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Into the Wild
2007
Drama, Adventure
2h 28m
Freshly graduated from college and with a promising future ahead, 22-year-old Christopher McCandless chose instead to walk out of his privileged life and into the wild in search of adventure. What happened to him on the way transformed this young wanderer into an enduring symbol for countless people. Was Christopher McCandless a heroic adventurer or a naïve idealist, a rebellious 1990s Thoreau or another lost American son, a fearless risk-taker or a tragic figure who wrestled with the precarious balance between man and nature? (Paramount Vantage)
Directed by:
Sean PennInto the Wild
2007
Drama, Adventure
2h 28m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 63.05% from 10028 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
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Rated 19 May 2016
78
39th
Selfish dumbass thinks nature cares as much about him as he cares about it, then suffers the consequences. Would make a great double feature with Grizzly Man.
Rated 19 May 2016
Rated 23 Jun 2009
40
11th
After even second viewing I believe this is the most meaningless story of an ignorant and idiot boy (who doesn't know that happiness is real only shared, though he acts as if he is some kind of philosopher). Truly an annoying film, i had better forget at once!
Rated 23 Jun 2009
Rated 16 Feb 2010
35
7th
This was impressively annoying. I can't stand that Hirsch kid anymore and the character must be one of the most iditioc ones to ever grace the screen. If it wasn't for the good cinematography and a couple of great supporting performances I would not have gotten past the 30 minute mark.
Rated 16 Feb 2010
Rated 25 May 2008
30
4th
I just could never get behind or all that interested in this guy's journey. He was just as self-absorbed as the parents he is supposedly rising above. If the film weren't so interested in romanticizing his journey, it might have had a better chance at success.
Rated 25 May 2008
Rated 14 Aug 2008
94
95th
What starts as a potentially pretentious film about white privilege directed by proud liberal Sean Penn turns into a picture that closely examines itself and its cast. Based on the true story of a cavalier vagabond who puts aside his material possessions to connect with nature, the main force of the film is terrific acting by Emile Hirsch and the haunting soundtrack by Eddie Vedder. A powerful film about a journey that many only dream of taking and learning more about yourself than you imagined.
Rated 14 Aug 2008
Rated 24 Feb 2011
40
25th
McCandless is impossible to sympathize with - he's an ignorant punk who acts like he's some sort of guru (Hirsch's whiny voice does not help matters). A huge amount of time is wasted on the sister character. She spends half the movie narrating about their horrible (ordinary) childhood, and their terrible (loving) parents, yet we never get any resolution for her character. She just disappears from the script 3/4ths of the way in. Poorly written film, despite some good photography.
Rated 24 Feb 2011
Rated 08 May 2010
0
4th
I LIKED WHEN THE PLANT KILLED THE PRICK
Rated 08 May 2010
Rated 29 May 2013
93
74th
Fairly good movie. Didn't like the tragic and predictable ending, but Into the Wild is a solid character study and has a great supporting cast to make it work. It never gives up on what it is and Emile Hirsch plays an alright wild-man. Penn has his way behind the camera.
Rated 29 May 2013
Rated 29 Dec 2009
94
98th
I can see how some might not like this chap (though I did), but even than, the breathtaking scenery and deeply moving soundtrack alone are more than worth a watch. Also, being a true story, it raises interesting questions about his motives and ideas - I was surprised and intrigued to see how other people had very different opinions on the guy.
Rated 29 Dec 2009
Rated 16 Feb 2014
20
12th
The story of an idiot, hypocrite asshole who portrayed treated as a hero for devoting two years to an elongated suicide. McCandless roams the country devoid of the material possessions he despises, yet reliant on the charity and good will of those he meets. He eventually succumbs to his own stupidity, and in his dying moments, realizes that the teenage philosophy he's been spewing for years is utter trash. His death is treated as tragedy. It is a cocktail of comedy and relief.
Rated 16 Feb 2014
Rated 15 Jan 2009
97
90th
Morally free, visually sound and unbelievably sensational, Into the Wild is a personally lit up contradiction between a man and his love with mother nature. Absorbing, touching, tragic and absolutely mindblowing, Into the Wild may be the best of 2007 in my honest opinion.
Rated 15 Jan 2009
Rated 07 Aug 2008
9
90th
(2nd viewing) I wish I could have seen a five hour cut of this film, for I didn't want to leave the story behind. Penn's awesome direction, Hirsch's magnificent performance and Eddie Vedder's beautiful soundtrack turn it into a must see.
