Based on the adventures of Christopher McCandless, Sean Penn’s Into the Wild was a powerful thought provoking film which carried a powerful message behind it. True peace is found in forgiveness.

Personally, I had no clue as to who Christopher McCandless was or what the story behind the film was all about. It only caught my interest because of a great review I read on a blog I occasionally visit and taking notice of the several nominations it received at the Oscars this year. These two conditions were enough to warrant a DVD rental.

Into the Wild was the best melodramatic movie I’ve watched in years. Based on Christopher McCandless’s adventures in the Alaskan wilderness, it tickles all senses and forces you to reflect on your life, ambitions, and reasons for doing the things you do everyday.

The cinematography is breathtaking, and Penn clearly sets the mood with the beautiful scenery from the Yukon wilderness mixed with an incredibly melancholic score by Eddie Vedder. Emile Hirsch who plays Christopher in the film does a superb job at bringing his character to life and his development during the film was fantastic.

This film is not for everyone and I think that some may even consider it dull and boring. But for those of you who are inspired by human relationships and emotions, this is definitely a film you must see. I can ramble on and on about how great this film was for me, but the only way to truly understand its meaning is to watch it for yourself.

Synopsis:

‘Into the Wild’ is based on a true story and the bestselling book by Jon Krakauer. After graduating from Emory University in 1992, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.

A shot of the real Christopher MacCandless smiling near the bus he called home in the Alaskan Frontier.

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