Into the WildMovie Reviews

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• Must Go!
  Written October 31, 2007

  Absolutely Engrossing Film Had to see it 3 times

  by OutdoorGurl

  As an outdoor enthusiast and trained whitewater paddler I must say this film was absolutely AMAZING! I also LOVED Krakauers book. I must admit i was never any huge fan of Sean Penn but I applaude him for bringing this inspirational, insightful and tragic lifestory to life. The OVERWHEMING majority all agree that this is A DEFINITE MUST SEE MOVIE. Chris McCandless touched the lives of all he came in contact with. There was something truly special. about this very intelligent young man. It's a shame that he became estranged so deeply from his parents As a parent myself it broke my heart to see what his parents wound up going thru --and i too wished he woud have contacted his sister. However these people making all those really unnecessary UNDESERVED slanderous comments about mccandless deserving to die, saying the movie is a waste of time because Penn is a retard--etc---way beyond what was called for ---you peeple have bigger issues than anything you accuse McCandless of

  • 27 out of 32 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written September 25, 2007

  Incrediby Powerful, Beautiful, AMAZING

  by quaidlong

  Rarely have I been more moved by a film. The performances were brilliant, especially Mr. Hirsch, Ms. Keener and the endearing, heartbreaking Hal Holbrook. Tears began streaming quietly down my face near the film's end, and by the time the credits were rolling, I was near sobbing! I honestly don't think there was a dry eye on the entire theater. I cannot say enough about this wonderful, poweful, beautiful, evocative film. It truly transcends whatever you might be expecting as far as genre, or "a Sean Penn film," etc. It touches on something so basic, fundamental and universal. It left me speechless and trembling. Often difficult to watch, yet leaving me wanting more, this work of art will surely stay with me for a very long time.

  • 14 out of 14 found this review helpful.
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• 
  Written October 17, 2007

  "Into the Wild"

  by MBollschweiler

  This movie has been haunting me ever since I saw it. I don't think I'll soon forget its impact on me -- the scenery, the music, the acting, the persona of Chris McCandless.
  
  Emile Hirsch was completely irresistable. Hal Holbrook -- unbelievable!! Everyone involved made this impeccable, including Sean Penn's directing and Eddie Vedder's hauntingly, bone-chillingly beautiful voice and the feeling his songs pierced me with.
  
  Please see this, whether you've read the book or not, because it has many lessons to teach and inspires the viewer to think about their own passions and the conflicts that can arise from only following thos passions, while leaving other aspects of life behind.

  • 11 out of 11 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written October 30, 2007

  Solemn and solid

  by Skyliners

  a very captivating film. I can't recall having seen anything similar in which I knew the ultimate outcome and was still so gripped by the main character's life and actions, yet I hoped for, well, something other than his demise. I think that anyone seeing this film would have a tear in their eye at the end yet still leave the theatre with some semblance of hope - a strange mixture of emotions that bestows respect to the story and the depiction of it.

  • 11 out of 11 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written November 4, 2007

  Extraordinary and Moving

  by IrvThal

  Until about the 45-minute mark, "Into the Wild" seemed to be everything I was fearing -- a celebration of a hippie joker who becomes "enlightened" by spurning society. And then, through narration, we learn something more about the character, and the focus completely changes. Director Sean Penn asks for patience and some forgiveness from the audience, and there's no doubt that this is a tough movie -- tough to watch, tough to appreciate, tough to figure out. But it is the most rewarding, moving, extraordinary movie I've seen in years -- one of the few in my life that truly left me at a loss for words. "Into the Wild" will compound whatever expectations you may have of it. It's not a nature movie, it's not a preachy movie, it's not an elitist movie, it's not a message movie. It's simply superb. Go with an open heart, putting your expectations of a mainstream "popcorn movie" aside, and you'll be richly rewarded with a most uncompromising, beautiful film.

  • 9 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written November 3, 2007

  I created an account so I could review this movie

  by micaelasofi

  This move was so amazing. I really did create an account so I could review it. I scoffed a bit at the beginning, but the actors were amazing and the characters so real. I liked the character more and more as the movie went on, and the cinematography as well. The last 15 minutes or so of the movie I couldn't tear my eyes from the screen to see if my friends were crying. The whole audience was completely silent. So good.

  • 10 out of 12 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written March 13, 2008

  "happiness only real when shared."

  by rosettamarie

  Into the Wild is definitely a story that must be witnessed by all. The wisdom of the world shines through Emile Hirsch's haunting portrayal of Christopher McCandless; this movie, above all, tells a highly profound story. I would not nearly consider myself the adventure-seeking type, but I was so very impressed by the absolutely beautiful natural shots throughout the film and the intertwinement of being one with nature and one with humanity. It is a seemingly long film, but what is amazing about it is that so much is conveyed with very little action... just deep reflection that will be forever embedded in my mind. This is a deeply touching film and I only have the highest respect for Sean Penn when it comes to his work -- his brilliance is evident once again in this film. What an cinematic endeavor, but truly a masterpiece.

