I write this review because the first two reviews are done by Film snobs that never read the book.
The movie takes place in 1995 and the film style shows that. It seems raw and almost amateur, but in fact its true to the film style of this time. My only criticism is that the movie relies heavily on the astuteness of the audience as it moves fast and touches lightly on numerous important details. I imagine that is why the other reviewers are stuck on the sexual flash backs and the fox.
This is a true story that was turned into a novel 17 years later (Yes, it is true REI did in fact replace the boots Cheryl Strayed bought there for free. And Cheryl Strayed is eternally grateful for this fact). Less than two years later, Nick Hornby (novelist turned screen writer) turned this book into a screenplay and he did a good job. It is exciting to see a true story told so accurately. Seriously. There is so much truth translated so well into a moving picture. It is an exciting puzzle piece to watch. There are complaints of the flashbacks. But there are flashbacks for a reason. When a person walks 1,100 miles, they think. And that is what this movie does... shows you her inner thoughts, memories, plans, and her goal... to become the woman her mother raised her to be. The movie shows you the woman and girl she once was, and pulls you next to her through the middle part, before she accomplishes her goal
A note, I would think that less 'from behind' style sex flashbacks would be better because she was not being raped. She was horny, and sad, and horny, and wanted to feel good and forget terrible experiences like so many men and women out there. By using doggie style sex in so many flashbacks too many audiences will attribute that to an unneeded message in this movie.
But to the main point... will you enjoy this film? Like many tales of personal triumph, you have to be in the mood and mind. Are you lost? Do you hike? Are you a Witherspoon fan? Did you read the book? Do you aspire to any of these things that I have listed? If yes, you will love this movie. If you answered no to all these questions, skip this movie.
The movie takes place in 1995 and the film style shows that. It seems raw and almost amateur, but in fact its true to the film style of this time. My only criticism is that the movie relies heavily on the astuteness of the audience as it moves fast and touches lightly on numerous important details. I imagine that is why the other reviewers are stuck on the sexual flash backs and the fox.
This is a true story that was turned into a novel 17 years later (Yes, it is true REI did in fact replace the boots Cheryl Strayed bought there for free. And Cheryl Strayed is eternally grateful for this fact). Less than two years later, Nick Hornby (novelist turned screen writer) turned this book into a screenplay and he did a good job. It is exciting to see a true story told so accurately. Seriously. There is so much truth translated so well into a moving picture. It is an exciting puzzle piece to watch. There are complaints of the flashbacks. But there are flashbacks for a reason. When a person walks 1,100 miles, they think. And that is what this movie does... shows you her inner thoughts, memories, plans, and her goal... to become the woman her mother raised her to be. The movie shows you the woman and girl she once was, and pulls you next to her through the middle part, before she accomplishes her goal
A note, I would think that less 'from behind' style sex flashbacks would be better because she was not being raped. She was horny, and sad, and horny, and wanted to feel good and forget terrible experiences like so many men and women out there. By using doggie style sex in so many flashbacks too many audiences will attribute that to an unneeded message in this movie.
But to the main point... will you enjoy this film? Like many tales of personal triumph, you have to be in the mood and mind. Are you lost? Do you hike? Are you a Witherspoon fan? Did you read the book? Do you aspire to any of these things that I have listed? If yes, you will love this movie. If you answered no to all these questions, skip this movie.