The Journey Is the Destination

R

2016

1 hr. 59 min.

Drama

List

Reviews

90%

50+ Ratings

Audience Score

Photojournalist Dan Eldon abandons his life in London to document the struggle, heartbreak and hope of a war-torn and famine-ridden region of Africa.

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Audience Member

An absolutely beautiful biopic about the remarkably inspiring photojournalist Dan Eldon. As one whos life was changed upon discovering Dans legacy I highly encourage artists and audiences alike to take the time to watch The Journey is the Destination and see how Dan was able to change the world in his 22 years residing on it. His spirit is alive today and his story continues to inspire thousands to use art and adventure to make a difference whenever the opportunity arises. Bronwen Hughes pulls off a remarkable film mixing her imagination of the story into Dans own artwork. Its such an alive movie that Dans mother Kathy Eldon played a major hand in producing so it holds such raw and beautiful truth and testiment to his Safari way of life. (Not to mention the ultra talented cast embodied their characters- who were real life people- so beautifully and respectfully which is truly no easy feat.)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A tear jerking and raw film. Incredible movie and should be shown everywhere

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

Full Review

Audience Member

In the film, Dan Eldon references that there are alternative ways to get an education. Let's start that initiative by playing this film in all high school history classes across the world. Not only is there a history lesson here about the civil war that was happening in Somalia in 1993, there are lessons on passion, foreign policy, and the power of media to name a few. Watching this film in 2018 I couldn't help but see striking parallels in our society today. In the film, the UN forces are fighting enemies of hunger, disease, corruption and apartheid. In the United States alone we continue to fight racial injustice, the leading cause of death is heart disease, and although hunger isn't our problem, obesity is. The greatest lesson of all in the film is Dan's belief that people are not born hating other people. Rather, that trait is stemmed from the conditions of their environment and it is forced on them when their ignorance runs out. Also that the media has the power to change the way you think and impact political action. While this is an amazing power, it also is a good reminder, especially for youth, that the media has biases and it is important to know how to sort through quality news sources. All in all, an inspiring and eye-opening story that needs to be shared.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

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Audience Member

I really enjoyed watching this film. It gives a great behind the scenes look at what was happening in the areas of conflict in Africa and the heroism of the journalist that risked their lives to tell the whole story. It's a must watch!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

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Audience Member

Ben Schnetzer is charismatic and impassioned as real-life photojournalist Dan Eldon in this well-meaning but uninspired account of his life and death.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The movie does not leave you - it stays with you for a few days or forever. It took Dan's mother Kathy Eldon over two decades and a lot of dedication to make this movie and turn her terrible tragedy into an empowering movement of Creative Activism. The Journey is the Destination - a manifesto of kindness, self-giving and fight for the truth - elicited a reaction in the modern activist community. Not only did it bring together thousands of talented people around the world, it also raised an array of questions that remain prime political and social topics of 2017 - from women's rights to freedom of speech. If you have not come across Dan's travel journals this movie might be your starting point - some collages are featured in the film. They seem to be one of the components that keep the picture very engaging and dynamic. Overall the movie is a pure pleasure and inspiration! I can't wait to see it on Netflix!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

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Bronwen Hughes

Director

Kelly Macdonald

Duff

Maria Bello

Kathy

Ella Purnell

Amy

Ben Schnetzer

Dan

Sam Hazeldine

O'Reilly

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Sheri Linden

Hollywood Reporter

For too much of its running time, Bronwen Hughes' feature feels more like a hyper-ebullient travelogue than a biographical portrait of an extraordinary young man.

Sep 23, 2016

Full Review

Nigel M. Smith

Guardian

Hughes keeps her camera restlessly moving, straining to keep up with Eldon's travails - but she does little to ground her picture.

Rated: 2/5

Sep 9, 2016

Full Review

Lorna Codrai

Film Inquiry

The film is vibrant, violent, and sad, but it celebrates Eldon's exceptional life well.

Jun 20, 2020

Full Review

Renee Schonfeld

Common Sense Media

Biopic of young photographer is violent and sad.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 14, 2017

Full Review

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Synopsis

Photojournalist Dan Eldon abandons his life in London to document the struggle, heartbreak and hope of a war-torn and famine-ridden region of Africa.

Director: Bronwen Hughes
Executive Producer: Jay Alix, Maria Bello, Michael Brickman, Blair Hahn, Una Jackman, Warren Ostergard, Regina K. Scully, Nion McEvoy, Gary Slaight
Screenwriter: Bronwen Hughes, Jan Sardi
Production Co: Prospero Pictures
Rating: R (Bloody War Images|Sexual References|Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 18, 2017

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