Paramount Vantage | Release Date: September 21, 2007
8.1
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Universal acclaim based on 489 Ratings
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Positive:
406
Mixed:
46
Negative:
37
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9
edpoopstuffJul 13, 2015
first watching this movie I was trying to get used to the characters, it was really slow paced, ill admit I was a little bored but events during the middle how it explains things from different ends and also feeling what that guy is feelingfirst watching this movie I was trying to get used to the characters, it was really slow paced, ill admit I was a little bored but events during the middle how it explains things from different ends and also feeling what that guy is feeling kept me going and then the ending just broke me. also there were some moments were you could really feel the characters in the story I also enjoyed that Expand
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8
Wheaty-LeavesSep 30, 2016
The film did well in many areas, the story was brilliant and a lot of the cinematography was extremely good. The ideology that the film explores was both interesting and thought provoking. What fell short for me in this film was the acting,The film did well in many areas, the story was brilliant and a lot of the cinematography was extremely good. The ideology that the film explores was both interesting and thought provoking. What fell short for me in this film was the acting, when the characters talked to each other it felt unnatural and forced. Thankfully this was only a small part of the film and it wasn't something that I minded too much. Expand
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10
greatjumel08Aug 5, 2016
Excellent movie. One of the best movies I've watched. This is the true adventure of a man whose perspectives in life is different from the others. In today's generation where greed, power, wealth define a person, He is an exception. HisExcellent movie. One of the best movies I've watched. This is the true adventure of a man whose perspectives in life is different from the others. In today's generation where greed, power, wealth define a person, He is an exception. His adventure into the wild portrays about love, risk, doubts, but most of all his eagerness to know himself. The moment this man started his adventure, he became a blank of paper, a baby who has no knowledge about everything, about himself. During the adventure to the unknown, he started to learn stuffs that money cannot buy. He learned how to laugh, to enjoy all by himself. At the end, His experiences in the wild brought him wisdom not only to the nature but most especially to himself. By having this wisdom, he himself knew he did too much, he made mistakes in the past. But his bravery and his adventure into the wild leaves inspiration to every lost man alive. Expand
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10
AshiieeJan 14, 2018
A beautiful movie, filled with all kinds of emotion and wonder. Leaves you asking for more answers. Some reviewers are voting down for the fact that they think Chris was stupid, regardless of whether he was smart to go into the wild with aA beautiful movie, filled with all kinds of emotion and wonder. Leaves you asking for more answers. Some reviewers are voting down for the fact that they think Chris was stupid, regardless of whether he was smart to go into the wild with a bag of rice, and minimal supplies or knowledge of the landscape- the film itself was very well done. I understand why he did what he did, if only he was more prepared. Expand
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8
PowerShadowXJan 4, 2019
Touching portrait of Christopher Johnson McCandless, portrayed starting from college graduation until his tragic death in Alaska.

I think all of us have heard the "call of the wild", at some point in life (especially in our 20s). How do you
Touching portrait of Christopher Johnson McCandless, portrayed starting from college graduation until his tragic death in Alaska.


I think all of us have heard the "call of the wild", at some point in life (especially in our 20s). How do you stay alive in an alienating world filled with greed and hypocrisy? The reality of things can be overwhelming, at times. The movie is the celebration of a free spirit who, burdened by the weight of the world and by his own personal issues, decides to travel in order to escape, or to find himself.


The cinematography is spectacular, highlighting the natural beauties of North America. Soundtrack by Eddie Vedder: one to remember. I suggest reading the book, too.


A generous soul, Chris McCandless (also known as "Alexander Supertramp") was lost too soon. I would have imagined him becoming a great humanitarian and making a difference. He will be remembered for the beauty of his ideas.

