I Dreamed of Africa (2000)

9% of critics liked it
(87 reviews)
56% of users liked it
(5,362 ratings)

Kim Basinger stars in this film based on the life and work of Kuki Gallmann. As a child, Kuki visited Africa with her family and became fascinated with the beauty of its land and wildlife. Years later, at the age of 25, Kuki returned to Africa with her husband, Paolo (Vincent Perez), and their young… More Kim Basinger stars in this film based on the life and work of Kuki Gallmann. As a child, Kuki visited Africa with her family and became fascinated with the beauty of its land and wildlife. Years later, at the age of 25, Kuki returned to Africa with her husband, Paolo (Vincent Perez), and their young son, Emanuele (Liam Aiken). Kuki and Paolo built a ranch and developed a passionate interest in protecting the endangered wildlife of the region, such as elephants and rhinos. However, while Africa was a place of beauty and wonder for Kuki, it was also full of danger and tragedy, and when Paolo is unexpectedly killed, Kuki is left alone to fend for Emanuele and her unborn child in this spectacular but unforgiving landscape. I Dreamed of Africa was directed by Academy Award-winner Hugh Hudson and also features Robert Loggia and Eva Marie Saint. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 2 hr.
Directed By: Hugh Hudson
Written By: Paula Milne, Susan Shilliday
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: May 5, 2000 Wide
On DVD: Aug 29, 2000
Studio: Columbia Pictures

Critic Reviews

Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader
Ultimately the movie is alluring and respectful -- its sadness may be what saves it from becoming sensationalist or trite.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
It hasn't any rhythm at all, just a string of downbeats and a hackneyed old tune that equates mere survival with heroism.
Mark Caro, Chicago Tribune
Doesn't have much plot.
Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Africa never gets inside the heads of its characters. They may be based on actual people, but they're flat as cardboard.
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
Director Hugh Hudson (Chariots of Fire) visits adversities as if they were stops on a photo safari.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
There's a major performance here by Basinger but no movie to go with it.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
This astonishingly awful film is a study in how a film can go terribly wrong from concept to execution.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
There's some good work from Basinger and solid (but also bland) techs and not too much else.
John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
A production like this deserves better scriptwriters and a better leading player.
Susannah Breslin, Film Threat
Shockingly boring and stupifyingly umoving.
Chris Gore, Film Threat
You should avoid this film and take a trip to the zoo instead.
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
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.
Ross Anthony, Hollywood Report Card
The writing itself is a bit immature, What the film does best is depict the unpredictable rhythm and dangerous allure of Africa.
Glenn Kenny, Premiere Magazine
Gallmann now is a respected conservationist in Kenya. Fine. Good for her. But in this case, not so good for us.
Christabel Padmore, Apollo Guide
A beautiful travelogue and a squandered opportunity.
Stephen Farber, Movieline
It's beautifully photographed and well directed by Hugh Hudson, but the script is flimsy.
Prairie Miller, filmgazette.com
Kim Basinger does white woman's burden in this post-colonialist biopic yawner.
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
In the film, it feels more like Gallmann is simply tolerating her life in Africa rather than embracing it, and the disparity between those two positions makes all the difference in the world.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
If the film had shown the actors getting eaten alive by mosquitoes, it would have been more convincing. That's real nature.

Read all 19 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Dean M

This true drama based on the memoirs of Kuki Gallmann was so emotionally and sadly when she got homestead on a farm in Africa with her new husband and young son.
Sunil J

Kim Basinger was excellent in this. The whole film is wonderfully exotic and beautifully shot.
Leo L

A great movie!