Into the Wild (R, 2007)
common sense media says
Powerful, tragic true story is too heavy for kids.
parents & educators say
- 33% say there are positive messages
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this long (140 minutes) drama is based on the true story of a college graduate who decided to live off the grid for more than two years, culminating in a fatal four-month solo journey to the Alaskan backcountry. The tragic nature of his death might be too heavy a theme for younger kids, but teens -- some of whom may read the best-seller on which the film is based in school -- could be drawn to the story of a young man who seeks beauty and truth. There's some language (including "f--k") and social drinking, some bare breasts, a non-sexual glimpse of star Emile Hirsch's penis as he floats naked in a river, and another fleeting shot of a couple making love (no sensitive body parts shown).
Violence:
Chris is badly beaten by a railroad cop. There are disturbing images of Chris' emaciated body toward the end of the film. In one bloody sequence, Chris shoots and butchers a moose; in other scenes, he shoots and roasts smaller game. He carries a hunting rifle during many of the Alaska-set scenes.
Sex:
Jan and Rainey are briefly shown making love in their RV (nothing sensitive is shown); a 16-year-old takes off her jeans and propositions Chris, but he declines. One non-sexual glimpse of a completely nude Chris floating on a river. A brief drive-through scene in a nudist camp; when Chris has lunch with a cheerful Danish couple, the woman goes bare-breasted for most of the scene.
Language:
Strong, but not incessant. Words include "f--k," "a--hole," "s--t," etc.
Consumerism:
International Harvester bus; John Deere; Burger King.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Chris drinks with Wayne and his friends at a local bar in a couple of scenes; Jan appears to roll a joint.
More on Into the Wild
Watch our review
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
TonyTheJet
adult
adult
Primary Message Probably Lost on Most Viewers
I know that my review is contradictory, because my concern is about the message of the film, and one of the highlights is also the message of the film. This is because it is clear from the reviews above that one of the primary messages of the film is lost on people who are watching it.
I think one of the most powerful messages that this story teaches is that while there is beauty and adventure to be found in nature, the real natural world is even harsher and more unforgiving than the industrial world, and the same struggle of power and greed repeat themselves--to and even more astonishing degree--in the natural world. In fact, Chris' assertion towards the end of the the film that true happiness is not found in human interactions is quickly dashed to pieces after 4 months in the Alaskan wilderness, at which point he writes that happiness is only possible when shared, or something to that extent.
The film truly highlights the power of human interaction, and that enjoying nature fully can only be achieved when we have the support and love of other humans around us.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
dudeman123
adult
adult
One of the years bests
For starters this is a great movie probably the best of 2007. It wont be very appealing to younger teens because the movie seems very slow at points but in the end it makes it that much better. This is also one of the few movies that lives up to the book.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
nickchick15004
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
LOVE IT
awesome movie. i watched it when i was 11 and it did not effect me but this movie is for older teens. love it so so much i love the song kristen sings in the movie again love love love love love love love love love this movie
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
thomas_babygirl
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
lovvvvvvvvve it
i abosutley loooooooooovvvvvveeeeedddddd this movie it was sad tho
icried through like half the movie
but overall it was a great movie
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
movietramp
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
100% Fantastic
Great movie. One the the best and most inspirational movies I have ever seen. Chris's story is amazing and very unique. The people he meets and the places he visits are very interesting and really make you see the beauty in our world. The music by Eddie Vedder fits the movie perfectly. I loved watching Chris as he transformed and saw all these things that impacted him like the God mural out in the desert. It is a joy to try to figure out how his mind works and what you would do if you were in his situation. It makes you wonder "Could I ever do that?", "Would I ever do that."
This movie just makes you want to follow our beloved Supertramp "into the wild."
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
bubbleboy
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
A powerful and tragic movie
Wow. Wow. Wow. These are the only words that my lips could produce after seeing this beautifully tragic and altogether moving film. (I'm terrible with names and haven't seen this for a while, so I'll try my best) It tells the story of Chris (?), a 20-something college graduate who is destined for Harvard (or was it Stanford?). He has outstanding grades, seemingly endless money, and stuffy parents; the perfect Harvard (Stanford) formula. When his parents give him a arge sum of money as a graduation present, he is apalled. He sees it perfectly fine to drive an old car and is happy with the diploma he has, to his parents' strong disapproval. As his Harvard (Stanford) days near, Chris (?) decides to burn his money, destroy his credit cards, take off his license plates, and change his name (though not legally). He starts out for the Alaskan wilderness, and meets many friends along the way. These include a flamboyant hippie couple, a dutch couple who long to see Mexico and a farmer (Vince Vaughn) who is in trouble with the law. As many know, Chris's journey ends tragically, with him dying of starvation, but that doesn't make the film feel depressing or gloomy. My only complaint is this: Chris (?) never forgave his parents,and acts in an EXTREMELY immature matter toward them, though he advises others to forgive and forget, making him something of a hypocrite. As far as content, there's really nothing TOO suggestive here: there's some non-sexual nudity (full frontal, though) and brief strong language. So, 12 year-olds, probably not (I was fine) but anyone older should be fine and to those of you older, SEE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
lmtrav
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Really good and thought provoking movie but not for kids
This movie is very, very good, but it is very mature and has some dark undertones. There is some pretty strong language that is used throughout and some nudity several times as well. There is also some thematic material that may be too heavy for younger kids to handle. However, it is an excellent movie, and I think you really get more out of it when you are old enough to understand it.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
An independent voice for families
Advice on the big issues
Already seen it? What do you think?
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
