The Way

This movie either speaks to you, or it doesn't. For those who want digital effects, complicated twists and fast action - you will be sorely disappointed. This movie fails miserably at all of those. What it succeeds at - is taking you on a beautiful journey, in a very simple, eloquent and touching fashion. I am very impressed with Emilio Estevez. He managed to bring together a simple poignant story, the perfect cast, stunning visuals, beautiful music, and the one thing Hollywood seems to lack these days - the ability to make an emotional connection through a story. The entire cast delivers excellent, well-defined, yet subtle performances. Martin Sheen, (and I could not picture anyone else in this role) in particular, captures the "father of few words who can't express emotions" in a very powerful fashion. I read that Sheen had suggested Michael Douglas or Mel Gibson for the role of the father, and all I can say is, thank goodness Emilio told his father that it was written with him in mind. Sheen is spot-on, and the father-son collaboration makes it all the more powerful. Each cast member is excellent, and very adept at pulling you into the story. The final, fantastic cast member is The Camino itself. Absolutely breathtaking, it is beautifully captured in the cinematography and editing. The music as well, is tasteful, subtle and perfect for this film. I enjoyed it so much I ended up downloading the soundtrack. This movie, very much like walking The Camino, should be savored. The highest compliment that I can pay Emilio Estevez, is that after watching it 6 times on Netflix, I still felt the need to purchase the DVD. It just speaks to me! There are those who always wait for something dramatic to happen in a film, yet this movie contains such charm in the simple details. Savor, pay attention to the subtleties, and it will touch your heart. It may even, like me, speak to you in a way that spurs you to embark on a pilgrimage of your own.

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Enjoyable, well-filmed and good story line. Without ever becoming treacly or pietistic, the movie was also very respectful of the pilgrimage tradition of the Catholic Church, which makes it a fairly unusual film for Hollywood, 2011. Another reviewer expressed surprise that one of the characters was so " impressed by the overpowering Catholic cathedral symbolism that [made him] kneel before a church pillar...." He shouldn't have been so surprised, pilgrims have been doing such things for fifteen hundred years and more. St. Helena (mother of Constantine) went on pilgrimage around 320 AD. Although I have a friend who has made the pilgrimage to Compostela, I haven't. In addition to going to such shrines as Lourdes, Ste. Anne de Beaupre and the Miraculous Medal Chapel in Paris, I have had the blessing, though, of visiting St. Peter's in Rome several times each, during four trips to the Eternal City. Each time I have visited the basilica, I have gone to say prayers (to God and His holy Mother, as well as to St. Peter for intercession to God) before the bronze(?) statue of St. Peter on the right side of the nave. As have millions of other pilgrims, I always kiss the foot of the statue on the spot worn shiny by millions of people before me. It seems quite natural when I do it and it remains a pleasant recollection during the periods between visits. Likewise, when I went to the Cathedral of Canterbury, I wanted to say prayers before the tomb of St. Thomas a Becket. Unfortunately, that evil man, Henry VIII, had viciously destroyed that shrine and so I was left to say a prayer at the spot where it used to be. The Anglicans temporarily running the Cathedral have had enough good sense to point out the spot, probably to ensure that they could collect more of the fees that they are charging for entrance to the Cathedral. [Think of that, Catholic cathedrals don't charge people for entry, but Canterbury Cathedral, the headquarters of the Anglican Church "BY LAW ESTABLISHED" in England charges money for entry]. In all events, the movie was very respectful of pilgrimage while also recognizing that some people may trek to Compostela for other reasons. The interplay of those diverse motives heightened the dramatic tension and thereby made for an even more engaging film. And Spain was beautifully shot. What a gorgeous place. The Way

