What are people's thoughts on this movie?
I am at a similar age to the main character, whilst I am not like him in many aspects- I can't help but relate to him and what he seeks... Thoughts, review and people's perception behind the meaning would be appreciated.
"Happiness is only real if shared"

I loved it! So so much! It's the closest a movie has come to making me cry in a long time.

I'm also a similar age to him, and can completely understand his ideals.
He's just looking for the non-materialistic values in life. It's partly about rebellion, and partly about self-discovery. But he, unlike everyone else at that age, follows through on his ideals. I might love to get involved in the wilderness and meet people from all walks of life, but to know that I don't have a home to return to, no money for when I get desperate, and nothing being planned for the future would terrify me.
Idealistically, I'm right there with him. Unfortunately, I'm too much of a pansy to ever find out first hand.
He's one of the most likable characters possible. And apparently the real-life man he was based on was very much like that.

Yep, fantastic film. Anyone who hasn't seen it should do so!

Kal

He should have read about that plant before eating it what a waste. Also why didn't he go elsewhere to find food instead of just hanging around a hippie van. Dumb and boring.

If you watch carefully, that book he used to help him find edible plants had two similar looking plants: one edible, one poisonous. After he started getting sick, he read more closely that he ate the poisonous one. As far as the van, he had shelter, a stove and food all around him. He didn't have to search else where. He just wanted to live off the land with no need for money. The really sad part about the kid is he was really close to a major road. If he went the other direction away from that river, he would have survived.

Best movie of the year by far... honestly thought I loved the book more but with the Eddie Vedder soundtrack, I don't know. I recently met the woman who played the hippie who gave him a ride, and she said it was the best movie she's ever done. Every time I watch it Im afraid my boyfriend is going to run "into the wild". But I think there is a small part in all of us that wants to. "happiness is only real when shared"