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!
32 Reviews
Different!
FilmFan201519 January 2015
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..
great story
jtcolli-217-39442619 January 2015
Very interesting and entertaining documentary. Cant imagine all the work that went into it behind the scenes. Growing up in the same suburbs of Illinois the feeling to escape is a familiar one and I remember hearing about Conor back in the day traveling all over the place. I can even remember listening to Jerome in the Sky on my space in a basement in Park City. Watching this documentary was especially interesting to me because i knew people behind as well as in front of the camera. Its very nice to see that all of their hard work has come together to create this great documentary. Its an incredible journey and story captured here definitely worth your time to watch. Its good to see why they travel and not just stories through the grapevine but an actual behind the scenes look at their chosen lifestyle.
Creative and Eye Opening
dmatelski26 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Exile by Choice... I was really only very interested in the film being that one of the gentleman in the film I went to high school with. After starting the movie I found myself drawn into it, something I had not felt watching a movie in quite sometime and I do like to think myself quite an avid movie watcher. The music was home grown and fit the film perfectly. Everything flowed really well and I really loved it. Gives you a view of life on the road with very little to your name. Makes you appreciate the things that we have as well as makes you WANT to be out there with them, living it up, enjoying what the world has to offer and just getting down and living within your means even if they are minimal. The only thing that sucked was that Bear didn't stop by and see me in SLC! Movie was fantastic! well worth your time! Watch it and be jealous of their freedom as well as learn to love what you have!
Wonderfully insightful documentary about living young, free, and untethered on the road.
jclayton0225 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This 2015 documentary begins by profiling the unconventional life of Conor Girard, aka Roaming Bear, a young musician who has eschewed the comfort and security of his upper middle class upbringing to enjoy the "freer-n-finer things in life" as a vagabond, traversing the country by way of hopping freight trains and hitchhiking. More often than not he sleeps under the stars, and frequently resorts to dumpster diving for sustenance.
Shortly after we get a feel for the world of Roaming Bear, we meet his soon-to-be travel companion Mikey, who is about to embark on his first such adventure, with Bear as his guide. Together they pull up stakes from the suburbs of Chicago with their sights set on Olympic National Park on the west coast of Washington. Their shared journey comprises the bulk of the film, and once we are fully immersed, a multi-textured and endearing story unfolds as we meet their families, their friends, and many colorful strangers along the way. Initially, the filmmakers seem to be simply romanticizing the itinerant lifestyle, but as the story progresses, they show us moments of self-doubt from both travelers. Through both confessional scenes and observed conversations, we're given direct insight into how they each process the blessings and uncertainties that come with such a life.
The fact that they both come from a relatively privileged upbringing, with a family safety net still in place, makes for a noteworthy irony: the boring, safe, ordinary life they sought to escape is also what makes it possible to take on such a risky journey, knowing that if they want out, they can have a lifeline thrown their way. That this point can be made softly without making us think any less of them speaks well to the filmmakers' skill in crafting this narrative.
Shortly after we get a feel for the world of Roaming Bear, we meet his soon-to-be travel companion Mikey, who is about to embark on his first such adventure, with Bear as his guide. Together they pull up stakes from the suburbs of Chicago with their sights set on Olympic National Park on the west coast of Washington. Their shared journey comprises the bulk of the film, and once we are fully immersed, a multi-textured and endearing story unfolds as we meet their families, their friends, and many colorful strangers along the way. Initially, the filmmakers seem to be simply romanticizing the itinerant lifestyle, but as the story progresses, they show us moments of self-doubt from both travelers. Through both confessional scenes and observed conversations, we're given direct insight into how they each process the blessings and uncertainties that come with such a life.
The fact that they both come from a relatively privileged upbringing, with a family safety net still in place, makes for a noteworthy irony: the boring, safe, ordinary life they sought to escape is also what makes it possible to take on such a risky journey, knowing that if they want out, they can have a lifeline thrown their way. That this point can be made softly without making us think any less of them speaks well to the filmmakers' skill in crafting this narrative.
