A Far Off Place

A Far Off Place is a 1993 adventure drama film directed by Mikael Salomon, with screenplay by Robert Caswell and Jonathan Hensleigh, based on the book A Story Like the Wind by Laurens van der Post. The film, set in the desolate deserts of Africa, follows the story of a group of young people and their struggle to survive in the wild.

The story begins with Nonnie Parker (Reese Witherspoon), a young girl living in the African wilderness with her family. One day, a group of poachers arrive and kill all of their elephants for their ivory tusks, leaving Nonnie and her friend Harry Winslow (Ethan Embry), an American boy staying with the Parkers, as the only survivors. The two decide to set out on their own to try and reach a safer place.

The two make their way through the vast wilderness, encountering various obstacles and dangers along the way. They are eventually joined by a bushman guide named Xhabbo (Sarel Bok), who helps them navigate the harsh terrain.

As they journey deeper into the desert, the trio is chased by the poachers, who want to eliminate all witnesses to their crime. The group is forced to rely on each other as they face numerous challenges, including dehydration, hunger, and treacherous landscapes.

The film features stunning visuals of the African landscape, showcasing the beauty and danger of the wilderness. The cinematography captures both the vastness and intimacy of the landscape, offering a sense of realism and authenticity to the narrative.

The performances from the cast are also noteworthy, with Witherspoon delivering an impressive turn as the strong and determined Nonnie. Embry is also effective in his role as Harry, providing a sense of innocence and naivety to the story.

Jack Thompson, who plays John Ricketts, a former soldier and mentor to Xhabbo, also delivers a strong performance, providing a sense of gravitas to the film.

Overall, A Far Off Place is a compelling and thrilling adventure drama that offers a poignant commentary on the human cost of poaching and environmental destruction. It is a film that encourages viewers to appreciate the beauty and fragility of the natural world, while also acknowledging the need to protect it for future generations.