Rated 07 Aug 2008
Rated 04 Jul 2016
35
11th
I really just wanted to punch this character in the face. He comes across as a completely pretentious and self-absorbed privileged white kid for the entire film. Despite a couple of likable supporting players (including great performances from Hal Holbrook and Kristen Stewart), I found myself thoroughly annoyed through the entire movie and baffled that Sean Penn seemed to be taking this character so seriously.
Rated 04 Jul 2016
Rated 16 Jul 2014
45
13th
What an idiot. As the film goes on he abandons every shot at happiness he's offered, he remains unable to forgive his parents (very damning considering a character actually points out to him that to forgive is to love) but instead rushes ahead on his ego-trip which can quite obviously only lead towards the inevitable. And all this might not be SO bad if not for the reverent tone it has for him. Also clunkily directed though containing interesting supporting characters and nature shots.
Rated 16 Jul 2014
Rated 11 Sep 2013
86
93rd
While Christopher's motivations can be considered immature, reckless, and [insert a word your parents would scold you with], I found it incredibly gripping to experience his journey. Into The Wild drew me in quickly with gorgeous vistas, beautiful music and a priceless sense of experiencing the world. Or maybe I put too much value in any chance to live vicariously through someone else, compensating for my drab existence.
Rated 11 Sep 2013
Rated 23 Nov 2011
11
0th
I've read some poems, man. I've read Thoreau, man. You keep living in your blind capitalist society, but I'm going to spurn all the kindness my parents have shown me over the years because I'm so much smarter than them. I've been to college, man. Why hasn't the rest of the world figured this shit out? Such a burden being smarter than the rest of the world.
Rated 23 Nov 2011
Rated 29 Mar 2011
45
21st
I loved the soundtrack. The acting and directing were ok. That makes up all 45 points. That said, fuck Christopher McCandless. What a fucking tool. Being from Alaska, we use this guy as the butt of wilderness survival jokes...well him and the Grizzly Man. He didn't fail at self reliance and died in the wilderness, he died because he was a fucking idiot. Talk about the philosophy of this all you want, I'm gonna stick with all the philosophers dating back to Plato who believe in civilization.
Rated 29 Mar 2011
Rated 26 Feb 2011
24
17th
You know, this movie could have worked if the protagonist wasn't such an annoying, dumb, pretentious douchebag for no real reason at all. And the film wants me to admire this asshole? Add this to a bunch of pointless and overused montages, obnoxious anti-materialism messages, some godawful annoying acting and some un-conclusive character development make this an exceptional godawful movie. Why do people like this shit, seriously? I guess some good scenery makes up for everything!
Rated 26 Feb 2011
Rated 11 Oct 2010
40
26th
A movie about an earnest, unattached, wordy young man on a quest for meaning is of course an inherently risky proposition. The philosophical concerns raised early on are soon abandoned in favour of a rather clunky and episodic account of the protagonist's withdrawal from the world, undertaken under the banner of self-reliance. Although Penn was clearly influenced by his time with Malick, here the direction is rather forced and the dialogue too often tends toward hokeyness and obviousness. Drags.
Rated 11 Oct 2010
Rated 02 Sep 2009
99
99th
Some friends told me that they can't comprehend McCandless behaviour.The only thing I can say about this freethinker is, that his life was amazing and that he followed his heart with fullest attention for bare essentials."Society and Money are only illusions" and that's true.He escaped and at least he forgave ( even his parents ). On his wooden shield stood: " I had a good life" signed by his real name Christopher McCandless and not Alex Supertramp. Terrific work by Sean Penn
Rated 02 Sep 2009
Rated 29 Aug 2009
69
52nd
Firstly, my derision is toward the character not the man. He gets the benefit of doubt as Penn coloured him to suit and fucks him with wanky narration. Man, I wanted to slap this kid. Sure, you're going on a slow-suicide trip, no need to be a prick about it. You're obsessively driven and intractable, have a rigid worldview, yet are an easy-going hippie. ugh. That said, I often enjoyed the situations and challenges he faces. There's beauty here and when Penn wasn't pushy I drunk it in.
Rated 29 Aug 2009
Rated 14 Apr 2008
80
84th
A touching story about a guy who seemed to know where he needed to be while having no clue about what to do once he got there.
