Review of The African Queen (1952) by Scott R — 02 Jan 2018

My review focuses on the symbolism of the movie and on the characters, not on the plot. In the movie, "Rose" (Kathrin Hepburn) starts off as an uptight missionary woman, a clever but controlling woman.

Throughout their ride down the river she controls everything that happens on the "African Queen" boat which is symbolized by her steering the boat throughout their trip and early on in their voyage by her emptying "Charlie's" (Humphrey Bogart) liquor into the river because he had exploded in anger and called her names in his drunken stupor.

She later loosens up and reveals herself as "Rosie", an adventurous woman full of passion and courage and love who works just as hard for survival as Charlie does. Charlie shows himself to be an easy going guy who falls for her and agrees to go along with her wishes even if it means risking their lives.

He has a double dose of courage in that he takes on all the challenges of the African jungle without complaining much and he takes on a headstrong woman and opens his heart to her. The movie's main message has little to do with Africa or the war.

In fact, their rocky ride is symbolic of what happens in romantic relationships, and makes a statement that a good team is not one with perfect people, but one in which people accept each other the way they are, forgive each other and say I am sorry (Rosie later apologizes for throwing out his Gin), who know how to listen to each other, who put all their effort to help each other get out of a bad situation and who let that person steer (the boat) who has a bigger ability at saving them (or the relationship).

And although their trip is full of challenges, they learn to laugh a lot and to enjoy the adventure. Because that is what decides if a relationship becomes a joyous adventure or a hard struggle: good teamwork.