Into the Wild

10

CindyN.Jan 21, 2008

This was a well done realistic movie that got to all your emotions. He was immature in many ways. Not contacting his parents. Many young people rebel against their parents usually earlier than 23 just after graduating from college. He showed This was a well done realistic movie that got to all your emotions. He was immature in many ways. Not contacting his parents. Many young people rebel against their parents usually earlier than 23 just after graduating from college. He showed his non acceptance of the norm and carried it too far and led to his death. It was haunting and a movie that will stay with me for a long time.… Expand

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0

MattRJan 1, 2008

This movie was worse than Gus Van Sants' Gerry. Anyone who considers this kind of crap art needs to put down their macbook and starbucks and step into a museum.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

JamesM.Dec 16, 2007

Beautiful cinematography and overall one of the better movies of the year imo. And to all those who are crucifying this movie for having a flawed main character; a flawed character doesn't mean a flawed movie or plot (go read any Greek Beautiful cinematography and overall one of the better movies of the year imo. And to all those who are crucifying this movie for having a flawed main character; a flawed character doesn't mean a flawed movie or plot (go read any Greek tragedy you under-cultured C.H.U.D.s) I'm not undervaluing the opinion of those who didn't think this movie was fabulous, but please find a better reason to dislike it than, 'the main character was a jerk to his family'...… Expand

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10

benjamindDec 6, 2007

Never before has a film touched on so many levels; in particular man's journey through young adulthood. Sean Penn's ability to capture raw emotion and transcend it through seemingly "real-life" experiene has left me breathless. For Never before has a film touched on so many levels; in particular man's journey through young adulthood. Sean Penn's ability to capture raw emotion and transcend it through seemingly "real-life" experiene has left me breathless. For anyone who wants to take a journey which may help re-define your own life, you must see this film:) Thank you to all who played a part in the making of this masterpiece.… Expand

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10

PaulF.Dec 5, 2007

I just got back from the movies and have definitively decided Into the Wild is my kind of movie. It was intelligent, thoughtful, well acted stimulating the viewer to look within and ask all the right questions. Into the Wild is so needed and I just got back from the movies and have definitively decided Into the Wild is my kind of movie. It was intelligent, thoughtful, well acted stimulating the viewer to look within and ask all the right questions. Into the Wild is so needed and down to earth real that it was an extra joy and surprise to see this type of movie come out of Hollywood. I cannot recommend seeing this movie enough. In fact I plan to buy it and lend it out to all those who are interested. This movie had real soul. And if we only have but a glimmer of wakefulness within we will see the beauty and the healing this film can bring. The less you know about this movie before going the better. What I can tell you though is that there are some insightful revelations and lasting bonds that are made along his journey that can only be created by being truly in the present.… Expand

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3

HowardW.Dec 2, 2007

This is one of those movies that most critics love and many customers dislike. Main objection: the movie treats McCandless as a sort of heroic pilgrim, when he really is a selfish, irresponsible, world-class naif, who runs out on anyone who This is one of those movies that most critics love and many customers dislike. Main objection: the movie treats McCandless as a sort of heroic pilgrim, when he really is a selfish, irresponsible, world-class naif, who runs out on anyone who shows him caring, love and affection. Who but a jerk would subject his sister and parents to such pain because the old folks aren't perfect. I hated this guy, hoped the bear would eat him.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful

10

WalsheKNov 22, 2007

What a wonderful film. I'm sure many seasoned movie goers are familair with the tug of war between you're critical faculty (have seen this before, genre expectations, cynicism) and the simple pleasure/displeasure ( do I like What a wonderful film. I'm sure many seasoned movie goers are familair with the tug of war between you're critical faculty (have seen this before, genre expectations, cynicism) and the simple pleasure/displeasure ( do I like it/believe it, buy into it etc) that occurs evertime you visit a cinema. For me this film transcended all of this nonsense becaue it makes you feel, it by-passes rationality cynicism, and moves you. This is why even though I only just saw it today, I can safely say it is one of the best movies I've ever seen. It is art.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

FallonD.Nov 20, 2007

This movie was inspiring and made me too want to take a chance and explore my wild side.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

3

CoreyC.Nov 16, 2007

Beautifully shot and well-directed. The character, however, confuses self-actualization with simple selfishness. At his core, McCandless was weak-minded and sought to flee rather than face his problems; everyone has a childhhod with Beautifully shot and well-directed. The character, however, confuses self-actualization with simple selfishness. At his core, McCandless was weak-minded and sought to flee rather than face his problems; everyone has a childhhod with difficulties, many far, far worse than poor Supertramp's. Forgiveness is a truly arduous challenge that he never bothered to face. What a shame.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

