Lovely film, makes you think.

Rating: 9/10 (21 November 2007)

First off, this film and especially Hal Holbrook are Oscar material in my mind. Hal's character was perfectly cast and perfectly well done. Exceedingly believable and quite touching. Kudos to the director, casting person, and to Mr. Holbrook. I suspect this will be another highlight of Mr Holbrooks career. Along with his Mark Twain effort. Holbrook deserves an Oscar. I was quite moved.
That being said, this movie is not judgmental. It presents the story in an even handed way. You the viewer, decides who is "evil" and who is not. The many critiques or kudos here are based on peoples own perceptions and filtered through their own time and place in their mental, ethical and chronological and societal place.
Younger people may see the main character as stupid or wonderfully idealistic.
To me it was the story of a young man, who is idealistic, and genial, at the same time, who can not make any meaningful connections due to..youth, and trouble in his background. And makes some mistakes along the way as young people will.
In his travels he has opportunity to grow spiritually. Does he succeed? Watch and find out.
Having more than once..turned to nature and actually raised my hands to the heavens on a mountain or two (usually naked) I could empathize with his search for solace there.
The cinematography was good. The main and supporting actors were great. The story a nice meditation on human connections.