Rated 14 Apr 2008
Rated 05 Jan 2008
88
89th
Sean Penn brings the scenery to life with astounding visuals throughout Into The Wild. Galifianakis gives an excellent performance as Christopher McCandless that really sells the film even more.
Rated 05 Jan 2008
Rated 09 Mar 2021
93
97th
I just re-watched this for the first time in almost a decade and it still holds up. Fantastically under-rated film. Both a fascinating character study of a specific individual and a holistic exploration of the greater human condition. Great editing, great acting, great camerawork. Everyone who complains about the protagonist being a self-righteous privileged White kid who makes poor decisions, is completely 100% right, but misses the point of the film in the first place.
Rated 09 Mar 2021
Rated 06 Jul 2018
3
38th
There's a push-pull tension between so many aspects of Into the Wild that I find fascinating: the attempts to mythologize McCandless balanced with the undeniable reality of the recklessness of his decisions; Penn's forays into bolder directorial strokes which are often thuddingly obvious; the rinse-repeat nature of the plot, which seems to not-so-subtly hint at a truth that our protagonist arrives at (hilariously) at the moment of his own death; etc. My major complaint? It's much too long.
Rated 06 Jul 2018
Rated 12 May 2016
37
15th
"Hero" of the film spends entire time learning what everyone already knows. Kristen Stewart lives up to her reputation of blahness and every ten minutes Eddie Vedder treats us to more mediocrity.
Rated 12 May 2016
Rated 04 May 2014
65
1st
This kid was an idiot.
Rated 04 May 2014
Rated 02 May 2014
30
19th
Self absorbed narcissism confused with heroism or martyrdom. He thinks he's Jack Kerouac but he grew up upper middle class not during the depression. He marches off to his death despite desperate pleas from everyone around him. I'm supposed to sympathize for this idiot? Equally annoying is the bombastic soundtrack by Eddie Vedder who suddenly thinks he's Bob Dylan...
Rated 02 May 2014
Rated 28 Nov 2012
10
12th
An inappropriately loving tribute to one man's complete idiocy and selfishness, and and his surrounding's uselessness. Let us all shed tears.
Rated 28 Nov 2012
Rated 12 Jan 2012
74
90th
The movie walks a fine line as I didn't like Hirsch for the first third. I stuck with it for the beautiful scenery and interesting characters he meets a long they way and I am glad I did. It continues to be beautiful, Hirsch becomes more likable and Hal Holbrook comes a long and steals the show. As for the theme of the film, the escape from ones self, or society or everything, I dunno. If that was what he needed to get away from asshole parents I guess to each their own.
Rated 12 Jan 2012
Rated 21 Nov 2009
63
37th
What an idiot
Rated 21 Nov 2009
Rated 26 Oct 2009
94
92nd
Penn's emotionally exhausting, loving and brilliantly filmed travelogue is an epic that wants you to drool over its wondrous vistas and not only achieves that, it carefully draws its characters and it becomes a journey of the mind as well. Long and introspective, it features a star-making performance of young Hirsch and Penn's script and direction are pitch perfect. Forced viewing for all.
Rated 26 Oct 2009
Rated 04 Jun 2009
95
97th
This is one of my favorite movies. It is that kind of a movie which requires deep thought and haunts your head about life. It is a must watch for people who like thought-provoking dramas. Sean Penn has shown very well how we come across people of different walks in one's life.
Rated 04 Jun 2009
Rated 05 Dec 2008
86
87th
Pretty powerful movie. I think I like the book better, or maybe the book just set my standards too high for the movie. I thought the scenes with Holbrook reliving what his life could have been like with a son were pretty emotional. There were certain parts during the middle of this movie where I just found myself being distracted by articles in my new Sports Illustrated.
Rated 05 Dec 2008
Rated 03 Aug 2008
40
12th
It's intentions might be good, but the presentation is too hammy and prosaic (it reminded me of the novel "The Alchemist" in this regard). Assured in its expression and field of interest, very "openly" meditative - but as with Wings of Desire, too fucking hectic to work.
Rated 03 Aug 2008
Rated 31 May 2008
50
26th
Wow does Sean Penn LOVE himself!! Oh wait, we already knew that. Nobody digs a sweaty sex scene more than I, but the bit with Catherine Keener was about as necessary as the 19th shot of the sun breaking out from behind a cloud every time this kid had an epiphany. Read the book and watch Planet Earth in HD instead.
