An "Ode To The Simple Life" Dick Proenneke's masterpiece reminds us all of simpler times and of gentler souls like Muir and Thoreau, who lived in harmony with the land, taking only what they needed and nothing more. Those who must have CG and action-packed hyper-bass sound effects need not apply. This movie only requires an appreciation for the skills and fortitude it takes to live life in the wild without electricity, without complexity, and yet with a modicum of civility and amenities that you "build" with your own hands. I first saw this movie on PBS and was entranced. Having grown up in the ranching/farming country of the Similkameen valley in British Columbia, Canada, I was familiar with life in the wilderness, but had never ventured much deeper into the wild than a couple days hike from my home. Dick Proenneke's adventure was on an altogether different plane; challenging, almost spiritual in his commitment to living simply and ALONE. Proenneke's film is among the first "reality" shows that is truly REAL. There are no scripted moments, no games or strategies to rid you of unwanted competition, no prize awaiting him at the end. There's just Dick and the wilderness...and it is more addicting to watch than any of the reality survival shows on tap today. When you examine the "making of" background of the movie, you realize that Dick didn't live a pure hermit life. He had a friend that would fly in supplies with his float plane when needed (once or twice a year) and his brother did come to visit from time to time. However, he was truly "alone in the wilderness" for sometimes months at a time, particularly in the dead of winter, and I came to greatly admire Dick and all those who could live that simply, alone with themselves and for that long, without going crazy. Dick Proenneke is among a handful of folk to ever achieve what most of us only dream of. His celluloid poem grants those of us who still dream that dream the opportunity and privilege of experiencing just a little of it thru the lens and poetic thoughts of this great and yet, simple man. Dick Proenneke is one of my all-time heroes. This one is a MUST SEE, for all of those who have heard that still small voice inside, calling you back to the wild and a simpler life. Oh, and bonus ... it is totally family friendly viewing.

We thought that this was a pretty good movie. We were impressed that he could live 35 years on his own. His craftsmanship was amazing, and he made a lot of very nice things, Like the cabin itself and furniture. He was very resourceful. It was impressive what he was able to do at his age. After his 6 months in bed rest, He was devoted to spending his life improving his physical health. He was a very skilled carpenter. He was a very skilled outdoors man, and knew the terrain and wild life well. He was almost self sufficient in his food too, Hunting and planting a garden to keep himself full. He was a smart man, and knew where the frost lines would be to make a refrigerator to keep his food fresh.

The movie was interesting to say the least. I liked how he built all his own stuff using only his simple tools and ingenuity. He was able to build everything he ever needed. At the age of 50 he still had enough bluster to live by himself for 35 years in the cold Alaskan wilderness. He only took what he needed from the land and always had the lands best interest on his mind. He was so concerned about the land that he even felt guilty about cutting firewood. He is a master builder that inspired me. He even built his own hinges out of wood. But the most impressive thing he made was door handles and door locks for his door. THis is a very interesting movie that will capture the attention of any and all audiences. I highly recommend seeing this movie.Thomas Lothian and Jon Fortin

As I was ill with the flu in 2004 I was scanning the channels and came upon the local PBS station. The scene was a man building his cabin.I watched the film in awe. The detail that went into making the cabin and its furnishings was amazing.At the end of the film I waited for the credits and wrote down the title. Later I researched it on the net and eventually ordered it from Bill Schwearing Productions.I have shared this movie with many of my like minded emergency preparedness friends. Everyone who sees this movie is affected for the better.I am convinced that if everyone could understand Dick's basic core values that the world would be a better place. "...too many people work on parts of things, I like to see a job through to completion, that suits me." This is an excellent movie that deserves a place in every DVD collection.