I knew nothing about the book except it had been a best seller. My wife and I attended opening night and both felt it was way too long. It was more like watching a documentary than an engaging movie. Yes, scenery was beautiful and made you want to visit those countries but the story just didn't draw you in. Having grown up in the sixties and seventies, just how many times have we heard that "I've got to find myself". Geez! I will say that I was touched by Javier's performance. It redeemed him from the character he played in No Country for Old Men. Richard Jenkins was phenomenal. His rooftop scene was oscar worthy. This was not a movie that we left feeling we had to tell people to go see. It just won't appeal to the majority of movie audiences.