"Captain Fantastic" Starring Viggo Mortenson Is A Fantastic Film Go & See

I was thoroughly engaged, entertained & moved by this Swiss Family Robinson drama derived out of choice rather than disaster.  The father (Viggo Mortenson "Lord of the Rings") is raising his 6 children outside convention & civilization.  Dir/writer/producer/actor  Matt Ross received a Best Dir nod at Cannes this year for his film. Then premise seems preposterous but it is handled with grace & earnestness that garner this movie credibility and make it a truly inspiring cinematic experience.  Viggo  is raising his 6 progenies alone in the wild while his wife is being treated in a conventional medical institute.  It becomes clear she was being helped in a mental hospital when Viggo learns of her suicide from his sister via a call made inside a bar.  The movie begins in a rush.  The eldest son (played by British actor George Mackay in a star turning role) ensnares a buck armed only with a knife.  We are in equal measures appalled & amazed.  Dad performs a ritualistic manhood initiation bequeathing the buck's (liver? - ugh) while the rest of the tribe look on in survivalist camouflage.  The audience is braced to rally against the sovereign & barbaric lifestyle the children are subjected.  However, our allegiance falters regarding the coerced lifestyle when we see the intellectual, physical prowess instilled.  More importantly, we sense the omnipotent familial bonds of love for each other.   Rebellion in the ranks comes from the 2nd son who is more pragmatic.  He believes their father is responsible for the death of their mother & for ruining their lives.  Frank Langella adds his formidable force as the father of Viggo's wife.  Langella anathema of Viggo is visceral.  Viggo brings his "tribe" into the "real world" which is shocking for the funeral of their mother.  The Christian burial is the antithesis of his wife's last will & testament.  The 2nd son abandons ship & opts to live with his wealthy & prominent grandfather.  Viggo & the family's plans to abduct their brother which lead to tragic consequences for the eldest daughter.  Viggo re-evaluates the lifestyle choices he's made for his children & succumbs to granting his in-laws custody.  There is plethora of provocative social, religious & political commentary.  The cinematography is stunning.  The entire ensemble is extraordinary.  This is a winning film that is about  as good as it gets. "Captain Fantastic" is marvelous in everyway.