3

AlistairP.Nov 14, 2007

Started out OK but never really gathered speed, apparently relying on the beautiful cinematography to tell the story. The central character never felt fleshed out enough to sympathise with, and his constant 'deep and meaningful' Started out OK but never really gathered speed, apparently relying on the beautiful cinematography to tell the story. The central character never felt fleshed out enough to sympathise with, and his constant 'deep and meaningful' conversations with strangers began to drag by half way through. Not having read the book (or ever heard of McCandless before) I was almost relieved that his naive spirit of adventure eventually proved to be his downfall and wasn't rewarded with a miraculous escape (after the ridiculous rapids trip). Still made me want to drop everything and go traveling though!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

ChangeAmericaNov 11, 2007

Even after two hours I was wishing this movie would never end. This story will lift you higher than you've been and then break your heart.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

7

bobj.Nov 7, 2007

Gorgeous filming of the Midwest and Alaska and good pacing, but Chris was as flat as a run over cat as a sympathetic character. Not believable as a deeply affected young man whose parent's "ruined" his life, I felt no connection with Gorgeous filming of the Midwest and Alaska and good pacing, but Chris was as flat as a run over cat as a sympathetic character. Not believable as a deeply affected young man whose parent's "ruined" his life, I felt no connection with him whatever. He seemed about 13 years old in appearance and nto very handsome. It was a relief to see him face up in the "magic bus" staring at Jesus. A waste of good money.… Expand

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10

desmondp.Nov 6, 2007

This is the best movie of the year. Who cares whether or not it is faithful to the book. Judged on the merits of the movie only it deserves the highest rating

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4

ChristineT.Nov 5, 2007

I understand Sean Penn was not on a fact-finding mission, but the numerous discrepancies with the book (okay, maybe the book was wrong) make me question his motives. To wit: Chris abandoned his car because it would not start after a flash I understand Sean Penn was not on a fact-finding mission, but the numerous discrepancies with the book (okay, maybe the book was wrong) make me question his motives. To wit: Chris abandoned his car because it would not start after a flash flood. When park rangers (not people out searching for wild flowers) found it, it started after being jumped and ran for years. Chris traveled the lower Colorado River, not the rapids, in a canoe, not a kayak. The couple he later met in the Grand Canyon were German, not Dutch (or Danish; I forget what the movie said), and I doubt they were such giggling twits. He got lost in a maze of irrigation ditches and would never have reached the ocean had not Mexican hunting guides carried him and his canoe in their truck. He abandoned the canoe; it did not blow away. He was never beaten up by a railroad guard. When the manager at McDonald's asked him to wear socks, he wore socks. "Ron Franz" (pseudonym) did not hit the bottle after his family was killed; he mentored young Asian people and sent two through medical school. Chris almost certainly knew the difference between wild potato and the poisonous sweet pea; his notes say his decline is the "fault of pot. seed." Moldy potato seeds can be poisonous. Why overly romanticize that which is already dramatic?… Expand

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10

DanielW.Oct 30, 2007

With this film, Penn vaults himself into the head of the pack. Nothing in his oeuvre heretofore (well, really just two movies prepared you for this. Sure, he wears his influences on his sleeve (Inarritu in particular) but there is nothing With this film, Penn vaults himself into the head of the pack. Nothing in his oeuvre heretofore (well, really just two movies prepared you for this. Sure, he wears his influences on his sleeve (Inarritu in particular) but there is nothing derivative about this beautiful, deeply felt film. Penn consistently swings for the fences and connects with almost every attempt. The scenes with Holbrook are among the most deeply affecting in recent memory. If Holbrook doesn't win the Oscar for best supporting actor, call your senator.… Expand

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5

TGRBeastOct 30, 2007

The movie took some liberties in comparison to the book. The book was much more focused on how Chris was a loner, wanted to escape from society, and how ill-prepared he was for nature's elements. The movie really tried to make Chris The movie took some liberties in comparison to the book. The book was much more focused on how Chris was a loner, wanted to escape from society, and how ill-prepared he was for nature's elements. The movie really tried to make Chris look like a hero including all the people's lives he touched - a MUCH different story than the book. The movie was also somewhat irresponsible in showing someone like Chris who had no whitewater experience going through some very serious white water which in all likelihood he might not have survived had he tried to go through it. The book showed him as a loner kid who hated his parents for providing him with the best opportunities they could - much more than many of us could ever hope to have been given. The movie was overly harsh on the parents. It lost a lot of credibility when trying to make the parents out to be these uncaring people. The movie was inconsistent in that it portrayed this kid as someone who touched many lives, but yet did not want to be a part of society - also inconsistent was someone who apparently adored nature but disregarded the efforts to try and manage open spaces (as he disregards the lottery system in going down the Colorado). The movie does have some great scenery and I noticed a few wet eyes so it must have 'touched' some people.… Expand

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10

MichelleC.Oct 28, 2007

Sean Penn at his finest.

