SEAN Penn's fourth feature as writer-director is a moving adaptation of Jon Krakauer's acclaimed best-seller that cements the Oscar-winning actor's reputation as a keen observer of the human condition at its most fragile.

Into the Wild is an extraordinary true story set during the early '90s, which illuminates one man's two-year quest for a sense of belonging in an untamed, unforgiving world.

Rising star Emile Hirsch comes magnificently of age in the central role of 22-year-old Christopher McCandless, the college graduate who rejected the trappings of privilege to embark on a momentous journey of self-discovery.

Split into five chapters entitled "My Own Birth", "Adolescence", "Manhood", "Family" and "Getting Of Wisdom", Penn's film is narrated by Chris's younger sister Carine (Jena Malone).

His wealthy parents Walt (William Hurt) and Billie (Gay Harden) are excited at the prospect of their son going to university, even promising to buy him a new car.

Yet Chris yearns for something more.

He gives his life savings to charity, burns his cash and cuts up his credit cards.

Then with a few belongings including a notebook to chart his grand adventure, Chris walks away from his cosy existence and hits the road, venturing from the wheat fields of South Dakota to the rapids of the Colorado River, a refuge in Slab City, California, and eventually the wintry wastes of the north.

En route Chris meets numerous colourful characters including a farmer called Wayne (Vaughn), hippie lovebirds Rainey (Brian Dierker) and Jan (Catherine Keener), and an old timer called Ron (Hal Holbrook).

However, the greatest challenge is living off the land and weathering every storm that Mother Nature throws his way.

Almost ten years since the publication of Krakauer's book, Penn's film is a timely parable about materialism and the importance of family as a foundation for personal growth.

  • See it at the Odeon.