Awesome!
hbomb500025 January 2015
This is a fantastic film about life on the road. It shows the world from a point of view that most people do not normally see. Living my whole life in the suburbs, I never really knew that people could travel and live like this. I never could have imagined what life would be like traveling like this, but this film showed me. There have been times in my life that I have wanted to escape, and I think this made me realize that it is easier than I have thought to do so. You do not have to work every hour of every day in order to survive. It is certainly interesting, as well as entertaining. I am glad I got the opportunity to see a different lifestyle than what is considered "normal". I think that it also inspired me to rethink what I consider to be a normal and fulfilling life. Maybe someday I will try life on the road, as well!
A riveting documenter that kept me intrigued the entire time!
onthegosiegirl9 February 2015
Giving a realistic point of view the film makers did a fantastic job in representing a life-style that has deep challenges with its freedoms. It really gives a great representation of what it's like to feel the personal struggles that Bear and Mikey are dealing with on a daily basis. I found it interesting to have the two of them next to each other in this film depicting the reality of how this lifestyle is in the blood of some and a fantasy idea in the minds of others. I can really feel that the film crew put in a ton of effort into making this piece as realistic as possible and some of the shots and angles were breath taking.
Privileged
heaze8 November 2019
He's trying to emulate the homeless. But the fact is if he gets into trouble his parents are paying for his lawyers and bail, he has health insurance and money for medication. He has a fat inheritance awaiting him in the future. And I guarantee he has an emergency Platinum Amex card in his back pocket at all times. And if anyone believes different , I have a bridge I'll sell you.
A nostalgic freedom story
bashingstix9 February 2015
Adapting to change, while experiencing life on the road. This is a unique insight into a life we all at one point have had a thirst for. The music is excellent. The story of Conor Girard and his positive free outlook on life leaves one feeling like no matter where you are in life, there is always a train coming through to pick you up and take you to another place. Not only is this piece about the struggle we all face in finding who we are at the crucial time in our lives called the early twenties, but also a view into what it takes to survive as a traveler in today's society. I highly recommend this film for any and everyone!
Inside look of life on the road
christopherconnor25 January 2015
This is a very good film about what "life on the road" in modern day America is really like. Not as sobering as "Into the Wild". It offers you the opportunity to be a part of a sub culture that I have to admit I know nothing about. It's not a feel good movie in the typical sense, but you do end up celebrating in the fact that these two guys are living life on their terms. I hope that Mike is finding the happiness he is looking for. That you get to peek into the psyche of what I am sure many of today's younger generation actually feel is a testament to the guys that produced the film. That they were able to bring you these people lives as they actually are, and not just having actors portray what they think life on the road is all about. The camera work is really good and I can't imagine what the camera guys thought when they were told "you have to hop a train". Definitely worth the time to watch.
An in-depth look at the traveler counter culture and what it takes to survive on the road
brian-f-mcnally19 January 2015
Exile by Choice takes a peek into the curious life of Roaming Bear as he's accompanied by Mikey Rogan in his life of refuge. Mikey, after finding himself feeling lost after the death of his older brother, decides to join Bear in hope to find solace within the vastness of the road. Exile by Choice documents an often-confusing time that is all too familiar amongst young people today. While Bear seems to have settled on the idea of living his life on the road, the same cannot be said for Mikey. The tag-along quickly learns that searching public trash receptacles for food, sleeping in run-down buildings, and hitchhiking as a means to survive isn't for everyone. As a result, he is forced to evaluate weather or not this is the life for him.
Exile By Choice is one u have to see to believe.....
lldoylell21 January 2015
Refreshingly different. So great to see new, up and coming individuals on the silver screen. No guts no glory. Exciting and fast paced. These kids put it out in a brand new style. Gives new meaning to the word HOBO! The cinematography is interesting and changes constantly through out the entire show. I loved seeing the terrain change as they progressed west. The character development was unpredictable in the fairly predictable movie world we see on the screen today. This raw and uncensored doc is moving in todays world of glam and glitz. How powerful to have a vision and be able to show the world some reality in these hard times. Thumbs up and keep on keepin' on! Looking forward to part two.
