I just watched Sean Penn's 'Into the Wild', it was utterly beautiful.
Not only is the film visually stunning and incredibly engaging, I found it spiritually inspiring. The film is based on the true story of Christopher McCandles, who renounced his family, wordly posessions and responsibilities.
The film features themes of renunciation, acceptance, love and compassion - it also deals with the extremeties of renunciation and explores the spiritual concept of a 'middle path'.
I found myself drawing a number of parallels between the film and Buddhist and Christian teachings, as well as some nihilistic trains of though. All of this 'spiritual stuff' was cleverly set around humbling relationships involving some very colourful characters.
A truly wonderful watch, the best film I've seen this year. Check it out!
Hey Ammit - I was directed by your blog from a posting on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI found the movie to be very interesting as well, and visually very beautiful when I saw it at its release in a full theater.
However, being 41 years old, and having graduated university at the same time as the protagonist, I found some of his decisions alarmingly short sighted - even while they were steeped in some very real traditional American wilderness-based spirituality.
A view of ANOTHER American wilderness visionary who lost his life to his short sightedness can be seen on "Grizzly Man" - I recommend you see it.
Best regards -
Hey Raccoon, thanks for your comment. I will indeed check out 'Grizzly Man'.
ReplyDeleteMuch Metta
I tend to agree. I found the movie wildly inspiring and moving, yet nearing 40 with two small children I now have a different view of living life "wild" and "free". One does not have to go to such an extreme. That said, I can respect his choice and somehow the beauty and sadness within it.
ReplyDeleteI had a friend who had really really wanted to see this movie when it came out .. we never quite got around to it.
ReplyDeleteWatched the trailer .. this movie looks amazing and inspiring! Thank you for the reminder that I must see it! and for taking the time to post all of this here.
Best!