Movies About Backpacking

From Rajkumar Hirani, starring Aamir Khan, Madhavan, Mona Singh, Sharman Joshi
Rated PG-13

3 Idiots is a 2009 Indian comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani and written by Abhijat Joshi. The film follows the friendship of three college friends, Farhan Qureshi (R. Madhavan), Raju Rastogi (Sharman Joshi), and Rancho (Aamir Khan), who are studying at the Imperial College of Engineering in India. The story follows their friendship and the pressures of college life, as they deal with the restrictive environment of the institution and its emphasis on rote learning. Along the way, they encounter an inspirational mentor (Boman Irani) and the joys and sorrows of their lives, as they strive to realize their dreams. In the end, they learn the value of friendship, respect for individuality, and the importance of following one's dreams.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, John Rhys-Davies
Rated PG

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is an action-adventure classic directed by Steven Spielberg. Set in 1936, the story follows the adventures of archaeologist and adventurer Dr. Indiana Jones, who is tasked with recovering the legendary Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the hands of the Nazis. Along the way, he must battle against a rival archaeologist, survive dangerous traps and face off against the Nazis. Throughout his journey, he is aided by his old friend Sallah and a young woman named Marion. Together, the trio must prevent the Nazis from learning the Ark's powerful secrets, or risk unleashing a great evil upon the world.

From Directors: Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, Wim Wenders, starring Sebastião Salgado, Wim Wenders, Lélia Wanick Salgado, Juliano Ribeiro Salgado
Rated PG-13

The Salt of the Earth is a powerful documentary about renowned Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado and his work. Over the course of a forty-year career, Salgado has produced some of the most iconic images of human struggles and suffering. The documentary follows Salgado's journey as he travels around the world photographing the destitute and displaced peoples of the world, as well as the beauty of nature and untouched landscapes. With both his wife and son filming and narrating the documentary, Salgado reflects on the impact of his work and how it has shaped his life. The documentary showcases both his passion and artistry as a photographer, as well as his tireless work for humanity and the environment. The Salt of the Earth is an inspiring and moving story about a man who is determined to capture the beauty and tragedy of the human condition.

From Ron Fricke, starring Balinese Tari Legong Dancers, Ni Made Megahadi Pratiwi, Puti Sri Candra Dewi, Putu Dinda Pratika
Rated PG-13

Samsara is a documentary film directed by Ron Fricke and produced by Mark Magidson that takes viewers on a journey through the wonders of the world. The film is a non-narrative journey, relying on powerful visuals to convey the beauty and tragedy of our planet, accompanied by an evocative musical score. Along the way, the film captures the diversity of human experience, from birth to death and everything in between; while also exploring issues such as technology, religion, consumerism, and the environment. Through this exploration, we come to understand how interconnected we all are and how our choices as individuals can shape the world around us. By the end of the film, viewers are left with a profound appreciation for life, a newfound understanding of the world, and a sense of hope for the future.

From Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Lorella Cravotta
Rated R

Amélie is an innocent and naive girl in Paris with her own sense of justice. She decides to help those around her and, along the way, discovers love. With an irreverent charm and an infectious joie de vivre, she turns the lives of those around her upside down, while searching for her own answers to life. From her quirky, imaginative perspective, Amélie discovers the true nature of the world around her and finds her own place in it.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette, Mustafa Kamel
Rated R

Incendies tells the story of twins, Simon and Jeanne, who are sent on a quest to the Middle East to uncover their mother's hidden past. When their mother, Nawal, unexpectedly passes away, they receive a letter from her with instructions to fulfill her last wishes, which includes tracking down their father and brother. The twins embark on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering secrets of a family torn apart by war and political strife. Along the way, they come to a better understanding of their mother's past and the choices she had to make in order to survive. As the truth of their family history is revealed, the twins must confront their own identities and decide how to reconcile the past with the present.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Andrea Eckert, Hanno Pöschl
Rated R

Before Sunrise tells the story of two strangers, Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy), who meet on a train in Europe and impulsively decide to spend the day together in Vienna. As their relationship develops, the two develop a strong connection, and Jesse convinces Celine to extend their one-day excursion for one more. Over the course of this day, they explore the city, converse about life, love, and politics, and form a bond that will last far beyond the night they must eventually part ways. Along the way they question whether the passion they feel in the moment can last and if they will ever meet again.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Vernon Dobtcheff, Louise Lemoine Torrès
Rated R

Before Sunset tells the story of two people, Celine and Jesse, who met nine years prior on a Eurail train ride in Vienna but have not seen each other since. When Jesse comes to Paris for a book tour, Celine appears unexpectedly for a chance to reconnect. As the two wander around the city, they have a deep and meaningful conversation about life, love, and their feelings for each other. Along the way, they realize that the connection they share is still very much alive and that they may have a second chance to make things work between them.

