Many are fascinated with the untold stories of outdoor junkies – people who have ventured in path lesser traveled and to the unknown. The following are a few of the best movies that have inspired travelers and mountaineers alike.
Seven Years in Tibet
Played by Brad Pitt, Seven Years in Tibet is a biographical drama detailing the story of Heinrich Harrer and his encounters in the Himalayan foothills. From 1944 to 1951 at the onset of World War II, Harrer experienced more than the satisfaction of mountaineering. In the holy city of Lhasa in Tibet, he became friends with the 14th Dalai Lama, who at the time was still a boy.
Release Date: 1997
Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud
I am Alive: Surviving the Andes Plane Crash
On October 13, 1972, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 bound to Santiago, Chile crashed in the remote Andes mountain ranges. Aboard the plane are 45 passengers, including a college rugby team. For more than 72 days, the survivors struggled in sub zero temperatures, hostile wild animals, and lack of food and water supply without communication for possible rescuers. One by one, the boys from the rugby team died of exposure, injuries, and hunger, while others had to eat their companions' carcass in order to survive.
Release Date: 2010
Director: Brad Osborne
127 Hours
127 Hours is a biographical drama film starring James Franco, which tackles the life of canyoneer Aron Ralston. In April 2003, Ralston bouldered an isolated slot in Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Pumped up by adrenaline, Ralston accidentally slipped beneath a gorge, where he was trapped for more than five days.
In order to free himself from the fall, he needed to chop off his arm that was squeezed in a giant rock using a small multi tool. As he recorded his struggle, he was forced to drink from his own pee while he reminisce memories of his past.
Release Date: 2010
Director: Danny Boyle
Tracks
Based on Robyn Davidson's personal account, Tracks is a true story of a young woman who traveled 2,000 miles across the Australian Desert towards the Indian Ocean. The lead roles were portrayed by Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver (as Rick Smolan). Before her four months journey, Davidson spent two years in Alice Springs learning how to raise camels by herself. Soon, she was accompanied by four camels and her loyal dog named Diggity.
Davidson's story was featured in National Geographic. Many are intrigued by the logic behind the experience with some calling it outrageous. But for the love of travel, Davidson is able to convey her message in sharing this great story.
Release Date: 2013
Director: John Curran
Into the Wild
For Christopher McCandless, money or education cannot be the source of his happiness. Born from a well to-do family, McCandless played by Emile Hirsch, ventured into the lesser known path. His mission was to travel from Virginia across North America towards the Alaska with little to no money. The feat was extraordinary that many were since inspired to travel long distance in search for their life's purpose.
The film is based on Jon Krakauer's book of the same title detailing true to life events of the protagonist. McCandless body was discovered on 6th September 1992 in the Alaskan outback almost a month after he perished. He died apparently due to plant poison, though the actual cause is still open for debates.
Release Date: 2007
Director: Sean Penn
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