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6

RutterOct 28, 2007

I read this book several years ago...a few comments... The movie leaves you with a distinctly different impression than the book. The book for me was sort of a cautionary tale about romanticizing the whole high minded spiritual view of I read this book several years ago...a few comments... The movie leaves you with a distinctly different impression than the book. The book for me was sort of a cautionary tale about romanticizing the whole high minded spiritual view of Chris. In the movie he was an idealist, living life on his terms, and died tragically when he found the TRUE meaning of life, touching many along the way. The book was a little bit more sort of cynical of these types...Nature is harsh, maybe civilization is not such a bad thing...it exists so we don't starve/freeze to death, so quit your whining about the ills of society and learn to live with those around you...running away is not an answer. Maybe it is this interpretation of his life that was needed to get the cooperation of his family, I don't know. At least for me, I left the book with the "wanna be hippy dumbass over-estimates himself and under-estimates nature" and you took a sort of perverse thrill in reading about him getting his due. The main actor was ok, but to me didn't convey the character I read about in the book. He is pretty light in the charisma department, but his gig seems to be walking around with a wide-eyed smile and then losing a bunch of weight..ehh. The character in the book came off more 3-dimensional than was pulled off here. Ok movie, but if you are like a lot of people and have this notion of throwing it all away and living an idyllic life, read the book...it still gives you a lot to think about but filters in a certain grim reality this movie seemed to miss. The Movie itself is entertaining enough..you can enjoy it on it's own merits or you could also choose to read the book, but be warned, you will walk away with two different experiences.… Expand

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10

AS.Oct 27, 2007

For 2.5 hours could not hear a pin drop. Read the book and thought the movie was excellent. Movie was very true to book.

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10

KimB.Oct 26, 2007

Even better than the book. Great acting, great story.

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8

JasonJ.Oct 24, 2007

The movie is enjoyable and follows the book faithfully. Chris McCandless does what we all dream about - leaving our lives behind for adventure. But, most of us are smart enough just to take a few weeks of vacation to shake-off that urge. The movie is enjoyable and follows the book faithfully. Chris McCandless does what we all dream about - leaving our lives behind for adventure. But, most of us are smart enough just to take a few weeks of vacation to shake-off that urge. Everything gets old after a while and adventuring is not immune. McCandless is a good example for the saying, "be careful what you look for, because you just might find it." He wanted the ultimate getaway and he got it. He was so far away from humanity, that he lost touch with the very thing that societies provide: guaranteed subsistence (nearly) and mutual experience. The subject of the movie is great in it's idealism and escapism, but you have to temper those feelings with the mistakes and the unnecessary risks the protagonist takes to be our martyr. And let's be honest, the story of his conception (the supposed source of his angst) was hardly tragic. It's the upbringing that most of us had, without all the privilege.… Expand

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9

AdamL.Oct 23, 2007

A savagely beautiful, poignant masterpiece. Strong and emotional, and yet subtle as well. Excellent!

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7

DougN.Oct 23, 2007

The film is not "spellbinding" as the Chicago Sun-Times claims. But it is interesting, especially as it's based on a true life case. It reminded me of "Grizzly Man", by Werner Herzog except this one is more happy. I have to say, I think The film is not "spellbinding" as the Chicago Sun-Times claims. But it is interesting, especially as it's based on a true life case. It reminded me of "Grizzly Man", by Werner Herzog except this one is more happy. I have to say, I think Sean Penn is really growing as a director - great job.… Expand

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9

PaulA.Oct 21, 2007

A triumph! Lyrical.

