I was curious to see this film seeing the split type of reviews it got on IMDb. It has been showing at our small town cinema for full two weeks. And, yes, there were still quite a number of viewers - mostly women. I believe the problem is that people get worked up on the main character and get to dislike her strongly, then reflecting this on the film as a whole. Which of course is not fair, but maybe understandable. So if you want to see a marvelous, well made, well photographed and even well written film with an intriguing plot - this will be it. If you want to agree with all moves of the main characters and seek harmony, happiness and want to relax - just stay away. My boys, for instance, hated 'Gegen die Wand' for the lack of happy ending and the pain the main characters live through. So does this mean that we Germans have an affinity to 'difficult' plots? (including our German-Turkish compatriots in 'Wand') Maybe. What makes the film less understandable - but very much more realistic - is that it is based on a true story. So why complain? The Carola character has her flaws and gets stuck between wanting to Europeanise the Massai life and adapting to their customs. Which in itself would render enough material for several films. The Massai accept her but are also stuck with their traditions - what else would you expect. But this film is not about how this dilemma can be solved - it is about Carola and Lemalian - and if you come to think of it, two very brave characters, no matter how they behave in detail. They exist(ed)!!! And the film gives you an opportunity to partake in their torment. Just take this as ONE possible outcome and ponder on the potential and possibilities such a setting can offer. Enjoy.

The White Masai is a very handsome production that showcases excellent cinematography by Martin Langer and some fine performances by Nina Hoss and Katja Flint as two European women trying to cope with life in Kenya. Carola knows fairly early on that she has gotten into a situation that will call on all her emotional resources if she is to survive. Nina Hoss conveys her sudden attraction to Lemalian, followed by bruising experiences with female circumcision, a woman called bewitched who gives birth at the side of the road, a crooked "mini-chief" who craftily skims money off the receipts at her store, and other trials. She seeks help from Pater Bernardo the missionary, very skillfully played by Antonio Prester.

The story is engrossing but it is true, as another commenter noted, that you're never in doubt about the next plot turn. This film should be seen by all those who enjoyed The African Queen and Out of Africa; it has the same romantic appeal as those classics.

"Die weisse Massai" or "The White Massai" is a German movie from over 10 years ago and mostly known today because Nina Hoss plays the title character and she has turned into quite a star recently, especially in the United States. Well, "star" may be a bit much, but she has appeared in some high-profile films and series that most German actors can only dream of. The movie here is written and directed by Hermine Huntgeburth, who adapted Corinne Hofmann's novel for the big screen here. The film makes it past the 2-hour mark and tells us about a Swiss woman who travels to Africa and falls in love with a local tribesman. She decides to leave everything and everybody behind for that, even her boyfriend who she has been with a long time.

Almost the entire two hours is about her and how she (not) tries to adapt to life in the Massai tribe. The strict regulations, especially in terms of gender roles constantly clash with her personal identity and also her self-confidence as the modern woman she has been so far in life. It really is a 180° turn for her. Will it work out regardless in the end. Watch for yourself. This is by no means a perfect film and there is a weakness here and there, yet the solid script and strong acting (especially by Jacky Ido who you may know from Tarantino's World War II movie) makes this one worth a watch. The good outweighs the bad overall in my opinion and I recommend watching it. Thumbs up for "Die weisse Massai".