Six Million Steps: A Journey Inward (2011) Poster

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8/10
Inspiring
kepcrom-6496125 August 2015
It was great to see and hear from the people out on the Pacific Crest trail. To leave your "normal" life behind for months and see the country and nature is something that most of us can only dream of. This film inspires you to find that incredible journey in your life, and walk it one step at a time.

I am glad that the film tried to show the natural beauty of the trail. Having never been there I now feel like there is a reason to go. It's surprising that so many people join together to make this possible. Not just the hikers, but the Trail Angels, and people in the towns. I felt better about society after watching this film.
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Excellent Movie
normstephens200231 October 2011
What a wonderful movie! Prior to watching "Six Million Steps," I could not imagine a movie that made backpacking either interesting or instructive, but this movie does both, and also manages to inspire. The stories told by the hikers convey the essence and importance of hiking the trail: the journey is inward, the process of hiking the PCT is more important than completing the entire trail, and the PCT helps people evolve and appreciate the wilderness and each other. Rarely in a movie have I found myself rooting for backpackers.

The photography is quite well done and creative; there are shots that zoom out, to demonstrate the majesty of the place, or zoom in, to focus on a character. The techniques are similar to the skill in a Ken Burns movie. The music is also appropriate for the scenery and mimics both the inspiration and the introspection of months on the trail. The music was so good, in fact, that I started checking about buying a soundtrack.

Prior to watching "Six Million Steps," I had considered the idea of hiking a portion of the PCT, some day, or some summer, or with some friends—maybe if and when the right opportunity came along. After watching the movie, I have committed to hiking the PCT. To paraphrase what a variety of articulate hikers in the movie have said, "Don't put off the journey for too long; we don't know how much time we have."

I urge everyone to watch the movie, get inspired, and hike the trail. Hope to see you there.
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9/10
Very inspiring
hazelnutlion20 July 2015
This movie really 'spoke' to me in a way that Hollywood cannot. Like most young adults, I'm trying to find a direction and I'm tired of people deciding what's best for me. After watching this film, I feel like hiking the PCT might be the best way for me to find my future.

All of the hikers in the movie have such unique backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints; and it's amazing how supportive this community is towards one another. I didn't even know such a thing existed 'til I saw this movie!!!

I am so inspired from the stories they shared and want to go out and explore this world for myself!
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10/10
Took my breath
stevennotto27 July 2018
In our current world of divisiveness in politics and war, this movie reminds us that humans all seek the same connections to self, others and the world. Thank goodness that people continue to find the positive forces in the world.

It definitely reminded me of how much I take for granted on a daily basis and how entitled we all can get.

One hiker's comments inspired me throughout the movie and I thank her for it. <3
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1/10
90 minutes of pure navel gazing
didier-2016 February 2020
If you like listening to endless navel gazing people saying absolutely nothing at all continually, non-stop for 90 minutes then watch this film. As far as the trail itself.....you wont see any of it.
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10/10
Shows it like it is
desertchick24 August 2015
This was an excellent movie about life on the trail. I just returned from my second section hike of the PCT and it made me want to get back out there again as soon as possible!! It was very honest about the struggles and hardships, the days that seem to go on forever and make you want to stop, and those wonderful moments you have out in the wilderness. There are so many random acts of kindness to be found when you are long distance hiking, that it renews your faith in mankind. I love the variety of people interviewed, it would have been nice to see a few more female hikers interviewed, but we are the minority on the trail.
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9/10
A must for thru hikers and thru hikers to be
george-721124 May 2015
There are some good documentaries about the Pacific Crest Trail and 6 Million Steps is one of the best. It is told from the hiker's perspective and does a good job explaining the many reasons people start, stay on and finish the trail.

Even if you don't plan on making a long trek there are useful insights into the hiker trail culture that can be learned and applied to everyday life.

The production and editing is well done and the photography is very good. Aside from interviews of people hiking the trail, the movie gives a beautiful view of the American West from the trail's beginning in the desert, through the Sierra Nevada and on into the high country of NorCal, Oregon and Washington.
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9/10
Because it's there...
benjaminkyleashby7 July 2015
This is an unbelievably inspirational documentary, granting an insight on the Pacific Crest Trail and the hiking community. Prior to viewing this film, I had been an avid 'weekend warrior,' but had never heard about the PCT.

What I enjoyed most about this film, as compared to "Wild," was the depth to which "Six Million Steps" explored the daily life, hardships, and rewards all of the hikers experienced. What's more, is how well the film explores the little-known hiker culture, including aspects such as trail angles, trail names, and life-long friendships.

Hikers make this journey for an array of reasons. This film unearths why so many people, from so many different walks of life seek one ultimate goal.
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10/10
Great film, can watch it again and again!
elainepeterson20 July 2015
Enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the trails. The photos of waterfalls and mountains were amazing. Everyone should see what is out there in our national parks waiting for you to put down the cell phone and computers. A place to clear your mind and relax your body. Everyone looks happy and peaceful as they take time away from their normal routine of 9 to 5. The trail angles provide much needed water, food and a place to stay. The wildlife coexist with the hiker's as they travel the trails with mutual respect for each other. Many new friendships grew among the hiker's as they all reach for the same goal. To complete this trail ensures one that they can handle whatever life throws our way.
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10/10
A must see for any long distance hiker!
cjpete-0345721 July 2015
This is one of the most diverse long distance trails in the US with it's jaw dropping majesty. I have never seen it captured better than the way this film crew has pulled it off. An excellent start to finish blend of the trails raw beauty meshed with the can-do spirit demonstrated by adventurers from all walks of life. Loaded with awesome pictures and video of the trails rugged splendor, from it's start at the Mexican/US border and all the way to Canada. All of the great folks the hikers met along the way, especially the support of the "Trail Angels" who embody a positive culture of their own. It really held my attention and peaked at the end which tugged at my emotions and made me feel good to be alive, free and live in a country with the opportunity to experience nature at it's best. A truly unique film experience you will want to share with your friends and folks that may be considering the adventure of a life time!
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