Truly amazing film (Into the Wild (DVD))

Member Name: albacookie

Product:	Into the Wild (DVD)
Date:	26/08/09 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Emile Hirsch

Disadvantages: Made me cry!

I still can't decide if I liked this film or not but I couldn't stop thinking about it for days after I first watched it.

Adapted from the book of the same name Into The Wild is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless who after graduating from college gave away all his money, left the vast majority of his posessions behind and headed off to find himself by travelling to Alaska to live completely outside of mainstream society. His journey took him all over the States and introduced him to people like himself who saw the world in a different way. (though none to the same extremes as Chris).

This is on of the most thought provoking films I have seen in a long time. Emile Hirsch is fanatstic as Chris - he is a complex, multi layered character who may sometimes come across as selfish and arrogant but ultimately realises what is important to him. Unfortunately this realisation is futile and the ending is truely heart breaking.

Other highligts include Hal Holbrook's performance as Ron Franz - a widower who takes Chris under his wing and an appearance from the local that gave Chris a lift to his final destination in Alaska and gave him his own boots as Chris had none.

Sean Penn's directing is superb, and the cinematography makes the country into a central character in the film.

A great film but make sure you have tissues handy!

Summary: Well worth watching