This is a minimalist movie. It is a movie made up of little moments, little facial expressions, simple dialogues. And, of course, "the" event which is pivotal for the movie.Having watched "Force Majeure" before this, I knew what to expect and what to look for in "The Loneliest Planet". I was expecting a movie about the dynamics in a couple, and how this dynamics is easily and severely disrupted by one single event. I knew I had to look for the small details, for the things unsaid, in order to understand and to appreciate the movie.The physical majesty of the mountains, which are always visible in the background, creates a dramatic atmosphere. In this naturally dramatic set, powerful emotions are lived by the two main characters, and eventually by their Georgian guide as well. However, these emotions are mostly lived inside each character: there are no arguments, no fights, no physical expression of emotions; only looks and (some) words.Overall, I enjoyed the movie. Just be prepared, this is not your usual movie. Don't expect elaborate plot twists (aside from that one event...). Expect it to unfold at its own pace. If you approach it with an open mind, you will enjoy it.

A Western couple (played by Gael Garcia Bernal, who is actually Mexican and Hani Furstenberg, who is an Israeli) decide to hike in the Caucasus Mountains of the country of Georgia, taking as a guide a local man. The audience can see from the start that the guide is a bit of a screw loose, and that something nasty is going to happen to them, but they seem oblivious to it. I will not reveal more of the plot. I thought that this will be terribly self-indulgent (and many in the audience will feel that) but I find myself surprised in the first half of the movie for liking the film. However, something happens halfway, and the movie takes a wrong turn, not completely, but the second half of the film becomes not very believable and slow and quite a drag. Russian born Julia Loktev (why doesn't she wants to be called by her real name, Yulia Lokteva) directs. The rough outdoor beauty of Georgia certainly helps (I know this is a cliché, but the land really becomes one of the characters of the film).

Is there a reason to like this movie? I can't find one and am surprised by those who do. What is pictured is two young characters who like to walk through rugged terrain, play word games, have sex in the dark, and stay trim. Do I have a reason to like either character? No. What I heard was inane dialog, heavy music as if something was going to happen and doesn't, very little sound of any sort to engage my ears. Was I amused by the word games, liked the music, or understood the inane dialog and stories the players tell? No. I was shown photography of some rugged terrain in the Georgia mountains, a place that few have seen. Was I supposed to be impressed by the beauty and awe of this natural setting? The answer is that it wasn't something I'd seen better done in other movies. The movie seems to suggest that relationships can change radically because of an insignificant happening. But never tell us if they change. I'm still waiting to think of a reason for liking this picture.

Anything done by Tom Bissell is a collassol failure. Pretentious crap. Horrible film. Makes me want to eat dog food.This has to be one of the worst films I've ever seen in my life. Nothing happens. Oh wow, look at the pretty scenery..nothing happens. The whole thing is pretty much bissell masterbating to himself while ripping off a Hemmingway short story. I don't recall any appreciation or mention of the fact that this film is based on a HEMMINGWAY STORY because these asshole loser hipsters ripped it off and decided to give bissell all the money so he can blow it on crack.Hurray America.You're some kind of crazy Island.You give Bissell the COcaine...and he pretends he's not gay.