Toronto

This is the sad story of a boy who felt that society was not for him, that he did not need any possessions in order to feel happiness, so he leaves his home and goes on an expedition towards Alaska, to be completely alone. The story is great, the people he meets on his way all provide great moments, but the reason for his journey is not always clear. What pushed him really to do this? There are some signs, but none really large enough to merit his extravagant decision. Nevertheless, the acting is great and Emile Hirsch really shines. Sad, but if you can handle that, definitely worth the watch.

One of the best movies that I've ever watched! The fact that it's based on a true story makes it so real. The humor and the drama just perfectly balances each other out. Emile is perfect. If you liked this movie you'll like The Dangerous Lives Of Altar boys. Emile is also in it. He's amazing!

Regardless of how one relates or not with the protagonist, the movie is well done and leaves you with things to think about. Powerful.

I really like Sean Penn as an actor, but not as a director. I hated The pledge, hated what he did in September 11, and I really did non like this movie. I do not enjoy the "slow" style. He takes at least one hour to say something that could be said in 10 minuts. I actually liked the first hour or this movie, but after it just kept on repeating it self. I mean, the story is amazing, don't get me wrong, the actors were all great, but why in the world did it have to be so slow? From the very beginning, we get why alexander does what he does. WE GET IT! So why keep on repeating it all over again, why insisting on the poetry and the philosophy of life? It was too much. Too much poetry, to much philosophy, he just tried to much to make this a meaningful movie. The worst part is that the story is very meaningful... but the movie was just too much "trying" to be artistic. But that's Sean Penn's way of directing. I do not enjoy it. From what I can see, I'm one of the only persons in the world who doesn't... so rent this movie, watch it and make your own opinion.

This is what a Masterpiece stands for, truly captivating and great, no excellent acting! Bravo!

This movie was amazing, the way it was filmed was beautiful and Emile Hirsch is so hot! It was a very touching movie! I loved it.

This movie is memorable![...] the society and long live to the Wild!

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I found this a bit long. It's sad really, how such a good life could be wasted on useless death. He could have continued to have such a good impact on the world, if he had not wasted his life on the pursuit of going to Alaska for 'whatever'. I think he realized in the end though, that he really had made a bad choice. Lots of good discussion with friends could come out of this.

Great movie and great soundtrack by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam... a definite eye-opening movie... and to think this is a true story... WOW!!

This is an incredibly beautiful and moving film. You will be moved and have plenty to think about and discuss.

I am going to try to keep this short, abridged etc. The movie starts out showing some home movies and gives it a vintage feeling. It's one that permeates through the whole thing, that and a young man out to discover life and all it's meaning, a Jeremiah Johnson meets Jack Kerouac sort of thing, on the road to the wild... it didn't quite make it for the movie either. There is some good acting, some decent actors are thrown in there that you might recognize but whose names you just can't remember, but I don't remember seeing an old family movie where I could name everyone either. The movie moves on well enough, with Emile meeting different peoples and having an impact on their lives and then disappearing into the wild. Then he is in the wild, sort of past, present and future takes going on at the same time, one minute he's here in the 'present' and then he is in the wild. Aka Quentin Tarantino. My big question is... with all these intelligent people he had met in his journey, why didn't anyone tie him down and beat some sense into his head? "Hi, I don't know anything about the wild but that is where I am going to live"... is it just me? The acting is good, for the most part. The scenery is ok, not as good as the acting. The use of the Quentin Tarantino now your here now your then is not original but keeps things flowing, along with the home movie effects you see here and there. The story, well... if the punch line was at the end about how you need people around you to enjoy life... that wasn't really much of a punchline. It wasn't a movie I would see more than once. Mistigush.

Excellent adaptation of the book. Very uplifting, entertaining, yet sad and touching. A tragic story.

I haven't seen such a beautiful movie for a log time now. As someone else also said, it is a piece of poetic videography. It moves your spirit, shakes your emotions. It is a must see movie.

A real mixed bag. Camera work is beautiful for scenery, action shots and some close ups or sophmoric, distracting even disorienting. The acting on whole is not bad but nothing is outstanding either. The plot is tedious. The back story is weak and leaves us wondering what the characters real motivation is for his odd choices.

Awesome movie. Very inspiring! A must see.

An excellent movie that allows the viewer a different peception of life's many choices.

Very exceptional movie, a breathtaking! One of the best by far this year. The message is really meaningful! “Happiness is about sharing it with others”

I thought this was an awesome movie. It was very moving. He really went after what he wanted. He was very adventurous.

I really loved this movie. I thought it was honest, revealing and very intimate look at a young man's journey in this world.

It's the best movie I've ever seen. I've seen it 3 times and I have it pre-ordered on DVD.

Simply put, the best movie I have seen in very long while... If you like superficial movies and commercial past times, don't go see this. If you value the things that really matter in life, this movie will touch you deeply. If you've got a bit of the Jack Kerouac traveler spirit in you, this movie is essential. Go with low expectations and you might be pleasantly surprised. Can be viewed alone, or with a partner.

Brilliant! I just don't get why it wasn't nominated for best movie and Emile Hirsch as best actor in the Golden Globes or the Oscars!! Maybe because of Sean Penn the director? He should have been nominated too. Wonderful film on many angles.

A movie that allows one to stand back and realize the importance of life questioning the importance of everything within ones life.

The best movie I have seen in a long, long time. The cinematography was incredible, acting was amazing, and the moral/plot was inspiring. Definitely a film to see on the big screen.

The best movie I have seen in 2007 bar none and I go to a lot of movies. I am a big Special effects fan as long as the movie is well directed and well acted and well scripted. But the most important thing is that the story is interesting and this story is very interesting and that makes it great for the big screen. This is an awesome movie. I highly recommend everyone that can see it do see it. You will not be disappointed.

This was a great film, with an awesome soundtrack. Very sad story, which gives fullness to the breathtaking scenery. It is about the consequences of family violence, physical and emotional.