There are some films that aren't masterpieces, but still strike a deeply resonant chord with viewers. For me, "The Way" is just such a film. Small, sincere, honest, it doesn't strive for some magnificent epiphany or all-knowing message. Instead, it offers a protagonist not unlike many of us, set in his ways, comfortable enough in them, who must suddenly face the shattering of his life & begin trying to cope with it. In this case, Martin Sheen delivers a quietly powerful performance as Tom Avery, who must cope with the death of his estranged son Daniel, who was beginning the long pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. Unable to put into words the depth & complexity of his anguished emotions, he chooses to complete the pilgrimage for his son ... and of course for himself. So he sets out, determined to reach his destination as swiftly as possible & find some sort of closure. "Closure" -- that's an overused word these days, almost a glib & arbitrary cutoff point imposed by a society intent on "moving forward" at all costs. In a way, it's a means of avoiding any in-depth contemplation & exploration. That's what makes this film so honest & heartfelt: it's not about closure, it's about opening up. In fact, Tom Avery's problem is that his whole life has become closed, sealed off; he's so goal-oriented that he can't see the beauty & wonder of the journey itself. But as he continues on the pilgrimage & unwillingly finds himself gaining three very different companions, Tom does begin to open up. As I said, there's no single shattering epiphany; it's more of an organic growth, a slow realization that there is indeed far more to life than simply getting there. If it's not explicitly a religious theme, it's definitely a spiritual one. I was reminded of Thomas Merton's classic volume "Mystics and Zen Masters" while watching, in that the film is much more about direct & immediate experience than any particular dogma or program. As Teresa of Avila once wrote, "Every day on the road to God is God." And this is just as true for an agnostic like myself as it is for a religious believer -- the journey is what matters, and the goal is simply a marker. I don't want to make this sound too ponderous & weighty. While there's plenty of substance here, writer-director Emilio Estevez never confuses what's genuinely meaningful with the glumly portentous or heavy-handed piety. There's a lot of humor, joie de vivre, and sheer beauty here, both in the gorgeous landscapes & in the evolving friendship of the four travelers. Everything is a reminder that each moment of life is both fleeting & precious, not to be wasted. For those of us who find our lives being eaten away by the minutia of the everyday, which we've come to take for granted as reality, this is something we desperately need to remember! And is anyone changed by the end of the film? Perhaps not so much changed as more truly themselves, far more knowledgeable & accepting of who they are, flaws & all. The final scene makes it clear that the journey never really ends, not for those who have broken through the walls of the mundane world that we've been taught is so important. Opening up, not closure -- most highly recommended!

In 2006, two weeks after my retirement, I did my camino. I do not even remember how or where I first heard about it, but I got hooked immediately. With only 2 weeks vacation a year, I could not do it while working, and so, when I started planning for my retirement, the camino was a part of it. It has been one of the most memorable, challenging and exciting trips I have ever taken, and The Way brought back all the wonderful memories, and having watched it three times, I feel like packing my gear and walking again. I would say 95% of the movie is accurate, and here are some minor quibbles that constitute the 5%. First, the first thing we pilgrims do when we reach the refugio is wash our clothes. Because of the weight of the backpack, we only bring one change of clothing, and so it is imperative that whatever we wear during the day should be washed. The characters in the movie seem to have many changes of clothing, and the only scene of somebody doing laundry was when Martin Sheen's character saw the guy in thong hanging his clothes. Second, except for one instance when Sheen's character complained of painful feet, there was no mention of foot problems, particularly blisters, a pilgrim's nightmare. Since he was walking for the first time, he surely would have had blisters. Other than that, the movie is accurate. The camaraderie among the pilgrims in the movie is authentic, the tight sleeping quarters are right on, and the hike on different kinds of terrain is familiar. I like the scenes with the gypsies that show their positive side and did not dwell on their bad reputation. The sense of wonder that the four friends felt in entering the basilica is very very familiar and brought back more memories. Great movie, but unfortunately, not the type that the Oscar folks would pay attention to. Too bad.

I don't anticipate doing this trek myself, but lately I've been reading books written by those who have walked "The Way of St. James." Though I've been to Spain a few times, it's only recently that I heard about this journey. In the midst of looking for other books on the topic, I stumbled upon this movie. It took me a while to sit down and finally watch it, but I'm very glad I did. The story-line is fairly straight-forward and the movie doesn't deviate much from the central theme. If nothing else, the movie was literally filmed along the pilgrimage, and thus, the scenery is incredible. Most of the other walkers in the film aren't 'extras,' but rather, they were actually doing the walk as the film was being made. Even some of the characters in the movie (the sheepherder, for example), were locals. I found myself touched by this movie, and was often tearful, if only out of sympathy for Sheen. Once one completes the walk, they are asked a central question. I won't tell you what that question is, but for our main character, I'm not sure it was ever answered, and if anything, only barely inferred. I hope I didn't miss something. Anyhow, the characters in the film are likeable, and though we get a window into their own motives for doing the walk, it never clouds Sheen's role. Granted, this film isn't a polished, Hollywood flick, but its simplicity fits with the whole aura of the Santiago. I'm glad that I watched it, and it was great having visuals to put to the books I've read thus far on the Santiago de Compestela. Goodjob, Estevez!

