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Amazon.co.uk Review
A superb cast and an even-handed treatment of a true story buoy Into the Wild, Sean Penn's screen adaptation of Jon Krakauer's bestselling book. Emile Hirsch stars as Christopher McCandless, scion of a prosperous but troubled family who, after graduating from Atlanta's Emory University in the early 1990s, decides to chuck it all in and become a self-styled "aesthetic voyager" in search of "ultimate freedom." He certainly doesn't do it by halves: after donating his substantial savings account to charity and literally torching the rest of his cash, McCandless changes his name (to "Alexander Supertramp"), abandons his family (William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden as his bickering, clueless parents and Jena Malone as his baffled but loving sister, who relates much of the back-story in voice-over), and hits the road, bound for the Alaskan bush and determined not to be found. For the next two years he lives the life of a vagabond, working a few odd jobs, kayaking through the Grand Canyon into Mexico, landing on L.A.'s Skid Row, and turning his back on everyone who tries to befriend him (including Catherine Keener and Brian Dierker as two kindly, middle-aged hippies and Hal Holbrook in a deeply affecting performance as an old widower who tries to take "Alex" under his wing). Penn, who directed and wrote the screenplay, alternates these interludes with scenes depicting McCandless' Alaskan idyll--which soon turns out be not so idyllic after all. Settling into an abandoned school bus, he manages to sustain himself for a while, shooting small game (and one very large moose), reading, and recording his existential musings on paper. But when the harsh realities of life in the wilderness set in, our boy finds himself well out of his depth, not just ill-prepared for the rigors of day to day survival but realising the importance of the very thing he wanted to escape--namely, human relationships. It'd be easy to either idealise McCandless as a genuinely free spirit, unencumbered by the societal strictures that tie the rest of us down, or else dismiss him as a hopelessly callow naïf, a fool whose disdain for practical realities ultimately doomed him. Into the Wild does neither, for the most part telling the tale with an admirable lack of cheap sentiment and leaving us to decide for ourselves. --Sam Graham
DVD Description
Based on Jon Krakauer bestseller Into the Wild, this inspired story follows Christopher McCandless a young graduate who chose to leave his privileged life in search of adventure.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
After watching this film I am left overwhelmed by how good it was. I guess like so many people that watched this movie, it has left its mark. I cannot understand how the Oscars work in Hollywood and after watching and being disappointed by so many oscar winning films, it baffles me as to why such a wonderful film didnt get recognition.
The cinematography is stunning, the acting is fantastic and the story is inspiring and also so sad. This film touches the emotions and really makes you think about life.
In my book any film that leaves its mark on you like this is a work of art.
I have seen some poor reviews about this film and I guess it is people that like to watch hollywood dross that requires no thought/attention that will not like this movie. If that is you do not buy.
If you want to be moved by an amazing film, it will be the best movie out of hollywood for years. At this price it will be a steal, as you will watch it over and over.
To top it off the music is also outstanding.
The cinematography is stunning, the acting is fantastic and the story is inspiring and also so sad. This film touches the emotions and really makes you think about life.
In my book any film that leaves its mark on you like this is a work of art.
I have seen some poor reviews about this film and I guess it is people that like to watch hollywood dross that requires no thought/attention that will not like this movie. If that is you do not buy.
If you want to be moved by an amazing film, it will be the best movie out of hollywood for years. At this price it will be a steal, as you will watch it over and over.
To top it off the music is also outstanding.
118 of 124 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I have to say at first I came to this film through Eddie Vedder (big Pearl Jam fan), and I'm very happy I did.
I just watched the movie on DVD, and I have read all the other reviews here, which are much better than mine as far as going into details about the film, great camera work, the history behind the story, Sean Penn's ultimate vision and so on. So I'll just convey what this film did to my emotions, while the bruises to my senses are still raw.
I was expecting to have a tough time watching this. Like most people who watched it, I knew the outcome, and felt I was prepared... I wasn't.
I really liked this kid, and I felt in a way, what he felt as he went along exploring, whatever it is he felt he had to explore. In getting me along for the ride, this movie works on every level. And the way it brings us back to that buss, little by little, while telling the story leading up to it, jerks you in and out of danger so to speak, so when the final breath is exhaled, you, or atleast I, felt like I was right there, helpess and unable to stop this from happening. And that's the crux of the whole thing to me, now, 12-15 minutes after the end credits. And when a movie does that to you... It's a work of pure art.
To me.
As for all the rest. I loved this actor, I loved the others, the hippie couple, the young girl, the old man, Vince Vaughn, the danish couple (I'm half danish, so thanks Sean, for having real danish people speak real danish in your movie!) and the sisters narrating.
And on top of it all, there's Eddie Vedder, and it's just so good!