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8

TracyROct 20, 2007

The movie is well-done. The life it's about is not as well-done, but lets not confuse the two. You can't take a measure of someone else's emotional pain: they feel it so its real enough to them. Not the first and not the last The movie is well-done. The life it's about is not as well-done, but lets not confuse the two. You can't take a measure of someone else's emotional pain: they feel it so its real enough to them. Not the first and not the last to kill themselves trying to heal.… Expand

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9

BillyS.Oct 20, 2007

Into The Wild is not just a movie, it marks the arrival of Sean Penn into the league of Eastwood, Beatty and Redford as actors who have found their niche as writer/directors. Into The Wild is cinematic poetry with enough heart and soul to Into The Wild is not just a movie, it marks the arrival of Sean Penn into the league of Eastwood, Beatty and Redford as actors who have found their niche as writer/directors. Into The Wild is cinematic poetry with enough heart and soul to inspire everyone who sees it. You can go ahead and put Sean Penn on your Oscar Ballot for Best Director and Adapted Screenplay, he's moved up to the Big League now!… Expand

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2

RoseLOct 19, 2007

Overlong, self-indulgent and pretentious. The central character was selfish and patronizing beyond belief. Wank of the highest caliabre. 'Art' for people who think that Jerry Maguire was 'Drama' akin to Hamlet. Only watch Overlong, self-indulgent and pretentious. The central character was selfish and patronizing beyond belief. Wank of the highest caliabre. 'Art' for people who think that Jerry Maguire was 'Drama' akin to Hamlet. Only watch if you want to spend 2 and a half hours of your life wishing you were somewhere else, namely (the beautifully shot) Alaska.… Expand

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10

gozerr.Oct 18, 2007

I think it is the best film i have seen this year. i love its honesty, for some reason it confronts you with the choices you make in life, in your own life.... which film does that? The film must also speak to Mr Penn, because it answers I think it is the best film i have seen this year. i love its honesty, for some reason it confronts you with the choices you make in life, in your own life.... which film does that? The film must also speak to Mr Penn, because it answers what that kind of detachment leads to. It would have been tempting to dive into the psychology of the the main character, but the true beauty of the film is, i think that it doesn't and there with it resonates for hours, days and as i notice now, even weeks after i have seen it. a true masterpiece… Expand

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7

THWOct 18, 2007

An interesting story of a young guy disgusted and repulsed by our modern world and our selfish ways who wanders out to Alaska to find solace and insight. Although I never lost interest in the storyline, it plodded along with the speed of a An interesting story of a young guy disgusted and repulsed by our modern world and our selfish ways who wanders out to Alaska to find solace and insight. Although I never lost interest in the storyline, it plodded along with the speed of a sleepy elephant. And with a running time close to 2.5 hours, I felt some additional editing would have helped make this movie feel less aloof and more focused.… Expand

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10

DaleA.Oct 13, 2007

Captivating story, acting, directing, filming, etc... A MUST SEE!

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10

MarkR.Oct 12, 2007

I was deeply moved by Penn's film, and believe it to be one of the best of this decade. The story of McCandless is not so easily reduced to 'stupidity' as so many continue to believe. By all accounts, McCandless was bright, I was deeply moved by Penn's film, and believe it to be one of the best of this decade. The story of McCandless is not so easily reduced to 'stupidity' as so many continue to believe. By all accounts, McCandless was bright, driven, idealistic, deeply troubled and flawed. But what makes his story compelling is the contrast of a modern human being and primal forces. For McCandless' the most powerful primal forces were inside his mind, not the elements surrounding him. We may never know what happened psychologically to him out there in an intensely unforgiving wilderness, but only 22 miles from help. But Penn doesn't try to know. Instead, he celebrates the messy business of being a human being seeking enlightenment. McCandless was committed to finding it in nature, but along the way he found love, forgiveness and friendship. His commitment cost him his life, but this beautiful film honors the journey there.… Expand

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8

ChrisR.Oct 7, 2007

Good acting and a unique story. If you have a free soul this movie will reach you. Pretty good book as well.

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9

roberti.Oct 6, 2007

Dramatically powerful, this portrait of a morally earnest, troubled young man shows that he could have been one of ours. Hal Holbrook's performance captures loss with intelligent dignity. The protagonist's death serves as an Dramatically powerful, this portrait of a morally earnest, troubled young man shows that he could have been one of ours. Hal Holbrook's performance captures loss with intelligent dignity. The protagonist's death serves as an indictment of our culture, and the gulf that separates generations.… Expand

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10

RobS.Oct 5, 2007

I was deeply moved by this film. I saw it as a chance to live vicariously through someone who made an extreme choice motivated by a desire to break free of an identity he felt was put on him and to truly find himself. Yes he was I was deeply moved by this film. I saw it as a chance to live vicariously through someone who made an extreme choice motivated by a desire to break free of an identity he felt was put on him and to truly find himself. Yes he was narcissistic, but he was also brave, brave in a way I wish I could be. And come Oscar time Emile Hirsch and Hal Holbrook deserve nominations. Hell, they should just give the Supporting Actor Oscar to Holbrook right now. He was heartbreaking.… Expand

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9

DidiOct 4, 2007

Stunning movie - excellent acting from Emile Hirsch, breathtaking cinematography, and terrific directing from Sean Penn, who knows when to let the images speak for themselves.

