GUEST COLUMN: 6 Adventure Movies To Bring Back Your Wanderlust

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Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-near-waterfall-450441/

6 Adventure Movies To Bring Back Your Wanderlust

by Kathy D

Most of us have varying preferences when it comes to movie choices. But adventure movies have a universal fanbase and thrills people of almost every age. What makes an adventure movie worth seeing? It is the breathtaking landscapes, picturesque cities, winding roads, and the beautiful cultures on display. And a great adventure movie will not stop pleasing your eyes; it will bring out the globetrotter in you. So if you are stranded in your house for long and do not feel the rush to set out to places, here are six adventure movies to bring back the wanderlust in you.

In Bruges (2008)

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Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/concrete-building-near-river-3979038/

The name of the movie denotes a small city close to Brussels in Belgium. After being involved in a tough job, Ken (Brendan Gleeson) and Ray (Colin Farrell) hed to Bruges to hide for the time being. Although Ray is not comfortable with the medieval city’s atmosphere, Ken finds the city’s peace and beauty quite enchanting. Their view of the city evolves rapidly as they have some life-changing experiences through their encounters with the locals, tourists, and the romantic air all around.  

The movie shows everything that will push the viewers to have at least one visit to this quite remote yet picturesque city. The vehicles used in the film make it look so realistic and thrilling that the viewers would be tempted to drive a land rover ute on the same winding paths.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)  

“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is a movie that can revitalize even the most bored and disappointed bunch of viewers to get moving. In the movie, Walter Mitty works for Life magazine. He spends monotonous days at the publication developing photos. To escape the weariness, he takes recourse to a world of daydreaming in which he happens to be the ultimate hero. He wants to propose to his co-worker Cheryl but does not feel confident about it. However, he finally gets the chance to break his tedious shackles when Life's new bosses send him on an adventurous mission to collect perfect photos for the magazine’s final print issue.

The movie depicts how going out of your comfort zone and taking a risk brings rewards ultimately. The film does well with the fun and adventure that take place in Greenland and Iceland. 

Into the Wild (2007)

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Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/hiker-resting-near-fire-and-tent-during-travelling-4314203/

The movie chronicles Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), son of wealthy parents (William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden). He graduates from university as a successful athlete and student. But, instead of embracing a celebrated and lucrative career, he decides to renounce his material possessions in favor of a charity. Finally, he embarks on a quest to the enchanting Alaskan wilderness.

The movie hits us for several reasons and asks some pertinent questions. What makes a wealthy individual give up all his wealth and move into the wild? What prompts people to sever ties with society even when things are going great? The movie is not only about an adventurous physical journey, but it is also about a mental shift from conventional social norms. 

Tracks (2013) 

Directed by John Curran, the movie depicts an incredible adventure and an uncompromising character study. It tells the tale of Robyn Davidson (Mia Wasikowska), who is quite disenchanted with people and society. Robyn sets out on a solo journey across the dreaded desert with her dog and a few camels to satisfy her longing for solitude. She finds the task difficult. First, she has to train the camels. Later on, she encounters various hurdles (including facing hostile animals) on her way.  

The movie shows us how grit and determination can push people to redefine the limits of what we know as an adventure. In the film, Robyn shows us her understanding of freedom, which manifests her radically harsh worldview. If you are stuck in your home fearing the perils out there on an adventurous trip, “Tracks” should provide you the necessary encouragement to bid your home adieu.  

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

In the movie, Ernesto 'Che' Guevara travels to Peru from Brazil ahead of his last semester with his friend Alberto Granado. The two soon experience the disparities between social classes in South America. When they get to one of Peru’s leper colonies after witnessing exploitation, Ernesto's values have gone through a massive transformation. He decides to side with the exploited and become a part of the much-needed uprising. 

The movie shows how travel can enlighten and change a person. It will surely change your perspective on traveling.

Out of Africa (1985)

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Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/auto-beach-car-desert-276334/

Karen Blixen, the movie's heroine, moves to Kenya, where her husband Bror sets up a coffee plantation. Finding Bror to be unfaithful, Karen grows fond of the hunter Denys. Besides the romantic chemistry between Karen and Denys, the film's breathtaking cinematography depicts the beauty of East Africa to the audience. 

The movie does not limit itself to showing the natural beauty of Kenya’s highlands. It is also a testimony to the cultural interaction between inbound Europeans and the natives. 

Conclusion 

Even the most avid travelers sometimes lack the motivation to pack their bags and leave their places of comfort. The movies listed above can eliminate that lack of confidence and bring back the impulse for wandering in you.