Rated 31 May 2008
Rated 09 Jan 2008
9
93rd
(rewatch) This is a rare case where the movie is better than the book. The book was written more as a journalistic stand point, they tell you that he *SPOILER* dies *END SPOILER* on the first page of the novel. The film doesn't do this however. The scenery is great and the acting is really competent, especially Hal Holbrook who brought a tear to my eye. Great movie.
Rated 09 Jan 2008
Rated 22 Sep 2007
42
32nd
Fairly disappointing hagiography of a contradiction of a young man, the brave, brash, and unprepared Chris McCandless. Beautiful nature photography obscures the fact that this turned the book's wily, unpredictable protagonist into some profound hippie bastard.
Rated 22 Sep 2007
Rated 10 Nov 2015
45
12th
When portraying a person as annoying and pretentious as this one, it might be smart not to romanticize his story too much. Unlikeable people can lead great movies, but not if you present them as a misunderstood moral geniuses. The funny thing is I'm generally in favor of his modes of thought, but why does he have to be such a self-important dick about it?
Rated 10 Nov 2015
Rated 30 Jul 2012
90
80th
This wonderful biopic is told in an episode by episode format where the protagonist interacts and learns from different people he meets. And while some episodes and their characters are better than others (Hal Holbrook's section blows the rest away) the end result never fails to fascinate.
Rated 30 Jul 2012
Rated 11 Jul 2011
90
95th
Beautifully shot and completely inspirational. Fantasically cast as well, I never thought I'd like Vince Vaughn in a film! It's just beautiful. Beautiful and heartbreaking. You will see the streets and buildings very differently after this. (Just thought I'd throw my tenpence worth of pretention in there) A haunting experience.
Rated 11 Jul 2011
Rated 12 Jun 2011
30
1st
PRETENTIOUS (but the ending at least/at last(!) was deserved)
Rated 12 Jun 2011
Rated 30 Aug 2010
70
44th
Succeeds wonderfully at glorifying a clear-cut case of starry-eyed idiocy, but I'm sure he was a good and wise kid to ignore the most basic preparation techniques for survival in the wilderness. The only point a character like McCandless proves is that there's only selfish joy in such senseless misadventure and anyone who ever gave a fig about them will suffer. Yeah, let's romaticise that message Hollywood. Jerks.
Rated 30 Aug 2010
Rated 28 May 2010
67
48th
This is my brother's favorite movie. You see, my brother is a young man who grew up smoking pot and pretending to be a punk (i.e. average Sublime fan). Once he grew up and had no idea what the fuck to do with himself, he joined the army and became a sergeant. Don't get me wrong -- I love my brother, but I only really enjoy being around him when I can turn my brain off. I watched this movie because my brother's about to return from his first tour of duty. I wish I could say I liked it more.
Rated 28 May 2010
Rated 08 Feb 2010
30
6th
Both this kid and the film made about him are pretentious and self-absorbed.
Rated 08 Feb 2010
Rated 17 Dec 2009
99
99th
A beautiful film about man and nature, Emile Hirsch is perfect. The cast is unique, the scenes were moving, painfully real. A very well made film, easily a personal fave.
Rated 17 Dec 2009
Rated 28 Feb 2009
69
35th
Painfully superficial and self-aggrandizing, but nevertheless has its charms. Arguably the worst narration in film history.
Rated 28 Feb 2009
Rated 26 Dec 2008
6
55th
Often both pretentious and indulgent, and even seems to undermine its main character's "aesthetic experiment" with a final, very conformist insight. And yet - despite it all - strangely interesting. Well acted, impressively shot (not just the scenery, but the composition of shots) and amazingly scored by Vedder. Not quite the visual cointerpoint to Kerouac's "The Road" or Auster's "Leviathan", but an interesting take nonetheless.
Rated 26 Dec 2008
Rated 16 Jun 2008
42
21st
Ok 2:30 for what? For biography of stupid man which end his stupidness with his death to know that happines comes from ppl connection, not his apsolute "freedom"...
Rated 16 Jun 2008
Rated 27 May 2008
85
97th
Damn great job by Sean Penn and Emile Hirsch, as well as the supporting actors. Feels less like a movie, and more like a journey of life.
Rated 27 May 2008
Rated 15 Apr 2008
93
94th
An intensely personal and ultimately heart-wrenching film experience. The movie is quite long, but never overstays its welcome, as our (anti?) hero moves from one great supporting character to another. Vaughn, Keener and Holbrook turn in exemplary work, and Vedder's soundtrack meshes perfectly with the long sprawling shots of gorgeous American landscape. McCandless is a flawed character, but Penn never paints him as right or wrong, caring instead about the lesson to be learned from him.