Rest In Peace, Chris.
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9
FilipeNetoMay 7, 2021
I went to see this film without reading much about it, driven by curiosity. It is an excellent film, although it is difficult to see, and the main character has ideas, attitudes and motivations that can be discussed. Very well directed byI went to see this film without reading much about it, driven by curiosity. It is an excellent film, although it is difficult to see, and the main character has ideas, attitudes and motivations that can be discussed. Very well directed by Sean Penn, the film tells the life (brief, since he died very young) of Christopher McCandless, a.k.a. Alexander Supertramp. As the film shows, he was from a wealthy family and had a good education, but he carried with him the revolt against his abusive father and his passive mother. Then, he acquired a lot of disdain for capitalist, materialistic, consumerist society in which he never saw himself: burning and giving his money, abandoning everything that was not essential, he left his old life behind and started to wandering, as a vagabond, in the middle of the wild, before moving on to his great goal: Alaska.

Much more than the film itself, it is the figure of Chris McCandless that proves to be fascinating: he could be seen as a utopian idealist in search of a dream, a spoiled young man angered against his family or a traumatized man, fiercely determined to purge his past through destructive self-denial. Personally, I admire his iron determination, the way he did not hesitate to venture out, against all odds and, not infrequently, against all good sense. But I admire that because I would never have the courage (or perhaps the recklessness?) to imitate him. In any case, he is a figure who will remain controversial and will certainly continue to raise questions and attract fans and critics.

I really enjoyed the work of Emile Hirsch for the film. The actor worked hard and gave himself completely to the character, not hesitating to dispense the help of stunts and to lose weight until he looked like a war survivor. He truly embodied the character and gave us an excellent dramatic job. Beside him, there is a wide and interesting range of supporting actors who brighten up the film: Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Catherine Keener. In some brief but important characters, we have the easily recognizable names of Vince Vaughn and Kristen Stewart. Much more remarkable and interesting, Hal Holbrook's work in a philosophical character that only appears for a few minutes, earned him the nomination for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Technically, the film has several points worthy of praise and positive mention, starting with an excellent camera work, which makes the most of the natural beauty of the filming locations, and a great cinematography where light and shadow are magnificently used. It is a very long film, but the editing work was excellent, and I felt that the story told fully justifies the two and a half hours in length. The sets are good (especially the bus) and also the costumes, particularly that of the main character, with his hair and beard giving him an increasingly wild, sloppy look. The makeup team's work also deserves a note of praise for the way it left Hirsch's face particularly emaciated and pale for some scenes.
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10
LeGloveJul 13, 2018
DA MOVIE OF MY LIFE !!!!
Tatooed on my body !!!!
No more to say, except : THANK U SO MUCH SEAN PENN !!!!
"If human life can be ruled by reason, the possibility of life is destroyed"
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10
PritimoyOct 22, 2018
I afraid I still didn't get the whole feel of this film, may be one day can see what he saw.
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9
twistedoracleAug 14, 2020
Ahh! i just can't believe it that people didn't like this movie. But believe me this is one of the best movie I've ever seen. The music,the charisma of the cast and crew and flawlessly presenting the life of chris mcCandless. Chris being aAhh! i just can't believe it that people didn't like this movie. But believe me this is one of the best movie I've ever seen. The music,the charisma of the cast and crew and flawlessly presenting the life of chris mcCandless. Chris being a egoistic and spoiled child is not the point of this movie which many people consider. Expand
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8
risonyeongJul 3, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. highly thought provoking proposition. have seen this a few times but it was a relevant memory to revisit after Nomadland won the oscar.
eventho under very different pretext but this movie highlighted the 'caravan' people, those who burnt rubber rather than leather. a lot of philosophical renderings but in the end it was just a small error in judgement, an identification of plant that defeated this great spirit of a young man. very poignant but heartwrenching. Sean penn directed? no wonder so many A-list supporting cast.
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10
coolgamer123Apr 28, 2021
Incredibly good movie, really made me think about how we are just animals seeking freedom from the cages of society. This movie holds a very special place in my heart.
Read the book also. @rayk has no idea what hes talking about. Beautiful
Incredibly good movie, really made me think about how we are just animals seeking freedom from the cages of society. This movie holds a very special place in my heart.
Read the book also. @rayk has no idea what hes talking about. Beautiful story and great acting.
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