Inspiring
sevynthrose23 February 2015
This beautiful documentary, at it's core, is about learning to break out of "the box" and find your own way in life. These snippets of life on the road are sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes alarming, sometimes enlightening, and sometimes all of the above. The film neither glamorizes or demonizes the choices Bear and Mike make. It just shows the raw truth of their experiences. It's a lifestyle that not many ever consider, and even fewer ever get a taste of. It is different than poverty and homelessness by force of circumstances; it is, well, "exile by choice." The scenes are interspersed with Bear's mesmerizing music, which sets the mood and atmosphere of the whole film. I applaud the guys in this film for living life on their own terms. I think everyone owes it to themselves to do the same - whether that means riding the rails, living on a coconut farm, or settling down behind a white picket fence. It's your life. No one can live it but you.
A few words might be in order . . .
tylerdempsey_748209 February 2015
I thought "Exile by Choice" was great. Great, in the way watching "Lost Angels" is great, in the way reading William Vollmann is great. Great, like loosing your job. EbC documents a unique class, found, not only in America, but worldwide. Not class strictly defined by birth. But a class whose very aim, lies in pulling up and off that defining line and dangling somewhere in ether. These are the dreamers; but, dreamers that recognize dreaming is also a pejorative concept, so, they go where the wounds that birth dreams can walk around in the daylight, and maybe with the help of a myth, or a sobriety, or a perseverance, find meaning. I would recommend "Exile by Choice" to anyone that ever saw a train, and dreamed of striking out, to anyone, who at the mention of a foreign country goes weak in the knees, or to teachers, my niece, worried parents, or whoever felt the pain of limitation. Who hasn't?
Inspiring, but see for yourself.
elangelos01330 January 2015
Exile by Choice was a journey of humbling proportions. A heartfelt exposition of one person's version of the road to discovering happiness and worth.
With Conor being so open and honest himself, the film gives an outlet for the viewers to become open and honest with themselves. It was a breath of fresh air that left me a certain grace and wonderment of, not necessarily of his, but my own experiences.
Though most do not go through life in a similar fashion, it is difficult not to connect to the film in some magnitude. The themes of family, exploration, appreciation, and forgiveness backed by a strikingly raw yet serene soundtrack took me to an interesting place. It is good to know how many wonderful things there are in the most "beautiful" or "ugly" places.
I cannot wait for more people to see this movie, and be inspired to see the potential for us all to make conscious good decisions despite our pasts.
With Conor being so open and honest himself, the film gives an outlet for the viewers to become open and honest with themselves. It was a breath of fresh air that left me a certain grace and wonderment of, not necessarily of his, but my own experiences.
Though most do not go through life in a similar fashion, it is difficult not to connect to the film in some magnitude. The themes of family, exploration, appreciation, and forgiveness backed by a strikingly raw yet serene soundtrack took me to an interesting place. It is good to know how many wonderful things there are in the most "beautiful" or "ugly" places.
I cannot wait for more people to see this movie, and be inspired to see the potential for us all to make conscious good decisions despite our pasts.
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.
joedelisi1127 January 2015
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.
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.
Outstanding!
bryantmehrabi29 January 2015
A thoroughly introspective & heartfelt documentary. Growing up in Lake County, I always knew of Roaming bear. First, towards my Graduating year in high school (2008) I remember seeing his early band Jerome in the sky play at Swing State. This was one of the few bands that stuck with me for years to come. But it always lingered "what ever happened to that guy?"
Secondly, when I started Berserk Records (2012), the first thing I released was for a CD EP for a band called "The Jitters" which was fronted by Jon Aries, a friend from high school who was a member of Ringtale, one of the only two bands to release anything on an earlier prototype label I once flopped called Vaccinate Now Records and Ethan Balmes, who was part of Jerome in the sky (which is briefly in this doc) it was around this time I remember hearing about this movie being filmed, or completed probably.
Anyway, Roaming Bear ended up playing at the Red Cent EP release show, which we released a cassette for in early January. It was soon after the bear ended up contributing to one of my compilations, Hooliganism. In fact, he was one of the first to lend me a track. Bear has something in the way he plays, the warmth he admits through sound & conversation. This documentary fills that "what ever happened to that guy" void.
High recommend this film. Very exciting and heartfelt.
