500 Days in the Wild

2023

Action / Documentary

10
Rotten Tomatoes Critics - Rotten 81% · 3 reviews
Rotten Tomatoes Audience - Upright 81%
IMDb Rating 6.6/10 10 265 265

Plot summary

Follows Dianne Whelan, a filmmaker disappointed with the state of the world, as she takes a solo self-recorded journey across the longest hiking trail in the world.

Director

Dianne Whelan Photo
Dianne Whelan

Top cast

Dianne Whelan Photo
Dianne Whelan
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
1.12 GB
1280*720
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
2 hr 4 min
Seeds 2
2.29 GB
1920*1080
English 5.1
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
2 hr 4 min
Seeds 5

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by drntfrnvr 10 / 10

500 Days in the Wild" is a captivating documentary that takes viewers on an immersive journey into the heart of nature

500 Days in the Wild" is a captivating documentary that takes viewers on an immersive journey into the heart of nature. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Dianne Whelan this documentary is a visual feast that explores the beauty, challenges, and profound lessons found in the wilderness.The film follows the incredible odyssey of Dianne Whelan an adventurous soul who embarks on a 500-day solo expedition into some of the world's most remote and untouched landscapes. From towering mountain ranges to pristine waterways every frame of the documentary showcases the breathtaking diversity of our planet's natural wonderWhat sets "500 Days in the Wild" apart is its intimate portrayal of the human experience in nature. Through Dianne Whelan's eyes, viewers witness the highs and lows of solitary exploration, from moments of awe-inspiring tranquility to heart-pounding encounters with weather and wildlife. The film beautifully captures the raw emotions and profound solitude that accompany such an epic journey, inviting audiences to reflect on their own connection to the natural world.Visually stunning cinematography combined with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack elevates the documentary to a cinematic masterpiece. Each shot is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and reverence for the wilderness, reminding us of the importance of preserving these pristine landscapes for future generations.However, "500 Days in the Wild" is more than just a visual spectacle; it's a poignant reminder of the fragility of our planet's ecosystems. Throughout the film, Dianne encounters firsthand the devastating effects of climate change and human encroachment on the natural world. These sobering moments serve as a powerful call to action, urging viewers to take responsibility for protecting our environment before it's too late.In conclusion, "500 Days in the Wild" is a mesmerizing cinematic journey that will leave a lasting impression on audiences of all ages. Its awe-inspiring visuals, compelling storytelling, and profound message make it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the beauty and importance of our planet's wilderness. Prepare to be inspired, moved, and forever changed by this extraordinary documentary.
Reviewed by FejMkisn 4 / 10

Mixed Opinions

I'm torn between this movie. It's a wonderful story about a woman's journey of self discovery while facing head-on the challenges of the harsh Canadian landscape. Her tenacity and courage to cross the country was truly inspiring. The film was shot and edited into a great story, that could hold the viewer across the entire length of the film. For these bits, I'd say it's worthy of a 7, however....As an indigenous person, I have mixed feelings about settlers who lean in on indigenous spirituality to the extent she does. But specifically about the film and her journey, she claims to be doing this journey as a way to connect with the land, all while she clumsily traverses the land leaving behind a trail of garbage (multiple tents lost). How can a person who says they care for the land be so ill prepared to experience it, and to lose multiple tents? Nothing can be more colonial to the land than leaving things behind for the land to deal with, which in the case of her tents could be thousands of years.Also, in true settler fashion, she has zero care for some of the indigenous languages, as she butchers and mispronounces many words. Listening to her pronounce the name of her canoe was like a knife in my ears every time she mentioned it. It's pronounced gwee-moo btw.So while she tries to put a wrapper of reconciliation on her journey, her crossing the country was more akin to the original settlers: Having little regard for the land, the culture of the original inhabitants, and leaving behind a trail of destruction that will take a millennium to repair.The film itself is an oxymoron, and for that it drops from a solid 7 to a 4. My only hope, this film doesn't inspire more people to follow in her steps.Meskie (sorry), I don't want to sound like a hater... I'm just pointing out some of the colonial traits in this film, that even a person who appears to be sympathetic of indigenous people and culture still has. Decolonizing is not easy, and I hope she continues on that journey and learns and grows from it.
Reviewed by fybfkxy 4 / 10

Bait & Switch

As an avid backpacker, I started seeing this film being posted (advertised) across many of the online/Facebook hiking groups I'm part of. I decided to rent it from iTunes as I thought it would be the perfect film to help get me excited for this summers hiking adventures. I was really wrong.There are admittedly a couple positive points, and I will mention those in a minute, but let me save you some time for those who are on the fence about watching. This is not a hiking doc. It's not really even a nature/scenery doc. What is it then? It's basically one ladies fetish with Native spirituality and going on a spirit quest to absolve herself of her "white guilt".Of the roughly two hours running time that the doc has to try and show us the whole of Canada (ambitious to say the least), it spends about 25% of its time on nature/spiritual conversations with Natives, with the implication that they truly "get it" while the rest of us are just earth-destroying heathens. Hello? Ever spent time on a Native reserve? I guarantee you they are "generally" just as obese, gas guzzling, and self-indulgent as the rest of us white folk.The documentary climaxes with the main character finishing her journey while coming ashore in a canoe while a small group of local Natives awaits her. She then breaks down into tears and passionately asks their permission to come ashore on to their land. The Native group permits it, and give the main character what she has sought for so long - the absolution of her white guilt. As touching as some might find it, it basically felt like she was just exploiting the Native population for her own purposes, feelings and emotional needs.Elsewhere in the movie are some nuggets of nice scenery/cinematography, acts of friendship and kindness, and examples of the main character's admirable will and perseverance - which are nice. But don't expect any kind of substantial content which will excite the avid backpacker or outdoors person. At best, it will probably just intrigue those who are tired with society and are interested in living an alternative lifestyle.Also, don't really expect to see much of Canada either. Even with the time that's left over after all the Native spirituality conversations, the choice of scenery shown was underwhelming. Much of the time was spent on uninteresting trails that were old rail road beds, some generic snowy woods, and a little bit of canoeing. The most interesting scenery was probably when the main character headed up river through the NWT, but other than that - I feel Canada was rather poorly represented. Beyond that, there's also lots of filler clips where the main character talks to animals in hushed, reverent, baby-like tones telling them how sacred and ancient they are.Great stuff, right?
Read more IMDb reviews

2 Comments

Be the first to leave a comment