Profound and rewarding

Rating: 8/10 (17 July 2008)

It is clear that a lot of time and effort went into making this motion picture. From the direction to the lighting, the acting to the editing it is very polished and beautifully presented. The story of this mans adventure is both moving and inspiring.
I really couldn't fault the acting by Emile Hirsch as Chris McCandless. It could be a classic case of an actor thats acting as himself, and doing it well, but he is very likable and very believable in the leading role; which is the main reason why the film works and why you keep watching. The supporting cast are strong in their roles with William Hurt and Maria Gay Harden who play the parents effectively and Jena Malone as McCandless' sister (and part narrator of the film) also executes her part well. However Hirsch is the films soul focus and when the story goes to the supporting cast you find yourself wanting to go back to the main character's journey again.
Sean Penn must have fallen in love with this true story of a mans adventure "Into the Wild", because some of the shots in this film are jaw dropping and the direction throughout is exquisite. The fact that he also wrote the screenplay and produced it just impresses further. There are very profound statements throughout the film and speeches from the young and old which are highly thought provoking and some which viewers will relate to.
Into the Wild is a movie that some may have to persevere with as it takes a while for the story to come together and for the message of the film to come to light. But if you do persevere with it this film is one of the most rewarding films that you are likely to see.