Rated 15 Apr 2008
Rated 24 Feb 2008
90
94th
Beautiful and touching. Penn takes a lot of time to just show some very beautiful images with fitting Vedder music and has no rush with the story. Works for me.
Rated 24 Feb 2008
Rated 24 Feb 2008
93
96th
Astonishing images and supporting music. Sean Pean does a good job , and tells the story at a very calm way but doesn't get bored at all.
Rated 24 Feb 2008
Rated 06 Feb 2008
87
83rd
A lot of the time I jokingly use the phrase "I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me" to describe movies that have clearly not done so. But here, it's actually true. It's old-fashioned, engrossing, and moving.
Rated 06 Feb 2008
Rated 06 Feb 2008
96
87th
I think I watched this movie at a perfect time, because I was incredibly impressed by it. On the one hand, I realize that Chris/Alex was a self-absorbed retard. On the other hand, I kinda want to burn all my money now and hit the road. I felt that Penn perfectly captured this ambivalence. He really made a stunning film. The cinematography is amazing, so is the soundtrack (Eddie Vedder's work). And both Emile Hirsch and Hal Holbrook gave Oscar-worthy performances.
Rated 06 Feb 2008
Rated 22 Sep 2007
94
91st
A terrific and poetic, modern-American 'Odyssey'. And wildly universal. This one should cut across all demographics. It is classic in theme and style...
Rated 22 Sep 2007
Rated 24 Nov 2024
77
69th
I'm probably the only person alive who thinks that he kinda got what was coming to him. Reap what you sow. I watch this to remind me that my life is awesome and I am satisfied with my place in it.
Rated 24 Nov 2024
Rated 01 Sep 2024
49
43rd
Magazine article, journalistic book, feature film: the final stage of the assimiliation of a real human life into the world of tropes. And for what? Tropes work better when left to themselves.
Rated 01 Sep 2024
Rated 12 Jul 2020
0
5th
Anyone who says this is a great film is completely full of shit. I had to temporarily block my friend's number who recommended it to me. It's easily one of the most annoying yuppie bullshit films ever made. Don't waste your time on this nonsense, unless you're nine years old. I hate this film. And the Eddie Vedder soundtrack--good fucking God!!! Was this made to torture people at Guantanamo?! The Thoreau analogies are ironically fitting for every hipster who cherry picks his bullshit story.
Rated 12 Jul 2020
Rated 13 May 2017
79
74th
A good movie. Offers introspection via the slow pace and themes. Plus it's a fairly enjoyable adventure on it's own. However, this is a work of fiction based on a young man who went to Alaska unprepared. His real journal entry was filled with vague single words so most actions (apart from the moose) are a matter of creative license. The fact that several people have died trying to go "into the wild" is unfortunate given its romanticization of a journey that has so few hard facts.
Rated 13 May 2017
Rated 02 Feb 2017
20
0th
The protagonist is such a prick, and the narration so pretentious. The whole motive of the film is "guy runs away from home", but his smart talking should make you believe he is on a mission. Unfortunately, this film has not many things to say. Things get emotional at the end.
Rated 02 Feb 2017
Rated 31 Dec 2015
90
94th
The true story is absolutely incredible- It is a peak into what escape is actually like. The movie did a very commendable job of capturing the highs and lows of freedom and isolation within the power of nature. A spiritual experience and one that I often revisit.
Rated 31 Dec 2015
Rated 22 Feb 2015
80
43rd
Like lots of other artworks, it tries to tell us not to forget our dreams and how it works with following them. the movie itself and its locations are strangely similar to "One Week".
its a very good movie and well pictured.
Rated 22 Feb 2015
Rated 27 Aug 2014
70
29th
I began watching this film with high hopes, as I was aware of the true premise and wanted to see if the movie could wring some more insight out of the story, like why was McCandles so determined to run away from his seemingly great middle class life? Also, the movie runs with the (generally discredited) idea that he died because of some bad stuff he ate. Most now agree he died just because he got in over his head and didn't know what he was doing. Still, not terrible.