Secondly, when I started Berserk Records (2012), the first thing I released was for a CD EP for a band called "The Jitters" which was fronted by Jon Aries, a friend from high school who was a member of Ringtale, one of the only two bands to release anything on an earlier prototype label I once flopped called Vaccinate Now Records and Ethan Balmes, who was part of Jerome in the sky (which is briefly in this doc) it was around this time I remember hearing about this movie being filmed, or completed probably.
Anyway, Roaming Bear ended up playing at the Red Cent EP release show, which we released a cassette for in early January. It was soon after the bear ended up contributing to one of my compilations, Hooliganism. In fact, he was one of the first to lend me a track. Bear has something in the way he plays, the warmth he admits through sound & conversation. This documentary fills that "what ever happened to that guy" void.
High recommend this film. Very exciting and heartfelt.
Breaking old patterns and building new ones
Lemmonjamm11 February 2015
This Born Ready film is just what I needed to see. I really feel that any type of person could watch this documentary and relate to the people that came into contact with these travelers. Roaming Bear really shows that no matter where you are there is joy and loss; struggle and laughter. In a world where most people are starved of a sense of purpose he makes it clear that it's our perspective in the moment that counts to creating our life, not just compromising by doing what we did in the past. I'm sure a lot of people said to these kids "I wish I could do what you're doing." This film shows that YOU CAN. I really admired Mikey's development and personal struggle throughout the adventure. Jumping trains and eating garbage is not for everyone. Just like working the grind isn't for anyone. It seems more about realizing what's important and seeing what you don't need to be happy.
Bear I loved your music before I met you and it has only grown since. It's nice to finally see your songs in action. :)
The whole time I kept wondering about the camera guy. He is skilled at keeping himself out of the story and yet it made it all the more intriguing. I thank all who where involved in this creation. You can bet your buttons I'll be showing all of my friends that have ever mentioned wanting to travel.
Bear I loved your music before I met you and it has only grown since. It's nice to finally see your songs in action. :)
The whole time I kept wondering about the camera guy. He is skilled at keeping himself out of the story and yet it made it all the more intriguing. I thank all who where involved in this creation. You can bet your buttons I'll be showing all of my friends that have ever mentioned wanting to travel.
An Interesting Look at an Unique Part of American Society
morr08092 February 2015
This film is enthralling from start to finish. There parts that make you laugh and parts that make you cry. There are moments of defeat, and moments of victory. There are a lot of memorable experiences jam-packed into an exciting documentary. Roaming Bear is an incredibly likable and genuine guy who translates well to the big screen because of how honest he is both with himself and with the film crew. You find yourself rooting for this guy who you probably would have judged in the real world. Instead, you get introduced to Bear in his world. You get to see the train-hopping side of America which many people know nothing about. There are a lot of eye-opening moments that make you wonder how he does it, and there are a lot of moments that make you wish you could drop everything and join him on the road. This movie quickly became one of my favorite documentaries, and I would highly recommend it to Doc fans.
Untether Yourself and You May Discover a Freedom Today Seldom Felt
ivaylo776730 January 2015
This is a rare gem of a documentary because of the complete genuineness and rawness that took place. For most it will serve to show you a whole other side to life, one that is not tethered down ones own little circles of influence, but its a whole lot more than that. Two people with a yearning for self discovery and adventure set out and get exactly what they asked for. They do what everyone in our modern society fears, they relinquish control and truly live with a freedom few seldom discover. This story serves to possibly inspire, but mainly to humble the viewer. The production was great and the music was heartfelt, 10/10, the message came across loud and clear.
Great Movie!
woodburyalex13 February 2015
I remember meeting Bear out in Waukegan Illinois. It was during a town event, some type of skateboarding event, and both my music group and Bear were playing gigs around the town. I remember meeting him and hearing his music come out of the telecaster guitar, and thinking he was a cool dude. We played some music and then went our separate ways. This movie is a great representation of the joys and hardships of traveling, and it is great! I recommend this movie to somebody that enjoys the thrills of experiencing freedom. This movie is an inspiration and I hope it reaches many and many people. I gave this movie 9 out of 10 stars only because I want to see a sequel. Much love to Roaming Bear and a shout out to those on the road!
