Nothing heightens the senses or allows one to feel gratitude and connection more intensely than being on the road, alone. Free of concerns about an anchoring safety net's demanding maintenance, an existence driven by the thrills of a great unknown can become addictive. It IS vital though for the traveler to learn how to take care of oneself and, almost as importantly, of its personal means of transport, if applicable.

There are numerous ways a person might get caught up in a nomadic type of existence. Some are forced by their environment, others by are pushed by instinct or conscious deliberation. The open road, with its sometimes breathtaking scenery and people, still carries its primeval gifts, even in these Amazon-dictated times.


 


Larrain takes us by the hand and engages us in Ema's tragedy. As the layered plot unfolds, the young, platinum-haired dancer allows us to slowly catch her sensual world's rhythm. Music, movement but also wit and strong emotion direct this primal, raw character.

She speaks her mind, she does as she pleases. The lack of boundaries pressures the viewer into letting go as well, ultimately resulting in a refreshing sense of freedom. And letting go can be a challenge. The movie could end up being perceived as a kitschy satire of femininity, motherhood and art, as the Chilean director puts maybe a little too much (maybe not) effort into some eye-catching, visually stunning scenes. To be honest, it was a bit over the top at times, but I can't help wondering if that's exactly where the film's charm lies. 

I decided to let go and the film stayed with me for many days to come. The impact is as strong as Ema herself.


Second post inspired by the empty beaches of Normandie.



~ handmade gifs ~









Post inspired by the empty beaches of Normandie.

~ handmade gifs ~

 


















The third and last batch (for now) of travel and road movies takes a detour from your usual Hollywood choices. These may be less known, but all of them share the very personal stamp of their creators, maybe more noticeable than in the case of The Popular Ones.
Destination - Mexico





 

The Wind Will Carry Us (1999)
Guide:
Destination: Iran


 
 





The Sheltering Sky (1990)
Guide - Bernardo Bertolucci
Destination - North Africa






Guide: Wim Wenders
Music: Madredeus
Destination: Lisbon


 



Im Juli. (2000) 
Guide: Fatih Akin
Destination: from Hamburg to Bosporus


 







For me, these work best for inspiration and building up courage. My favourite travel/adventure documentaries:

Encounters at the End of the World (2007)
Guide: Werner Herzog
Destination: McMurdo, Antarctica



Meru (2015)
Guides: ,  
Destination: Meru Peak, Himalayas, India




180° South (2010)
Guide:  
Destination: Patagonia






Baraka (1992)
Guide:




Samsara (2011)
Guide:





The Salt of the Earth (2014)
Guide: Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado





Touching the Void (2003)
Guide:
Destination: Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes



Inspired by the nomadic people I've met lately, my wanderlust has been severely and maybe irrevocably awaken, culminating in a trip soon to be taken. But the hunger hasn't been satisfied with some foreseeable future travel, so I had to feed it something more consistent, like movies: adventure, travel and road movies I love or those which got away for some reason and were seen for the first time. The longing has been under control for ... who knows how long? So here is a list of my favourite films in the genre:


Into the Wild (2007)
Guide: Sean Penn
Destination: Alaska

because there's an Alexander Supertramp in all of us: the person who wants to throw everything he owns away, return to the roots and leave the organised community living for good. it's in our genes, we inherited it and sometimes, when the man-made values of our society get - if only briefly - detached from the forged wiring of our every-day problems: we may come close, but few actually do it. although leading up to a tragic ending, I am re-watching this thing over and over again with never-wearying enthusiasm. his journey touches something archetypal and primordial, resonating with so many people.


 




 


The Beach (2000)
Guide: Danny Boyle
Destination: Thailand


 because it's a fantasy... a perfect beach. an isolated, open-minded, but exclusive society you are part of. pretty French girl who, against odds, ends up kissing you in the ocean, among waves of glowing plankton, under the moonlight... the beach has it all, from romance to fields of the good stuff guarded by monkeys and gunned men with bandannas to shark attacks to madness of the recluse.
sounds cheesy when resumed - to say the least - still so very enjoyable when watched.







Lost in Translation (2003)
Guide: Sofia Coppola
Destination: Tokyo

because it's so pretty to look at, while not much happening (although not exactly a travel movie). the plot is almost non-existent, yet you can't help but fall in love with the main characters. haven't seen Scarlett so beautiful or such a surprisingly charming Bill Murray, since. it's strange Tokyo, with extra small showers, karaoke bars, weird TV shows and a memorably hilarious whiskey commercial shooting. all in all it comes off as a delicate bouquet of impressions and feelings...









The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Guide: Wes Anderson
Destination: India

because Wes Anderson is funny and peculiar even in India.





 


The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)  
Guide: Anthony Minghella 
Destination: Italy
 
because of the breathtaking Italian scenery and one rather fascinating psychopath played by Matt Damon. there are good times and there are really awkward times, the movie is in-between a relaxing summer vacation - sunbathing on the beach and frequenting smoky jazz bars  - and an appalling, twisted story going on in the background.

  

  


   

 


Wild (2014)
Guide:
Destination: Pacific Crest Trail, from California to Canada

because I can relate so much to this woman who, with no hiking experience, embarks on a 1,100 mile journey all alone. her real story is the story of many: people at a low point in their lives decide that some answers may come only from solitude on a foreign land. another biography :)







Tracks (2013)
Guide:  
Destination: Australia 

because Robyn Davidson is great inspiration: yet another brave woman going on a nine months track with four camels and a dog, in the deserts of Western Australia. Her trip was documented in writing by herself and in pictures by Rick Smolan, National Geographic Magazine photographer. The results are still stunning.







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