An Almost Buddhist Like Oddyssey

Rating: 10/10 (25 October 2007)

When Sean Penn directed his first feature film, 'The Crossing Guard', some years back, I thought to myself, "this is someone I think will go places as a director". He has managed to craft himself a finer than fine film about a young man (played by Emille Hirsch)who is dissatisfied with the material world & strives to find a more pure existence in life. He gives away most of his belongings (including a sizable cash inheritance),takes up a backpack & takes to the open road to find himself. Along the way,he meets up with a variety of people (some good,others not so good,and some really bad). Does he find his proverbial nirvana? Well,you'll just have to see it to find out for yourself. The photography is a treat for the eye. The film is a bit long (140 minutes),but don't let that throw you. Even if this film doesn't merit so much as one Oscar, it's still well worth checking out.