Thank you for leaving my feelings raw like an exposed nerve. Feels good to be alive.
I just watched the movie on DVD, and I have read all the other reviews here, which are much better than mine as far as going into details about the film, great camera work, the history behind the story, Sean Penn's ultimate vision and so on. So I'll just convey what this film did to my emotions, while the bruises to my senses are still raw.
I was expecting to have a tough time watching this. Like most people who watched it, I knew the outcome, and felt I was prepared... I wasn't.
I really liked this kid, and I felt in a way, what he felt as he went along exploring, whatever it is he felt he had to explore. In getting me along for the ride, this movie works on every level. And the way it brings us back to that buss, little by little, while telling the story leading up to it, jerks you in and out of danger so to speak, so when the final breath is exhaled, you, or atleast I, felt like I was right there, helpess and unable to stop this from happening. And that's the crux of the whole thing to me, now, 12-15 minutes after the end credits. And when a movie does that to you... It's a work of pure art.
To me.
As for all the rest. I loved this actor, I loved the others, the hippie couple, the young girl, the old man, Vince Vaughn, the danish couple (I'm half danish, so thanks Sean, for having real danish people speak real danish in your movie!) and the sisters narrating.
And on top of it all, there's Eddie Vedder, and it's just so good!
Thank you for leaving my feelings raw like an exposed nerve. Feels good to be alive.
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I read the book some time ago & found that the tale of Chris McCandless had burnt into my memory so, when the film was released, I was curious if the film could be as good as the book.
The film takes the story to another plane & is Sean Penn's masterpiece.
The scenery is breathtaking, the cast faultless, the soundtrack haunting but it is the story & the fact that it is a TRUE story that really drives it home.
An amateur review is never going to capture the wonderful & lasting experience that watching this film will bring. I suggest that you take it easy & watch it over a long period & digest all that it offers.
A tale of love, life, loneliness & just how much the human spirit has within it if only we give it the chance.
It seems that Chris McCandless touched alot of peoples' lives & now, through the artistry of Sean Penn's film & Krakauer's book, he will surely touch alot more. I came away feeling humble & thankful for my lot realising that we can perhaps do alot more with our lives.
It's just so good!
The film takes the story to another plane & is Sean Penn's masterpiece.
The scenery is breathtaking, the cast faultless, the soundtrack haunting but it is the story & the fact that it is a TRUE story that really drives it home.
An amateur review is never going to capture the wonderful & lasting experience that watching this film will bring. I suggest that you take it easy & watch it over a long period & digest all that it offers.
A tale of love, life, loneliness & just how much the human spirit has within it if only we give it the chance.
It seems that Chris McCandless touched alot of peoples' lives & now, through the artistry of Sean Penn's film & Krakauer's book, he will surely touch alot more. I came away feeling humble & thankful for my lot realising that we can perhaps do alot more with our lives.
It's just so good!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
If you've gone as far as reading the reviews, just buy it
Seriously, this is one of the best films I have seen. This was on TV a while back and I was impressed enough to watch it through to the end at 2am, when I had work then next day at... Read more
Published 20 days ago by wolfie
Woeful
As some reviewer said pseudo religious psycho babble for idiots. Looonnng meaningless introspection from a spoilt middle class brat. Read more
Published 1 month ago by kevin hall
Excellent film
I saw this film on television recently, and enjoyed it so much that I sent for the DVD, because I knew that it was one of those films that I would want to watch time and time... Read more
Published 2 months ago by J WORRALL
Amazing Movie
I rarely buy DVDs/Blu-Rays these days because I always watch movies on TV. Only the best of the best make it to my bookshelf - and this one did! Read more
Published 2 months ago by franciscopcc
Great Film
This is a brilliant film with an inspiring true story, probably one of the best films I've ever seen. I fail to understand some of the most negative comments posted about it. Read more
Published 3 months ago by DionysusDan
Good story
I was recommended to see this film by my family, and it was a very good story. I would recommend it to any young people thinking of travelling or taking a gap year. Read more
Published 3 months ago by linsec
Good product at a great price.
The item was well packaged and arrived in good time. Very good price, what more can I say other than I will use them again.
Published 3 months ago by Jas
Poignant
I may be covering ground that has long been left dusty by other reviewers, but this is such a raw, beautiful, mesmerising film that I feel compelled to travel down the same... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Jon
Epic
I loved this film, it made me laugh and cry and i don't really cry at films but i shed a tear while watching this, amazing story line, great actors what more can you want. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Anna86
Subtitles for hard of hearing= YES
Brilliant film!!. This factual story/film was recommended to me, but I was not enthusiastic about getting it..... but so glad that I did.
Published 4 months ago by Lizlass
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