An emotionally wrenching story of the unforgiving lesson of nature

Rating: 10/10 (18 October 2007)

(My Synopsis) Based on the true story of 22 year-old Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) a.k.a. Alexander Supertramp, gives his entire savings to charity after he graduates with honors from Emory, and begins his journey and great adventure into the wild. Chris believes that he can life off the land and that he doesn't need any money to do that. He had a goal of testing himself to the fullest by heading into the wilds of Alaska and surviving alone. It took Chris about two years to finally make it to Alaska, and along the way he meets a series of colorful people that he had never before encountered through his privileged life. His quest to learn more about the American culture took him from the wheat harvest in South Dakota to a kayak trip down the Colorado River into Mexico, and Slab City, California, before he finally makes it to Alaska. Once in Alaska, Chris must battle for his life against the harsh reality of nature in an abandoned bus.
(My Comment) This isn't a happy movie, but it is an emotionally wrenching and thought provoking story that will make you think. It is about our society, family, idealism, and nature; most of all it is about the romanticism of youth and the tragic consequences of an unforgiving and dangerous wilderness. Chris left everything behind to find something pure in the world, or the meaning of life, or just himself by pushing the limits into the wilderness. During his two wandering years, Chris learns from every person he meets and adds something to his overall experience and the tools he will need to survive. The only problem with that is Chris went into the wilderness without ample preparation. Too little knowledge and experience will get you killed, especially, in Alaska. Considering Chris' intelligence and resources he had with him, it seems that he was very foolish, naive, and youthfully stupid.
While Chris was in the "magic bus" the movie takes us back and forth in time and explains his dysfunctional family life and his earlier travels during his last two-years. I would have preferred the movie be shown in chronological order and not with so many flashbacks. Emile Hirsch gives an absorbing, completely believable performance as Chris. Hirsch deserves a lot of credit, because he sacrificed and gave of himself to the role. Hirsch lost a lot of weight during the movie to show that Chris was starving to death, and Hirsch will probably receive an Oscar for his performance. It is a long movie, so get ready for it before it starts, because you can't leave your seat until the very end. The story has a tragic ending, but it was beautiful and profound at the same time. At the end of the movie, they show a picture of Chris that was taken by him in front of the bus, and we see that Hirsch resembles him, which is uncanny. (Paramount Vantage, Run time 2:20, Rated R)(10/10)