I just finished watching the movie "Into the Wild" directed by Sean Penn. It had to be one of the most emotional lone-traveller kind of movies I have ever watched. And it was based on a true story. It depicts the journey of Alexander Supertramp(Emile Hirsch). A journey into self-discovery, into self-realization, into the wild. I could not say enough about this movie except that it was exceptionally moving.
A young man, yearning to break free from the confinements of society, of parents, or hypocrites, of politicians, of lies. Hence, he set off to his destination Alaska on a near to 2-year journey, going to various places along the way, and meeting new people during his quest. Defeated by his parents who were the main cause for his decision to live a life of his own out there, he stepped on a never-return journey on the hope of achieving what he really wanted - emancipation and happiness. His strong disapproval in the cruelty and unequivocal system of the society, of how mundane society had shaped him to become, of how trapped he felt in the societal cage echoed his choice of heading into the wild, thus finding his own identity.
The movie is dictated by words, which played an inevitable and dominant role in portraying the inner feelings of Alex. The whole journey of Alex was summarised in point forms in his own diary. As short as the points seemed, the larger pictures were often painted in front of the audience. Sean Penn is genius in making this 2 hour 20 plus minute movie seemed not like a drag, but one that seemed to escalate into its real theme in a stylish yet gradual manner, tugging at the heartstrings, making it seem like it's fine to go ahead to marvel and cringe at the journey and plight of Alex towards the end. The 2 hour plus movie ended on a sad note. But there was a realization which he achieved at the very end.
Happiness is real only when shared.
All in all, Sean Penn did a great job with the cinematography of the movie, making it so raw yet so surreal. And Emile Hirsch was a fine actor, probably the best candidate to suit the role. I especially loved the music and soundtracks in the movie, which blended in exceptionally well. Also, the many many quotes in the movie were inspiring and provocative.
"If I were smiling and running into your arms, can you see by then what I see now?"
At least he found forgiveness at last.
My rating: 4.5/5
For serious movie lovers. I mean those who like "serious" movies. And also those who are seriously movie lovers. Seriously.
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