A Sad and Beautiful Tale - But It's A Bit Boring...

Rating: 7/10 (4 January 2009)

Like most films based on a true story, I expected this film to be slow-paced, and I was not surprised in any way.
Whilst the overall feeling of the piece is one of loneliness, I got the impression that the main character could and should have gone back home in the end. He stayed out there too long, in my opinion.
It was wonderful seeing all the people he met, and seeing how he affected their lives, and how, indeed, they affected his. But he didn't seem to learn anything from the people he met, apart from various trades and skills. If he'd only stopped to listen to them properly, he might have been happier than he ended up.
Enough about the character himself, though. The music to this film is terrific. Eddie Vedder, of Pearl Jam, wrote all the music, and did a sterling job, as usual.
The ensemble cast is very good, and are directed well by Sean Penn.
This film really showcases the natural beauty of some parts of America, and indeed, the beauty of some of its people.
Overall, this film is sad, beautiful, yet boring. It drags on a bit, and because the subject matter hardly changes (ie a lonely man travelling up and down the country, meeting people) it is very samey. It's worth watching, but do not expect to take any important messages away having watched it, other than the importance of family and friends.