Review of Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles (2005) by Alex C — 01 Oct 2010

Unfortunately, however it was possible for RT to get the synopsis wrong, they did. The old man did not travel with his dying son. That aside, this movie was a masterpiece on many levels. That most of the actors had no prior acting experience and then were paired with Ken Takakura, a long established talented leading man, often gave this movie a magical quality.

A beautifully mounted film, a well written screenplay that unfolds and often evokes deep empathy for the central characters, especially the father whose dying son wants nothing to do with him. Within this dynamic, the father seeks to redeem himself and honor what he perceives his sons wishes to be, which involves great personal and emotional sacrifice on the part of the father.

Ultimately the magic that unfolds is between the father and the people who befriend and empathize with his plight as well as the fathers opportunity to show warmth and love for the son of the very man who spurred on his initial journey.

This is a movie about redemption down an often difficult and demanding path. I found myself at times smiling, rejoicing and lastly crying as this movie will move one in those ways and more.