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10

BobD.Oct 2, 2007

It was an amazing and inspiring movie that changed me forever.

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1

PaulR.Oct 2, 2007

I couldn't wait for this movie to end. The dialog was awful, the acting was uninspiring. I can't believe this movie is getting such good reviews. I haven't disliked a movie this much in a long time.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

LizV.Oct 1, 2007

Fantastic. a story that grabs your heart and makes you think.

2 of 2 users found this helpful

10

MichaelL.Sep 30, 2007

The best movie I've seen all year. Heartbreaking, beautiful, frustrating, and true. How sad that some viewers can't accept that some people march to a different drum--Christopher McCandless is not Jack Kevorkian. There is no The best movie I've seen all year. Heartbreaking, beautiful, frustrating, and true. How sad that some viewers can't accept that some people march to a different drum--Christopher McCandless is not Jack Kevorkian. There is no comparison. McCandless' story is about a young, hurt, hopeful man's search for something greater than himself. And Sean Penn has turned my favorite book into my favorite film. In anyone else's hands, "Into The Wild" might have failed--Penn clearly understands McCandless' struggle. His direction is superb, as is his screenplay. There are so many Oscar-worthy performances--chief among them Hal Holbrook's and Catherine Keener's--it boggles the mind. But it is Emile Hirsch's fearless, doe-eyed McCandless that is the heart and soul of this exceptional film. Don't miss it.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

3

DMSep 29, 2007

Beautifully photographed, interesting direction, but ponderous, romanticized and tonally inept. This movie takes itself so seriously that it lands in the absurd. Oh Society! indeed. Come on.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

SebastianM.Sep 28, 2007

It's an amazing story about an usual character who finds himself over his head in the wilderness. Poetic direction and excellent acting by the brilliant Emile Hirsch make it one of the best films of this year.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

0

JoshuaW.gSep 26, 2007

This movie is very simple. It's a 2 hour and 20 minute glorification and romanticization of a guy who wasn't playing with a full deck, mentally speaking, who (perhaps somewhat inadvertently) committed suicide in the wild. He died This movie is very simple. It's a 2 hour and 20 minute glorification and romanticization of a guy who wasn't playing with a full deck, mentally speaking, who (perhaps somewhat inadvertently) committed suicide in the wild. He died ONLY because he didn't bother to take basic provisions like a map. Sean Penn admitted on Charlie Rose that if he simply had a map, he easily could have walked out of the area where he died instead of dying. But he was too crazy to take a map or basic survival provisions, or learn basic survival training, and thus wasted his life for no reason. His death was completely senseless, stupid and unnecessary. He was not a hero. He was not an inspiration. Therefore this movie has no reason to exist, because glorifying and romanticizing a guy who committed suicide is bad for society and mankind as a species. If you really are desperate to see a glorification of suicide then it's much cheaper to watch the old clip of Dr. Jack Kevorkian from the news show "60 Minutes" instead of buying a ticket to "Into the Wild".… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful

10

JM.Sep 24, 2007

Unusually emotionally powerful. One of the most memorable movie-going experiences in recent memory.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

BobM.Sep 22, 2007

Emotionally gripping. Hirsch is exceptional, and Holbrook in a stunning cameo.

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10

JRI.Sep 22, 2007

Great, Awesome, Spectacular rendition of the book that capturers the very essence that Chris McCandless was all about. See this movie. Please!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

DavisRSep 22, 2007

The description of this movie says it all. I heard about this rice-packing genius about a year ago, read the book and laughed all the way through. The movie has it's side-splitting moments but just doesn't do justice to it's The description of this movie says it all. I heard about this rice-packing genius about a year ago, read the book and laughed all the way through. The movie has it's side-splitting moments but just doesn't do justice to it's real life brain-dead hero. A classic hippy reads Walden then decides to throw away his life savings and die alone in misery story. I loved it!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

NickySep 21, 2007

A fantastic film about true freedom and spirituality, finding oneself. So beautiful, meaningful and exciting!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Into the Wild

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