We are avid Indie film aficionados. Documentaries, political satires, even the occasional Hollywood-formula flicks, have a way of giving voice to the voiceless and teaching us just as much about ourselves as the world around us. Here are five films which have left an indelible mark on the BGF girls.
1. A Map for Saturday [2006]: Sometimes You Need To Just Do It!
Brook Silva-Braga was a 20-something television producer on the career fast track, when he decided to leave it all behind to backpack around the world for a year. With cameras in tow, he documented his trip — the adventure, the loneliness, the relationship shorthand, the freedom, the joys, the struggle to return home — and provided a candid peek into the life of a long-term solo traveler. It was both inspiring and intimidating. But, whichever way it speaks to you, it’s a definite reminder that we need to stop resting on our laurels, and just take the leap!
2. Into the Wild [2007]: The Freedom and Solitude of Vagabonding Brings Its Own Dangers
Just after Christopher McCandless graduated from college, he cut all ties to his upper middle-class upbringing to became Alexander Supertramp, the quintessential free spirit. This true story about a young man’s journey to find himself and the good in the world was moving and heartbreaking. As someone who understands the yearning for a simpler, more meaningful existence, I identified with his struggle and the film’s ending left me speechless. Adapted from Jon Krakauer’s 1996 book about McCandless’ life, the film is brilliantly done. And, this is one time I’d say, watch the film first.
3. Rabbit Proof Fence [2002]: The Journey is Just as Important as the Destination
It was 1931 and, in Australia, government policy was to remove half-caste children (i.e. mixture of Caucasian and Aborigine) from their homes and place them in local orphanages where they would be retrained to fit into the rest of Australian society. Under this system, three young girls were captured and taken to such a facility. The oldest led them on a 1500-mile walking journey back home — battling desert-like territory, hunger, thirst, exhaustion and the advances of an aboriginal tracker — to the safety of their families.
The first time I saw this film, I was at a local film festival. As the closing credits scrolled past, I realized that the movie was based on the real-life experiences of two sisters who were still living at the time. The tears came as I listened to the director Philip Noyce describe the three lost generations of Aboriginal children who grew up without any familial and cultural ties. I left the theater that day with a deep respect for those women, their journey across Australia, and the personal fortitude they developed in their search for home. It’s a beautifully made film, recounting a piece of Australian history that few know about, that will remain one of my all time favorites.
4. Motorcycle Diaries [2004]: The Adventure Can Change You In Ways You Never Imagined
In the early 1950′s, a youthful Ernesto Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado hop on a banged-up motorcycle and embark on an adventure of a lifetime – 5000 miles across Latin America. This journey, the thrills and set-backs, and the indigenous people they encountered all made a deep impact on the young man, forever changing him and laying the foundation for his later work as the legendary Marxist revolutionary and defender-of-peasants, Che Guevara.
5. Up in the Air [2009]: Too Much Travel Is Not Always A Good Thing
George Clooney and Vera Farmiga are a great combination. This was one of the most highly-anticipated films to hit the frequent flier community. Pithy trailers convinced us that finally Hollywood was trying to understand life on the road for the corporate traveler and the travel addict. It didn’t quite meet up to all the hype and pre-film speculation, but it was pretty darn close. It did effectively convey the perks and the pressures of the lifestyle and earned 6 Oscar nods in the process. The BGF girls enjoyed the film and we think it’s worth the watch.
Thanks for the suggestions, I’m going to be adding them to my Netflix queue. I just ordered “A Map For Saturday” last week, I’m looking forward to that one.
Hey Nick!
Thanks for letting us know. I really loved all 5 of these films (each for very different reasons) but what each say about the human spirit, not to mention the imagery and beauty of each highlighted locale are a big part of it. Very inspirational!
Please enjoy! And, let us know what you think!
Great list with movies from such diverse backgrounds. Haven’t seen any of these films myself, not even the recent “Up in the Air”. Will have to check them out. Thanks!
Hey Brian!
What’s new with you and NoDebtWorldTravel.com? Thanks for sharing your comments. These are definitely some interesting films. After you check out a few, come back and let us know what you think! I’d love to know which is your favorite.
Out of your list I have only watched Up in the Air, so I definitely need to check out the others. I used to watch alot of indie movies til I got addicted to Nollywood, but Nollywood has been disappointing me lately so I think I’mma have to make the transition back. I actually have rabbit proof fence and have had it for years just never got around to watching it.
Hey Ms Beauty Soul!
Definitely check out Rabbit Proof Fence. (It might make you angry at first but then feel triumphant at the end). Anyway, let us know what you think after you watch it.