The Journey Is the Destination

This film used innovative and sometimes jarring film sequences- shots and angles- composites of photographs interwoven from Dan's journal with scenes and snippets of his life "on Safari" as seen through the eyes of the subject Dan Alden -a life cut short but lived to the fullest. Definitely an inspirational watch as we follow his progress from high school graduate full of ideals to a young man realizing his dream of being a photojournalist and willing to risk his life for his belief that sharing truth will make the world a better place.

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.

"Mission Statement for Safari as a Way of Life:".. at 10 his photographs were featured in magazines and newspapers, received awards for community service while still a student. Visited 46 countries, learnt 7 languages ... an aspiring, inspiring young journalist who played a crucial role in having US and UN PKF to enter into Somalia primarily with a goal to address poverty and hunger issues.. well, that is what he thought... His famous quote was *"The journey is a destination*" He was loved by Somalis.. He and his team were covering the UN pkf raid to arrest their rebel leader Mohamed Farrah Aidid as Some Somalis wanted them to... but the mob attacked them and he was stoned and beaten to death. He was only 22. Even though movie fails to capture the essence and depth of his life and the facts, still a good watch.

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.

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.

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!

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.