Rated 27 Aug 2014
Rated 10 Nov 2013
62
13th
why put a halo on a kid who didn't want anything to do with halos? (apart from all the glorification of the the guy, the film has some pretty epic scenes, visually speaking)
Rated 10 Nov 2013
Rated 14 Sep 2013
40
12th
In my opinion, this guy was a total moron. He first refused the car his father gave him, then turn down Harvard university, burnt his ID, got rid of his whole savings and lived as a tramp to finally die alone in his shits less than 15 freaking miles from civilization. Actually, I might have missed this guy's poetry...
Rated 14 Sep 2013
Rated 30 Nov 2012
50
28th
It's hard not to feel that Penn is stacking the deck heavily in his favor and losing out on the chance for a more sober meditation on the ambiguity of McCandless' quest.
Rated 30 Nov 2012
Rated 23 Jul 2012
86
96th
I'm not sure whether the main character is a dick or a hero, probably a bit of both. It is an amazing life story nevertheless.
Rated 23 Jul 2012
Rated 17 May 2012
30
10th
This movie doesnt have a substance and makes no sense at all , an idiot who keeps on making the wrong choices and turns into a brilliant philosopher just before he dies.
Rated 17 May 2012
Rated 02 May 2012
72
56th
Whilst unarguably beautiful to look at, this film seems to polarise opinion depending on how you perceive "Supertramp". Is our hero a guru like figure, moving and affecting peoples lives as he moves from place to place, or a selfish jerk who cant read a botanical book properly?. Some terrific performances especially from Holbrook and Dierker, and if nothing else, this film motivates you to get off your arse and go and experience what is out there. Enjoyable, with a superb soundtrack
Rated 02 May 2012
Rated 25 Mar 2012
85
91st
Really enjoyed this film. Think i identified with the feelings of searching for meaning in this world. Great acting and great directing.
Rated 25 Mar 2012
Rated 22 Mar 2012
3
25th
Not without substance and merit but the film suffers from being both overwrought and overlong.
Rated 22 Mar 2012
Rated 31 Jan 2012
90
96th
This is in my opinion a new classic, because is a very polemic and romantic view in a lifestyle of disconnection that seems so appealing in an hyper connected era, sure Alexander might been a bit naive and had a death wish but who cares. Music, cinematography, acting, edition and overall direction were really well done. I thought that "The Big Lebowski" was the ultimate hippie movie but I was so wrong, this is definitely the ultimate hippie movie
Rated 31 Jan 2012
Rated 04 Oct 2011
90
45th
The ultimate freedom trip. I really wanted to run away after watching this. Great true story.
Rated 04 Oct 2011
Rated 18 Aug 2011
89
82nd
I've been hesitating with watching it for a very long time but then realized what a mistake of mine was it to act like this. With awesome direction from Penn and performance by Hirsch with magnificent score from Vedder this is a story which could hardly leave anyone unmoved.
Rated 18 Aug 2011
Rated 30 Jun 2011
88
58th
Read the book, saw the movie, wasn't disappointed.
Rated 30 Jun 2011
Rated 24 Jun 2011
55
67th
A solipsistic and judgmental film. Still very much worth watching for the journey.
Rated 24 Jun 2011
Rated 30 Mar 2011
80
38th
Sean Penn's confidently directed adaption of Jon Krakauer's tale of Christopher McCandles - an awe-inspiring true story. Above all, Into the Wild is a haunting odyssey. A tragic tale of a young man in search for spiritual purity. It really is a powerful film. And never has a soundtrack captured the essence of a film like Eddie Vedder's album does here; every song on the album captures the eerie, tragic beauty of the story of Christopher McCandles.
Rated 30 Mar 2011
Rated 23 Mar 2011
65
18th
It's a well-made film, but I had a fundamental problem with the main character. I just can't get behind his whole attitude that he's somehow above the rest of society. The movie tries to make him into a tragic hero, but I thought he was kind of an idiot who didn't know what he was doing.
Rated 23 Mar 2011
Rated 21 Feb 2011
60
40th
While having basically the right idea, mccandless was a bit of an idiot. As an untrained city boy, you need to rely at least to some degree to literature of those who have already lived in nature. You gotta know what to eat, you gotta know where to go. I couldn't care less for his unnecessary demise, because it was stupidity that led to it. Therefore, I can not take this movie, as well as its protagonist, seriously. Sorry, chris.
