Into the Wild (2008, DVD)

A bittersweet (true) story covering many of life's issues ... bringing awareness to things in your own life that you may or may not be willing to face. Having seen it once, I knew I wanted it on my home shelf.

Sean Penn's new movie Into the Wild arrives on the wave of a well-regarded novel about a college graduate who decides that the anger and violence in civilized society is too much to handle and commences a journey through nature in order to truly live life as it was meant to be. This film is a wonderful glimpse into the life of a kid, wise beyond his years, and the bonds that he creates with people along the way. A victim of excess in wealth and a shortage of love, Christopher McCandless hid inside his mind behind knowledge and philosophy, building up his intellectual strength, as well as the physical, in order to complete his trek, ultimately leading him to Alaska. Penn never falls into the trap of showing too much heartbreak on the side of McCandless's parents, because he doesn't want the audience to second-guess the decision he made. There is no debate to be had here, our protagonist has no alternative but to get out and live off the land. Only being completely self-sufficient can he grasp a meaning for his life and one day perhaps go back with that knowledge fully learned.

Emile Hirsch is absolutely brilliant with his good-natured attitude and affable charm. His character believes that human contact is not necessary for happiness and never seeks out relationships. However, his character is so likable that they find him and latch on, not to change his mind, but to experience his level of being and hopefully learn something from him and help enlarge his vocabulary on life. The people he meets help him to fully grasp the decision of life in the wild and be able to survive it. Never coming off condescendingly to those he crosses paths with, Hirsch always holds a smile on his face. One scene, where he meets up with a couple of people from Europe, proves how contagious a clear outlook on life without the troubles of societal restraints can be. These three kids have a blast, if only for a few minutes—with Hirsch being chased by the police for rafting with no license—and it makes one wonder if maybe we all should take a journey into nature and feel the freedom and full warmth of heart that a lack of stress to succeed in the business world can give.

All the supporting players are magnificent at helping show the side to McCandless that Penn needs on display to succeed. Hal Holbrook, Brian Dierker, and Catherine Keener are by far the best of these side characters with Vince Vaughn and Kirsten Stewart adding some charm too. Dierker, Keener, and Stewart play hippie, flower-child type roles and allow Hirsch to show off how modest and unselfish he is. This is the family he deserved to have from birth and he is the son they wished their lives had earned them. At their best, all four together give some of the most emotionally charged moments in the film. Holbrook, on-the-other-hand, helps give insight into the philosophy that Hirsch needs to live with in order to survive the loneliness, looking him in the face, to come in Alaska. It is truly fascinating to see how every person adds something to his overall experience and to the tools he needs.

Hirsch deserves a lot of credit because he truly outshines the film itself with his dedication and sacrifice to the role. The length of time needed to allow him the ability to lose the weight necessary for a main plot point in the movie is crazy. If the time wasn't that long and Hirsch did it all rapidly, I'm even more impressed. With all that, there are many instances free of dialogue that he needs to

i loved this movie! i'm not one to sit down and watch a long moview but my bf wanted to watch this one. fortunately i coulnt quit watching it! it was long but well worth it! i bought this movie just to let others borrow it and enjoy it as well as i did. it's full of excitment and kept us talking about it for days! love this one!!!

I LOVED this movie. It brings things back to the basics and makes you think about how unimportant your life is if you care more about materialistic possessions, than actually LIVING LIFE. I decided to buy it because my Mom wanted to see it and I purchased it for her. I watched it after she did and FELL IN LOVE with the whole movie. I cried.

I seen this movie and really enjoyed it. I thought what better place to look to purchase this movie than ebay. Sure enough, I found several copies being sold and, put a bid and won. I was pleased with the price as well as the quality of this used item.

I bought it as a gift for a couple of friends. They enjoyed it as much as I did. Thank you Ebay for being the most incredible and perfect shopping guide in the entire world. I owe you my life.

This is the most amazing movie I have ever watched. Its really insightful. & I can understand where Chris (Alexander Supertramp) is coming from. It's just a beautiful peice of artwork. There are genuine people portrayed in this film. Types of people that I could love to come into contact with.

Very close to the book. THe only difference is that Sean Penn, in working with the McCandless family, portrays Chris as a hero, whereas the book only presents the facts without judging his character and poor decisions. Great characters, scenery, soundtrack.

I bought this movie because of it's rating average and because I like both self discovery and nature movies. I must say this one didn't disappoint me. It was well written and although I'm not a real fan of jumping back and forth in time, this was done in a way that wasn't annoying and distracting. Can't say that I really liked the way it ended, but that's not the producers fault. When you make a movie about someone's life, it's almost impossible to change the out come.

Emile Hirsch was great in this movie! This movie was definately one that is filled with all sorts of different emotions throughout nonstop. I am a 41 year old man, and I often found myself tearing up during parts of this movie! This movie is a must see and is a very fascinating story about a young man with a lot of inner demons and issues that lead him to some very interesting decisions he decides to make in his life. I found myself rooting for him and admiring his perseverence all the way through the entire movie. The soundtrack by Eddie Vedder is perfect for this movie and really adds another dimension to the emotion of the story.

