Review of Desert Flower (2009) by Erika K — 22 Oct 2011

"The extraordinary true story of the woman who crossed a desert and changed the world.".

Desert Flower, a film directed by Sherry Hormann, is based upon Waris Dirie's autobiographical account (also from the same title). Waris Dirie collectively, and remarkably, depicts various definitive events that mark her personal journey from nomadic childhood living in the Somali desert to the luxurious lifestyle of being a former international supermodel. At the height of her career, she expresses her views and own personal experience about "the day that her life changed" in an interview with Marie Claire magazine. Above all, she emphasized upon an atrocity inflicted upon young girls in a most cruel and mutilating cultural practice. As a UN spokeswoman, she advocates for the end of female circumcision.

Escaping an arranged marriage to an older man at the age of 13, young Waris treks through the desert to the capital, Mogadishu. It is there that she finds both her aunt and grandmother. After learning of her plight, they secure a housekeeping position for her with a wealthy family in the Somali Embassy in London. Leaving behind her mother and siblings, she travels to England all alone. After several years, her grandmother's premonition holds true. Civil war eventually breaks out in Somalia. After the Somali Embassy closes in London, an elder Waris is left behind and struggles to survive on the streets of London. In a departmental store, she meets Marilyn McKeene who eventually becomes her lifelong friend. Marilyn and Waris are total opposites, and various antics of Marilyn continually shock Waris. Cultural, social, and gender differences mark numerous hurdles for Waris. However, in Marilyn, Waris finds solace, comfort, and a sister.

Liya Kebede, Sally Hawkins, Timothy Spall, Juliet Stevenson, Meera Syal, Craig Parkinson, and Anthony Mackie stars; a most impressive performance by young Soraya Omar-Scego. The film's main theme is a beautiful music composition performed by Martin Todsharow. This is a most powerfully driven drama that will leave not an eye dry.