From Sean Penn, starring Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener, Marcia Gay Harden
Rated R

Into the Wild is a 2007 American biographical adventure drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Sean Penn. The film is an adaptation of Jon Krakauer's 1996 non-fiction book of the same name, based on the travels of Christopher McCandless in the Alaskan wilderness in the early 1990s. The film tells the story of Chris McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a recent college graduate from a wealthy family who gives away his savings and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, he meets a series of people who help him on his journey, including a hippie couple, a homeless man, and a retired Army veteran. As McCandless struggles to survive Alaska's harsh conditions, he experiences moments of joy, beauty, and peace, as well as moments of hardship and danger. Eventually, he discovers the beauty of nature and the importance of human connection. The film follows McCandless' journey as he learns the harsh realities of life, while ultimately finding peace and joy in his own way.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Victor Sjöström, Bibi Andersson, Ingrid Thulin, Gunnar Björnstrand
Rated Not Rated

Wild Strawberries is a 1957 Swedish drama film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film follows the story of Isak Borg, an aging professor and doctor, who is forced to take a long road trip to receive an honorary degree. Along the way, he is confronted by his past and comes to terms with his regrets and loneliness. He also discovers the importance of finding joy in life's everyday moments, rather than dwelling on the mistakes of the past. The film is a complex and melancholic exploration of life, death, guilt, and redemption.

From Zaza Urushadze, starring Lembit Ulfsak, Elmo Nüganen, Giorgi Nakashidze, Misha Meskhi
Rated Not Rated

Set in Abkhazia during the 1992-1993 Georgian-Abkhaz war, "Tangerines" tells the story of Ivo, an elderly Estonian tangerine farmer living in a small village near the Abkhaz-Georgian border. After the start of the war, Ivo finds himself hosting two wounded soldiers on opposite sides of the conflict, Ahmed and Niko, who were shot during a skirmish. Ivo offers them shelter, and through the healing process, the two men are able to come to an understanding and respect for each other. The film follows their journey to peace and friendship, and how even in the midst of war, compassion and understanding can prevail.

From Nuri Bilge Ceylan, starring Haluk Bilginer, Melisa Sözen, Demet Akbag, Ayberk Pekcan
Rated Not Rated

Winter Sleep is a 2014 Turkish drama film directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, set in the rural Cappadocia region of Anatolia. It follows Aydin, a former actor who now runs a hotel and a small theatre in the country with his young wife Nihal and his sister Necla. The film follows the relationships between the three of them and the local villagers, as Aydin struggles to come to terms with a lack of purpose and his own mortality. Throughout the film, Nuri Bilge Ceylan examines the complexities of life in rural Turkey, and Aydin's journey as he searches for meaning in his life. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

From William Wyler, starring Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Eddie Albert, Hartley Power
Rated Passed

Roman Holiday is a 1953 romantic comedy film directed by William Wyler and starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. It tells the story of a bored and sheltered princess (Hepburn) who escapes her guardians and falls in love with an American newsman (Peck) in Rome. During her escapades, the princess enjoys the freedom of the city, and ultimately finds true love. The film won the Academy Award for Best Writing and Best Costume Design and was nominated for several other awards. It is considered a classic of the romantic comedy genre and is still widely watched today.

From Kar-Wai Wong, starring Brigitte Lin, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Faye Wong
Rated PG-13

Chungking Express is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Kar-Wai Wong and set in Hong Kong. The film follows two love stories, one of a police officer, Cop 223 (Takeshi Kaneshiro) and a mysterious woman, and the other of a snack bar worker, Faye (Faye Wong) and another mysterious man. Cop 223 is dealing with the break-up of his relationship while Faye is trying to win back her ex-boyfriend. Along the way, they discover unexpected connections between their stories and cross paths with a variety of interesting characters. With its stylish cinematography, quirky humor, and fast-paced editing, Chungking Express is an iconic film that is often credited with kickstarting a wave of Hong Kong independent cinema in the late 90s.

From Cameron Crowe, starring Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand
Rated R

Almost Famous is a coming-of-age story set in the 1970s that follows William Miller, a teenage journalist on assignment for Rolling Stone magazine. Over the course of the film, William grows up quickly, finding himself in the middle of an unlikely group of people as he accompanies band Stillwater on their tour across the country. Along the way, he discovers the joys and struggles of the road, the importance of family and friendship, and his own place in the world. The film stars Patrick Fugit, Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Ultimately, William is forced to make a difficult decision – stay on tour and learn more about the music he loves, or go home and be with his family.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick, Ariane Labed
Rated R

Before Midnight is the third film in director Richard Linklater’s Before series, following the 1995 romantic drama Before Sunrise and the 2004 romantic comedy Before Sunset. In this installment, nine years have passed since Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) reconnected in Paris in Before Sunset. Now, Jesse and Celine are married with twin daughters and are vacationing in Greece. Through conversations between Jesse and Celine and between them and other characters, the couple's relationship is explored in all its complexity. As the film progresses, the audience witnesses their love, joy, frustration, and insecurities as Jesse and Celine come to terms with the realities of a long-term relationship.