Funny, sad, intelligent, moving, caring. A great ride for an adventurer. Nice character develpments and interactions. Except for the parents, the characters were alive in the film. The scenes were delightful to watch and the anticipation of the freedom gave hope. It's worth a second look.

Follow Chris through the journey of his life. A true story of a young man with all the promise and money that he could need but unsatisfied. Watch as he burns it and searches for the true meaning of life in the wild. Laugh with him, cry with him, and learn the meaning of happiness with him. A truly inspirational film of love, friendships, and personal soul searching.

Best movie I have seen in a long time because it was such a good theme and actors. Recommend to all!

best movie of the year so far. excellent price with a bonus dvd! nothing bad could be said about this one.

Sean Penn directed an amazing movie here. To be honest, it is only a fraction of the story. The book adds a slightly more in-depth look and I would recommend reading the book first before seeing the movie. Certain parts of the movie will become more apparent in meaning. I don't discredit Sean though because to fit in so much life into a 2hour movie is impossible, but Sean really came close to capturing some essential points.

I highly recommend anyone to watch this. It will inspire a sense of adventure and curiosity of both North America and yourself. Books such as On The Road by Jack Kerouac would be similar in nature. Either way, you'll probably start planning a trip somewhere, anywhere, after seeing into Chris McCandless' own personal journey.

This is one of the most outstanding movies I have ever seen. Great storyline, Excellent screenplay, character development, and one of the best lifelong lessons ever written limited to five words. (When you watch the movie you will know what I mean). The scenery and visuals in itself was a masterpiece. Emile Hirsh has taken devotion of a motion picture to a whole new level. Make sure you don't let this film slide by.

Great movie, I wasn't sure that I would like it because everyone already knows the ending but it is a great story. Penn does a great job directing.

NICE ITEM THANK YOU- USED DVD PLAYED LIKE NEW- VERY HAPPY WITH PURCHASE WILL BUY FROM AGAIN. A GREAT MOVIE GREAT CAST AND DIRECTOR SEAN PEAN.

A great story about a young mans quest to find the meaning of life and his place in the world. A must view for every one young or young at heart. A great lesson can be learned about life and choises. A little bad luck and some poor planning can cost you your life weather it is something as simple as drinking and driving or adventuring in Alaska. Read the book, watch the movie. You will never forget either. Alan D.

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This Movie tells a True Story about a Young Man, with a Somewhat Troubled Past. But he has a Strong sense of Himself, and what he Believes. And somehow, about 10 minutes into it, I knew I was Hooked. This One will Never leave you bored:: I Liked the Scene, where Chris tries to get permission to go Water Rafting, the guy is on the Phone, and finally tells Chris, Yeah, you can put your Name on the List... Chris sees the List, and said "You want me to wait 12 Years?!!" And Supertramp finds a way to go anyway. I Originaly Wanted the Movie, just because it's a True Story, but it is so much more. It is well told, with a few insights as to his rocky relationship with his Parents. But the real story, is about the People he Encounters on his way, the relationships he Forms; the so called Wisdoms he learns, that he documents, on the way. This really made Me Wish he would have Lived a Much Longer Life. But this Film interprets in a very Insightful, Rare, and Raw way. Stunning!!!

I thought this movie was really amazing. The cinematography was truly wonderful, beautiful scenery. Emile Hirsch is a star, he is someone to watch. I don't want to give anything away, but it was very emotional for me to watch. Great movie to watch with your parents.

Christopher McCandless is as complex a character as one is likely to find in both the realms of fiction and reality. As depicted in "Into the Wild," he becomes a multifaceted individual incapable of classification. Played brilliantly and tortuously by Emile Hirsch, McCandless is at once a revolutionary, a coward, a hero, and a disaffected youth taken to the nth degree. Was McCandless brilliant in his decision to leave materialism behind and live off the wild? Or insane?

"Into the Wild" offers no easy answers. The film, directed by Sean Penn, presents McCandless' life objectively and asks the viewer to make a judgment on the young man's unorthodox decisions.

Penn has assembled an impressive cast in support of Hirsch, including young actresses Jena Malone and Kristen Stewart, and thespian vets Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt and Oscar-nominated Hal Holbrook. All fill a universe that is at times beautiful and heartbreaking. The cinematography, too, is simply gorgeous, taking viewers on their own trek through the wilds of the American West and finally into McCandless ultimate destination, Alaska.

"Into the Wild" suffers from minor pacing problems, though these are likely more manageable on DVD. Still, it wouldn't be unusual to have to finish the film in two or more sittings. Getting to the end rewards viewers with a powerful film and equally powerful performances all hinged on the real story of the ultimate rebel.