The beauty of living in ancient human conditions

Rating: 9/10 (21 October 2015)

Into the Wild is a true story of Christopher Johnson McCandless aka Alexander Supertramp aka Chris, who, after his graduation, went on to live into the icy jungle of Alaska (inspired by Thoreau's Walden), leaving everything behind, including his family and all his money.
Director Sean Penn doesn't just show Chris' life in Alaska but his college life and the core reason of why he had this way figured out in chapter wise storytelling which adds interest and structure to the movie. Being a nature oriented cinematography, the visuals of trees, mountains, rivers, free birds are obvious but these images make powerful impact in the movie, especially when Chris looks at the mountains.
Casting is good. Emily Hirsch is perfect for the role, young, full of attitude and firm on his opinion. William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden and Jena Malone played a good role as Chris' family. Kristen Stewart was beauty and sparkling as a young girl and even for a short duration, she added happiness in the movie. But, what took the movie to a greater level is the performance of Hal Holbrook as Ron. He just nailed it. A retired military old man, rich in experience and philosophy who connects easily with Chris and becomes a family bond.
Movie is in good pace and tells us clearly how Chris' parents fought over the years, forcing Chris to live secluded. His love for books by Leo Tolstoy and Thoreau shaped his radical ideas and love for the nature and rebellious thinking.
Scenes of Chris diving into the river, adventurously sailing with his kayak into the flood river, walking into the Alaskan beauty mountains, running behind horses in open field and hitting the road symbolizing the ultimate freedom are shown beautifully, making you want to live like this.
What makes Into the Wild a magical experience is the Eddie Vedder's music. Songs are just class. Perfectly in harmony with the scenario of natural living and happiness, these songs take you close to Chris' living. 'Such is the way of the world', 'No ceiling' are real pleasant to hear and 'Society' is as painful as the reality of life. The movie is easily a memorable experience and in my favorite list of movies. The quotes of Chris about career, life, nature are deep and it questions are lifestyle. If you are wise, you will understand somewhere we are wrong and lost as a civilization. Hats off to Chris!