Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Into the Wild (2007)
"Into the Wild" (2007) is an inspiring yet heartrending tale of Christopher McCandless, a top student and athlete from Emory University who, upon graduation, decides to relinquish his possessions and donate his entire savings of $24,000 to charity. With the wilderness calling his name, he hitchhikes his way to Alaska, leaving behind the comforts of civilization.
During his journey, Christopher encounters a myriad of characters, each of whom leaves an indelible mark on his life. By April 1992, he makes it to a secluded area called Healy, just a stone's throw away from Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Recognizing Christopher's lack of adequate preparation for the wilderness, the man who drops him off generously gifts him a pair of gumboots.
Seizing an abandoned city bus as his home, which he fondly names "The Magic Bus," Christopher immerses himself in the isolated beauty of the wild. Armed with a .22 for hunting, a collection of books for company, and a journal to document his journey, he embraces the thrill of living off the land.
Based on a true story and adapted from a book, this film is utterly spellbinding. It captures the raw essence of human spirit, the allure of freedom, and the harsh realities of survival.
Following the release of the movie, it inspired many to replicate Christopher's journey, leading to a series of unfortunate events. Many ventured out unprepared into the wild, succumbing to the unforgiving wilderness. It's believed that the infamous bus was removed in recent years to deter ill-equipped travelers from attempting the perilous journey, in an effort to prevent further loss of life.
- You don't enjoy films that deal with introspective, philosophical queries.
- You are under the age of 14, as this movie contains mature themes and some explicit content.
- You are uninterested in survivalist stories set in the wilderness.
- You are not a fan of biographical films.
- You prefer high-action or fast-paced movies.
Wild (2014):
Just as in "Into the Wild," "Wild" is a film about self-discovery through a journey in nature. It's based on the memoir by Cheryl Strayed, depicting her solo 1,100-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail as a way to self-recover after a traumatic period in her life. The movie is beautifully shot, and Reese Witherspoon's performance is deeply touching.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013):"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," directed by and starring Ben Stiller, tells the story of a daydreamer who escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance, and action. Similar to "Into the Wild," it's an inspiring story about embracing the world and breaking away from the everyday grind in pursuit of a more meaningful life.
Tracks (2013):"Tracks" is another story true to life about a young woman who embarks on a journey through the desert of West Australia with four camels and her loyal dog. Like "Into the Wild," "Tracks" is about the search for identity and self-fulfillment through a solitary journey through nature. The movie captures the Australian outbacks stunningly and features an impressive performance by Mia Wasikowska.
The Way (2010):"The Way" directed by Emilio Estevez and starring Martin Sheen is about a father who heads overseas to retrieve the body of his estranged son who died while traveling the "El camino de Santiago," and decides to take the pilgrimage himself. This film shares emotional and thematic ties with "Into the Wild," particularly in the portrayal of a journey of self-discovery and understanding, enhanced by breathtaking cinematography.
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