From Ang Lee, starring Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang, Chang Chen
Rated PG-13

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a 2000 martial arts film directed by Ang Lee and is set in China during the Qing dynasty. The story follows two martial artists, Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien, as they search for the legendary sword Green Destiny. Along the way, they must battle the mysterious Jade Fox, a thief, and deal with the romantic feelings that Mu Bai has for Shu Lien. In a daring act of bravery, Shu Lien steals the sword and returns it to her mentor. Ultimately, the two succeed in protecting the sword and preserving their honor.

From Asghar Farhadi, starring Golshifteh Farahani, Shahab Hosseini, Taraneh Alidoosti, Sajjad Dolati
Rated TV-PG

About Elly is a 2009 Iranian drama film written and directed by Asghar Farhadi. The story follows a group of old college friends who reunite for a weekend trip to the Caspian Sea. The group consists of Sepideh and her daughter, her husband, her brother-in-law, his wife, and their three children. Along the way, the group picks up a young woman named Elly, whom Sepideh had invited to join them. Elly soon disappears, and the group begins a frantic search for her. As the group begins to unravel the mystery of what happened to Elly, secrets and lies emerge that reveal the complex dynamics between them all. The film deals with themes of identity, class, and family obligations.

From Walter Salles, starring Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo de la Serna, Mía Maestro, Mercedes Morán
Rated R

The Motorcycle Diaries is a 2004 biopic directed by Walter Salles, about the life of the young Ernesto “Che” Guevara. The film follows the journey of a 23-year-old Che and his friend Alberto Granado as they travel across South America on a motorcycle. During their journey, they experience a variety of cultures, meet a variety of people, and witness the effects of poverty and inequality. As they travel, they discover who they are and develop a sense of social consciousness and commitment to fight against the inequalities they have seen. Ultimately, the journey serves as a catalyst for Che’s transformation into the revolutionary leader he later becomes.

From David Gelb, starring Jiro Ono, Yoshikazu Ono, Masuhiro Yamamoto, Daisuke Nakazama
Rated PG

"Jiro Dreams of Sushi" (2011) is a documentary film directed by David Gelb that follows the story of 85-year-old sushi master Jiro Ono and his career as the head chef at the world-renowned Sukiyabashi Jiro restaurant in Tokyo. The film intimately follows Jiro and his sons Yoshikazu and Takashi who are both apprentices to become heir to their father’s legacy. It details Jiro’s lifelong dedication to the craft of making sushi, his philosophy on life and the personal sacrifices he has made to pursue perfection. It also explores the history of sushi, seasonal ingredients, and the importance of craftsmanship. The film provides audiences with an insightful look into the life and work of a master sushi chef and offers a unique perspective on the culture and art of sushi.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Ana López Mercado
Rated R

Y tu mamá también tells the story of two 17-year-old Mexican boys, Julio and Tenoch, who are best friends and are on the cusp of adulthood. After they both become sexually involved with a beautiful older woman, Luisa, they embark on a road trip to a remote beach in Mexico. Along the way, they come to realize how little they know about themselves and each other, even as they develop a deeper connection with each other. With a mix of humor and poignancy, Y tu mamá también examines the complications of growing up, the power of friendship and the bonds between strangers.

From Byambasuren Davaa, starring Batchuluun Urjindorj, Buyandulam Daramdadi, Nansal Batchuluun, Nansalmaa Batchuluun
Rated G

The Cave of the Yellow Dog is a Mongolian film directed by Byambasuren Davaa telling the story of a young girl named Nansal who lives with her nomadic family in the Mongolian steppes. She discovers a wild dog and brings it home, much to her father's disapproval. Despite her father's edict that the dog must leave, Nansal finds a way to keep the dog, which she names "Zochor," and the two quickly form a strong bond. As the family moves from place to place, Nansal struggles to keep the dog while searching for her family’s missing sheep. Along the way, she discovers the importance of family, kindness, and forgiveness. Ultimately, Nansal finds a way to keep Zochor and the two live happily with her family.

From Alexander Payne, starring Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh
Rated R

Sideways tells the story of two middle-aged men, Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church), who embark on a week-long road trip through California's wine country. Miles, a failed novelist and devoted oenophile, is depressed over a recent failed relationship and struggles to make a connection with Jack, his soon-to-be-married actor friend. As they make their way through wine tastings and conversations, they ponder their lives, relationships, and the paths they have chosen. Along the way, they meet two women, Maya (Virginia Madsen) and Stephanie (Sandra Oh), who impact their journey and force them to confront their fears and insecurities. As the week progresses, Miles and Jack discover the importance of friendship and make some life-changing decisions about where to take their lives.

From John Curran, starring Naomi Watts, Edward Norton, Liev Schreiber, Catherine An
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Byambasuren Davaa, Luigi Falorni, starring Janchiv Ayurzana, Chimed Ohin, Amgaabazar Gonson, Zeveljamz Nyam
Rated PG