Excellent story
danians5307 February 2015
The adventure captured in this film gives us a brief glimpse into an underground culture all around the US. The idea of traveling by hitch-hiking and train-hopping is presented in this film as beautiful without over-romanticizing the challenges, hardships, and dangers. I have known Bear for a few years now and have always been fascinated by the adventures he's taken, as well as other folks I've met who travel in similar ways. Born Ready films has provided a really cool insight into what brings people to travel and what may bring them back home. Thank you for making such a cool film with such good insight into a lifestyle many of us do not even know exists.
A Walk between the tracks.
austin-wollmuth10 March 2015
We all have dreams. We all have fears. Our life is full of the choices that can bring us to happiness and the ones that can haunt us for the rest of our lives. How do you distinguish between the two? The only sure fire way is to saddle up, so to speak, and go for it. No holding back. This is easier said then done and "Exile by choice" Is complete and total proof of that.
Our youth is pieced together by these choices. On one hand, we have practicality. The constant drive to do whats right for your future. Then on the other hand we have that burning flame on the inside, that ignites our passion. The chemistry between Bear and Mikey mirrors these two ideals in the film. And at the end of the day we learn that what we perceive as happiness can end up being an attempt to escape reality, but I love this film because it reminds us that we are still in control. That these decisions are still ours to make, no matter the outcome.
In watching bear throughout this journey I learned a lot about myself and the endurance of my own soul. Sometimes all we need is a little exile, a little uncertainty, to feel alive. Another aspect of this film that I enjoyed is that how sometimes things aren't as easy as they seem. I know I've dreamed of wanderlust and travel but until this film came along I hadn't realized how gritty it can actually be. To be the kind of spirit that takes to the rails is one utterly driven by freedom and enjoying the reality, in every shape that it can take. A true tail of how adventurous life can be!
Our youth is pieced together by these choices. On one hand, we have practicality. The constant drive to do whats right for your future. Then on the other hand we have that burning flame on the inside, that ignites our passion. The chemistry between Bear and Mikey mirrors these two ideals in the film. And at the end of the day we learn that what we perceive as happiness can end up being an attempt to escape reality, but I love this film because it reminds us that we are still in control. That these decisions are still ours to make, no matter the outcome.
In watching bear throughout this journey I learned a lot about myself and the endurance of my own soul. Sometimes all we need is a little exile, a little uncertainty, to feel alive. Another aspect of this film that I enjoyed is that how sometimes things aren't as easy as they seem. I know I've dreamed of wanderlust and travel but until this film came along I hadn't realized how gritty it can actually be. To be the kind of spirit that takes to the rails is one utterly driven by freedom and enjoying the reality, in every shape that it can take. A true tail of how adventurous life can be!
Exile by Choice is a choice documentary
nr6189226 January 2015
This film was outstanding. In the span of just 70-something minutes, I truly empathized and sympathized with the two protagonists' struggles, learnings, and moments of pure joy. You don't always see characterization like that in a documentary work, so Conor and Mikey really deserve a lot of credit for opening up, being completely honest, and for letting the audience into their lives while they traveled the country. I love the message that this film spreads too: if you're not happy in your current situation, figure out what needs to be changed, and change it. Rewrite the system. Mikey felt like he was stuck in "The Burbs," like many adolescents often do, but guess what- he did something about it. He got up and left, and he went on a journey with someone who was nurturing, fun, and a great companion. They both met awesome and unique people along the way, as well. I highly recommend this film to anyone who has ever had that all too often existential crisis of "What am I doing here?" and "I need to change something up in my life."
Truly Excellent
schoolxen25 December 2015
In my garage we have a stage and such created for local bands to come and jam and hang out. Bear was one of our first people to come and play, and I was fascinated by his stories and his songs. While of course I am a bit biased as I have seen him play before, I found this documentary to be breathtakingly amazing. The whole experience of the Freight Hopping and hitch hiking made it feel like I was there with them. After watching it it made me think for a while and wonder about my future and where I am going to end up, like if I am going to go to college or end up hitchhiking and freight hopping as shown in the movie. I believe I learned a lot from this movie and I am very glad I watched it.
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