like the back of her hand. Ethan Embry, also a rising young actor at the time, portrays Harry Winslow, a city boy from New York visiting Africa with his diplomat father, who is clueless about the wilderness yet becomes an essential part of the narrative.

Actor Jack Thompson enlivens the character of John Ricketts, an eccentric yet wise bushman who provides both comic relief and vital survival knowledge throughout the journey. Together, these principal characters embark on an adrenaline-fueled journey of survival across the harsh, parched Kalahari Desert after witnessing a heinous crime executed by cold-blooded poachers.

The story begins with the city boy, Harry, arriving at the Parker family reserve, where he is immediately taken aback by the allure of the African wilderness. Through him, the audience gets to experience the raw and untamed beauty of Africa and its wildlife. Harry’s inadvertent ignorance about the African wild ends up charming Nonnie, and a bond gradually forms between the two teenagers. Their budding friendship and romantic tension add to the overall charm of the movie.

However, the initial sense of tranquility is abruptly shattered when a ruthless band of ivory poachers led by the malevolent character, Koba, shows up. This tragic event inadvertently thrusts Nonnie and Harry into a daunting adventure. Orphaned through these circumstances, the pair, with no choice but to flee for their lives, embark on a treacherous yet epic journey across the merciless Kalahari Desert.

In comes the gruffly lovable bushman, John Ricketts, who finds himself assuming the role of a reluctant guardian to the two teens. He imparts life-saving wilderness skills to his young charges to endure the relentless desert. His wisdom, patience, and dry humor bring much-needed lightness to their otherwise perilous journey.

A Far Off Place is much more than just a tale of survival - it's a deep, moving coming-of-age tale that explores themes of friendship, resilience, and courage. The journey forces the protagonists to mature quickly, and through their trials, they form a deep and lasting bond.

The cinematography of this epic adventure deserves a special mention. The filmmaking team beautifully captures the untouched and awe-inspiring landscape of Africa. While the brutal and relentless desert may posed as an adversary to Harry and Nonnie, it also holds beauty in its vast sand dunes, clear blue skies, and unique fauna waiting to be discovered. The film's visual vibrancy adds to the overwhelming sense of danger, the majestic allure of the wilderness, and the sweeping scope of the journey, making it a truly immersive cinematic experience.

From a captivating plot to engaging performances and stunning visuals, A Far Off Place skillfully takes the audience on a perilous, transformative, and ultimately hope-filled journey. While its themes involve poaching and pursuit, it never loses its core – the friendship that grows between Nonnie and Harry, along with the vital lessons they learn from Ricketts about survival and life.

In addition to offering a visually grand adventure tale, A Far Off Place provides its young audience some valuable life lessons - courage in face of adversity, resilience, and the importance of friendship and trust. This film is an entertaining watch that grips viewers with its heart-pounding chases and a distinct emotional pull, making it a classic treasure in the adventure genre. For those who wish to revisit Reese Witherspoon and Ethan Embry in their early acting days, or for those who love adventure and wilderness, A Far Off Place is a must watch.