  • 15 out of 22 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written October 30, 2007

  See This Film!

  by filmbuff60

  Before they pull it go see 'Into the Wild'. I had to go see it a second time to see if I would get the same response (tears) and I did but in different parts. Hal Holbrook, Vince Vaughn and Catherine Keener are just a few of the standout supporting actors, but Emile Hirsch is the real hero in this heart-breaking tale based on a true story. Jon Krakauer wrote an analytic report based on interviews and Chris McCandless's actual journal. Perhaps it is the medium but, Sean Penn wrote and directed a much more humanistic account of this tragic odyssey. I walked out of the theatre feeling much of the pain and sorrow that his family must have felt; such is the magic of the medium.

  • 7 out of 7 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written October 31, 2007

  Into the Wild

  by sam joanna

  Deeply moving..well acted and alive with all kinds of emotions both on the surface and beneath the surface. I could easily identify with that exhilerating feeling of being able to connect to nature and to life on a very basic level.

  • 7 out of 7 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written November 20, 2007

  Loved it! On all levels.

  by funkymom

  A great, simple, uncommon story. You may or may not agree with the decision that McCandless made to go into the wild, but I thnk the movie shows clearly where he was coming from, what led him to that place and, however unwise, it was still something as beautiful and spontaeous and impulsive as youth itself. The acting is STELLAR: Marcia Gay Hayden and William Hurt knock it off the charts in brief, often wordless scenes. Hal Holbrook, too. WOW. The cinematography takes you on the journey - gorgeous and inspiring. A whole movie experience, and a must-see on a big screen. Go see it wiht someone who loves the outdoors and the joy of ideas and beautiful words so you can talk about it afterwards.

  • 6 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written November 19, 2007

  Pack your things

  by sethrich

  Into the Wild is Sean Penn?s rendering of the book written by Jon Krakauer, which is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch). McCandless graduates from Emory, donates his entire life savings to Oxfam America, and decides to trek to Alaska and just ?live life? in the wilderness. Some have called him inspirational, some have called him foolish.
  
  Leaving his car (and family and friends) behind, McCandless finds his way across the country hitching rides, sneaking onto trains, and even kayaking. He meets several interesting characters who all develop a fondness for his views and thoughts on life.
  
  The visual scenes of the land and sea are beautiful and we?re able to witness what we?ll probably never see in person. Not so beautifully, McCandless succumbs to the wrath of Alaska?s wilderness, but he finally realizes that happiness is only real when shared with others.

  • 7 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written September 22, 2007

  Wildly Moving

  by Frekja

  I just saw it last night - what a truly humbling experience. Everyone should see this movie because it's just good for your soul. Emile Hirsch's performance is mind-blowing. Vedder's music goes perfectly with the stunning cinematography. Kudos to Sean Penn for making such an important film. Thanks to the McCandless family for sharing their incredible story.

  • 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written October 22, 2007

  Into the Wild - What a great journey

  by Small Wonder

  I loved this movie! Maybe, it was the story more so than the movie. I graduated from high school with Chris McCabdless so knowing him has made his story so much more touching. I absolutely loved John Krakauer's book and as soon as I heard an interview with him praising the movie I knew that it would be great. Chris had some unusual thoughts and ideas but if you take the time to really think about what he believed and why he lived his life the way he did - you can learn something. You must see the movie - especially if you have read the book and are interested in his story. Thank you to his sister and parents for sharing his life with us - it was a beautiful journey and it has touched my life.

  • 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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• Go
  Written October 16, 2007

  Definitely a movie that makes you think

  by hldixon

  Excellent story - saw it with my husband who is an outdoor adventure type so we were quite interested in McCandless' travels and particularly his Alaska survival story. What surprised me and what made the movie worthwhile was all the background on his family and how this led McCandless to make his decisions - albeit wreckless. High point for me was the sister's narration and the ongoing references to philosophers and poets who shaped his outlook on life and his own personal discovery. The characters were highly complex. The film was extremely subdued and had a realistic undertone which made it appear so close to real life that you could constantly relate to the emotions - not atypical of a young adult finding their way and independence in their 20s. Highly recommend, especially to parents who want to guide and support their children through the inevitable dilusions and disappointments in life.

  • 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written October 5, 2007

  Into the Wild

  by mlhadley

  Was a brilliant recount of a moving live adventure. The photography is a must see on the BIG screen . Having it shot in the actual locations rather that substitutes to same filming costs truly enhances the experience. The score was a huge addition, including Eddie Veder at his best. Had some unusual editing that brought you closer to the emotions of the film. The actors displayed the deep emotions of the joy of nature and live, and the pain of loss and living. Was an emotional ride, well worth the adventure.

  • 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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