The Journey Is the Destination

The movie got wrong on the clan system, meaning the cast system where a large segment of the population is discarded does not exist.

No background information was invested in this movie.

Found out about Dan when his book was originally released. A man with so much talent and even more potential. And a life story that deserved to be told with the creative vision that matched his. I read years ago about the family wanting to make a movie about Dan's travels, and I couldn't wait to see it and to learn more about him, his work, his dreams, what made him tick, and more detail into the scenes shown in his journals. This film does none of this as it's nearly unwatchable. Poorly written and directed. It's a shame as Dan's story is so rich and is an amazing example of a life filled with curiosity, love and talent. His story deserved to be told better.

As far as the main character goes, wealthy spoiled British kids who think they are rock stars, are nothing new. As far as movie goes, typical anti-USA propaganda designed by Brits who neglect to recall centuries of raping and killing their way across the world. Most problems in Africa stem from British colonialism. Of course it is trendy now to blame the USA for the worlds problems. As someone who knew soliders who died in Somalia, trying to restore peace, this movie is an insult and tribute to rich tourists who fancy themselves heros.

A powerful homage to the life of Dan Eldon, his dedication to the work he was doing and the relentlessness of his spirit. I think this film did a very good job of balancing the brutality of the conflict with the beauty of life in Africa, and the hope that can be found even in the darkest of times. Other reviews have mentioned privilege and 'lack of perspective', though truly his mission was to provide perspective about the conflict to those in real positions of power in the west. To enlighten them and correct the blindness that was the norm at the time. All this to say, even if you aren't in love with the film, you will fall in love with Dan and in turn, his love of life.

I would urge you all to do more research about him and get involved with his continued legacy!

The Journey is the destination is well worth a watch, the story of the film is genuinely moving highlighted by the fact that the characters are real people and is inspired true events. It admittedly is a slow starter where i disliked the main character a lot being as other reviews have put it a somewhat stuck up "privileged white boy". However this sets the course for the rest of the film as Dan Eldon grows as a character, developing from the things he has seen and experienced in his life that we witness alongside him.

I see people complaining the film took them to dark places which it arguably does but i do not see this as a bad thing. While the film is undeniably emotional i felt it excellently portrayed the complexity of being a reporter while also having to deal with your own feelings on what your reporting. The directors did this in a hard hitting way which was much better suited tot he story than the usual Hollywood style of either over the top action or sunshine and daisies everyone seemed to want from this film. While this movie may not be for everyone i feel its definitely worth a try, and taught me something new about a person i have never heard of before but now have tremendous respect.