Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this long (140 minutes) drama is based on the true story of a college graduate who decided to live off the grid for more than two years, culminating in a fatal four-month solo journey to the Alaskan backcountry. The tragic nature of his death might be too heavy a theme for younger kids, but teens -- some of whom may read the best-seller on which the film is based in school -- could be drawn to the story of a young man who seeks beauty and truth. There's some language (including "f--k") and social drinking, some bare breasts, a non-sexual glimpse of star Emile Hirsch's penis as he floats naked in a river, and another fleeting shot of a couple making love (no sensitive body parts shown).

Sexual Content

Jan and Rainey are briefly shown making love in their RV (nothing sensitive is shown); a 16-year-old takes off her jeans and propositions Chris, but he declines. One non-sexual glimpse of a completely nude Chris floating on a river. A brief drive-through scene in a nudist camp; when Chris has lunch with a cheerful Danish couple, the woman goes bare-breasted for most of the scene.

Violence

Chris is badly beaten by a railroad cop. There are disturbing images of Chris' emaciated body toward the end of the film. In one bloody sequence, Chris shoots and butchers a moose; in other scenes, he shoots and roasts smaller game. He carries a hunting rifle during many of the Alaska-set scenes.

Language

Strong, but not incessant. Words include "f--k," "a--hole," "s--t," etc.

Social Behavior

It's highly debatable whether some of Chris' actions were inconsiderate and selfish or justified. Either way, he chose to abandon his family and the prospect of a conventional life for one more attuned with nature and "truth."

Consumerism

International Harvester bus; John Deere; Burger King.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Chris drinks with Wayne and his friends at a local bar in a couple of scenes; Jan appears to roll a joint.