Rated 21 Feb 2011
Rated 27 Dec 2010
55
43rd
I have mixed feelings about this film. On one hand, it is beautifully shot and really gives an idea of the great expanse of American wilderness into which McCandless entered. On the other hand, I found it hard to sympathise with him until the very end. He abandoned his family, spurned almost every act of generosity he was offered and generally acted in a selfish, bratty manner. But it is a true story, so maybe that kind of honesty in film-making is something that should be admired?
Rated 27 Dec 2010
Rated 05 Oct 2010
89
93rd
It's a pretty long sit, but it's not unpleasant at all. The ending really moved me, almost brought me to tears. Also the visuals are beautiful, it really shows how stunning nature is and how chaotic and unnatural a city actually is.
Rated 05 Oct 2010
Rated 04 Jul 2010
94
90th
as chris becomes alex, you realize that every story he passes through is real, substantial. jan, rainey, wayne, ron; his mom, dad, uncle, grandpa. into the wild is the story of chris passing through all of them, marking their lives, forever changing them. and then, finally, when it all comes to an end on that magic bus, you feel blessed for the life that chris j. mccandless has led. this is movie making at its best, with the music, the words, the quotations and most importantly, the journey.
Rated 04 Jul 2010
Rated 08 Apr 2010
80
34th
Absorbing with emotional high points, but overlong and takes the romantic view of McCandless rather than Krakauer's more nuanced critique of the impulse to exceed his ability in risky situations. The key character arc of Chris/Alex is not fully incorporated into the Alaska sequences and the ending rings false as a result.
Rated 08 Apr 2010
Rated 15 Jan 2010
85
92nd
Great adaptation of Jon Krakauer's book about the real life Chris McCandless. You can tell Sean Penn understood him well by portraying him not as a social rebel or misanthrope but a young man simply enjoying life and trying to find himself through travel and the wilderness. There are quite a few parallels to buddhist spirituality present. There is a genuineness to this film that does not try to rationalize the flaws of the person or the reasons. The end isn't tragic if you consider the journey.
Rated 15 Jan 2010
Rated 05 Jan 2010
85
86th
Story about a man trying to find his long lost connection to the world .Good direction, beautiful cinematography and soundtrack... Only flaw is that at times it seems pretentious in trying to transcend the (wrong) message to the viewer
Rated 05 Jan 2010
Rated 12 Nov 2009
95
97th
An incredible and real journey that takes a look at what is truly valuable in life. And the funny thing is that everyone in the movie is both right and wrong at once. Absolutely incredible.
Rated 12 Nov 2009
Rated 10 Aug 2009
93
92nd
shocking and heartful story. love it. amazing shots.
Rated 10 Aug 2009
Rated 29 Jul 2009
94
94th
I hear a lot of people say this film is lackluster, but I can't see anything but absolutely passionate direction by Penn, an Oscar-worthy performance by Emile Hirsch, and one of the most fascinating and magnificent portraits of a human being that I've ever seen.
Rated 29 Jul 2009
Rated 22 Jul 2009
75
79th
Why is it that everyone he meets are nice? Isn't that a bit odd, I mean he left society for a reason, and it turns out it really isn't that bad, but he doesn't get that until waaaaay later in the film. Great soundtrack by Vedder, and great cast.
Rated 22 Jul 2009
Rated 19 Jul 2009
100
95th
Part of you wants to blame him for being a dumb kid, and part of you wishes you had burned your cash and lived on the road. This film had me from beginning to end.
Rated 19 Jul 2009
Rated 17 Jul 2009
87
87th
Unexpectedly powerful film thanks to the fact that Alex is neither hailed nor derided but treated simply as the flawed human being that he is. It doesn't so much explore conceptions of freedom as explore one person's exploration of his personal conception of freedom and it does that very well.
Rated 17 Jul 2009
Rated 12 Jul 2009
90
38th
This guy was like Timothy Treadwell, except he was even more of an elitist prick and didn't even try to do something interesting like live with bears. It's a Kerouac film with a very anti-Kerouac message, which just makes it pointless.
Rated 12 Jul 2009
Rated 26 May 2009
85
79th
Beautifully photographed story of a man who went out to find his own truth and lost his life in the process. All through the movie the sensation of loss can be felt strongly, but is only expressed by the people around him (most notably through the poignant and striking performances by Keener and Holbrook). McCandless himself is too focused on his great Alaskan adventure to realize it in time, so he fades away into the nature he sought out on his quest for freedom and identity. A crazy diamond.
Rated 26 May 2009
Cast & Info
Directed by:
Sean PennCollections
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