Exile by Choice

As both a young filmmaker and someone who has recently gotten sober, I must say this documentary spoke to me in a number of ways.

Drew Morris and the other filmmakers involved really do a great job of keeping the viewer entertained, as well as inspiring them to take hold of their lives. I can definitely say watching 'Exile by Choice' gave me more than a little itch to do some traveling.

Roaming Bear, the main character of the film, was charismatic enough to hold my attention, while also being sincere in front of the cameras.

Overall, I was thoroughly entertained by this well made and personal film!!!

Being a "traveling kid" is a lifestyle choice that many people don't understand. No matter how many times you tell your friends, family, and lovers that you absolutely adore living on the road, eating out of the trash, bathing minimally, sleeping outside, fighting off bugs and diseases, and getting town to town by complimentary rides from people and trains... more times than not they will always fail to understand the "why" of it all. To this day, I don't know that I could effectively express in words the reasons why someone would be drawn to this lifestyle, and that is because IT IS SOMETHING YOU NEED TO SHOW PEOPLE. Born Ready Films has done a great job of bringing to light the reasons for hitting the road, and the struggles that come along with that choice. For anyone who's ever desired to just "get up and go" this movie is a must see!

I enjoyed this film! It was visually beautiful to watch, especially in the scenes on the train. What a gorgeous way to see the country. The juxtaposition of the two main guys was an interesting glimpse of different types of folks that choose this life, and displays their humanness rather than painting in broad strokes and stereotypes. The relationships they have with drugs and sober folks vs. non sober folks was also cool. Also the healthy relationship that Bear has with his family was sweet to witness. I want to hang out with Bear! This is a very original topic for a film. I hope this can clarify the draw of this type of travel and lifestyle to those outside of that culture. I also hope to see the film's distribution grow!

Exile by Choice documents a modern-day, post-war, neo-hobo of our time, 'Roaming Bear'. Experienced traveler Connor ('Bear') and rookie train-hopper, Mikey, escape the mundane suburbs of Chicago looking for some truer sense of freedom. Following the American tradition of wandering the country, these young vagabonds hit the road, hopping trains, hitchhiking, skateboarding, performing music and dumpster diving their way around.

The film is a rarity. A street culture is documented that most sparsely see, and you begin to realize: yes, hobos and gypsies still do exist! We are granted access to the lifestyle of 'Roaming Bear', with his words, experiences and original soundtrack painting the film with heart and charm.

The narrative is reminiscent of the Seattle streetkids from 'Streetwise', while carrying the philosophies of the 'Beat's' and 'Hippies'. Unlike many streetkids, the subjects choose this lifestyle, despite comfortable backgrounds. It contains that youthful idea of just leaving home and exploring ones country. With a little resourcefulness and kindness one can go a long way. It is a true glimpse into the modern skamps and rucksack explorers of today.

A blend of first and third person cinematography, you are fully immersed in the train yards, the dilapidated shacks, the redwoods of California, the bayou of New Orleans, the rainforest of the Pacific Northwest, with stunning imagery. We meet many eccentric characters along the way. The skid row drunks in New Orleans eating hobo stew, colorful wanderers, stoned hippies of Northern California and all shades in between.

Exile by Choice, explores the question; can one be happy soberly? Can one coexist in this country without the creature comforts, without much money, and sustain a personal joy?

This is not just a film about the road. It also lets the viewer into the heart and homes of the subjects. Discussing the different motivations of leaving home and the concerned but tolerant families that allow their children leave the nest. It displays the tension of family, ones past and own personal solitude. Is there a balance of wander lust and family life? Sometimes only until your family is thousands of miles away do you miss them.

If you were ever curious of what it may be like to just leave home, hop on a train, and go wherever you please in the 21st century, this movie will show you the joy and peril of that imagined journey.

This doc was a breathe of fresh air. It was inspiring to see a couple youngsters go on the road and experience a taste of what the world has to offer with limited resources. Something I always wanted to do but never did. I enjoyed seeing all the different footage from their adventures throughout the country. Also, the music in this film is great and seems original. It sounded like it came from the main musician in the film. It was interesting to see what kind of people and situations these guys ran into. Some were funny, some not so much. I liked how honest these people were as well. It would be interesting to see what they are doing 15 years from now..