First of all, it should be said that Martin Sheen is one of America's best actors. He is often overlooked for praise but one can always be sure Sheen gives his best in any role he plays. In THE WAY, Tom (Sheen) is a dentist dealing with grief. First the loss of his wife and then the unexpected loss of his only son Daniel (Emilio Estevez). Daniel was killed tragically as he begun the famous journey on the road to Santiago in northern Spain. This famous road has led thousands of the faithful on a religious journey to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the burial place of St. James. As an homage to Daniel and their troubled relationship, Tom decides to complete the journey that Daniel began. No longer a practicing Catholic, Tom's reason's are symbolic not religious. He connects with people on the way but finally he and three fellow travelers complete the journey. None are doing the walk for religious reasons but all are moved by the end. Martin Sheen's son Emilio Estevez directed, wrote the screenplay and costars in the film. It was clearly a labor of love on his part. THE WAY has a very slow beginning and it seems hard to imagine simply following Tom on the journey. One cannot miss the breathtaking scenery and the small towns on the way. Finally, as Tom connects with his travel companions from Holland, Ireland and Canada, we see how lives are changed on this journey. Slow at first but an amazing delight by the end.

I don't know exactly how to describe why I liked this film so much. All I can say is that every time I look at it I find something else to notice and love and I've looked at it several times in just one week. It's one of those LITTLE FILMS that just grab you from the very start. I love Martin Sheen of course, always have. In his older age he has certainly not lost his touch. His expression when he views his son's body is great acting. Another scene when he opens the door of his hotel room to find the woman standing there is another priceless moment. The other 3 people are actors that I don't ever recall seeing before but all are wonderful. They never seem to be acting, they seem to be real people in a real situation which, of course, is what excellent acting is all about. James Nesbitt is wonderful. His facial expressions alone are enough to make you love the movie. There are no huge dramatic moments but lots and lots of little dramatic moments in this film. It seems to be a film about people who are hurt in some way and without making a big deal of their own story they sort of pretend that it's really just a small thing that has brought them on this journey. The relationship between the people happens very gradually and is a very moving thing to watch. I have worked with doctors for over 40 years and I was particularly moved by the way he changes from the know it all, omnipotent DOCTOR person to a normal human being. I do want to mention that it is beautifully filmed with gorgeous scenery.. For a walking along the road film it never drags, the viewer is never bored. I recommend it highly. In thinking over this film I'm moved to wonder how Emilio turned out so beautifully and Charlie turned out to be such a total piece of crap. I wonder if Martin ever wonders about that. I understand that both boys were pretty much turned loose to do as they pleased at a very young age. One turned his life around and the other one never did. Emilio is beautiful in this movie. What a great face. BTW - Be sure to view the film again with the comments as they are really wonderful. I've ordered the book "Along the Way" and can't wait to read it. It gets wonderful reviews.

Este año hice el camino de Santiago desde Tui y me compré esta película. Captura perfectamente la emoción de lo que es realizar el camino y es una historia muy emotiva.

I watched it after completing the Camino Frances, and really enjoyed it. So many aspects I could relate to, in fact I got a bit emotional. A very good film and I thought Martin Sheen was well cast. The best actor in my opinion was the Dutch fellow, he was perfect!

予てからこの映画のBDを探していたのですが、日本版はDVDしか生産されていない模様。 なのでこちらで海外版(言語：英語、字幕：英語・スペイン語)を購入でき感謝しております。 スペインの遮るもののない広大な麦畑、真っ直ぐ伸びる白い道、石畳の古い街並み…これぞロード・ムービーといえるような風景を鮮明な映像で楽しむことができ感無量です。 物語は「息子の死」をきっかけに、主人公トムの巡礼の旅が始まります。 目的地であるサンティアゴ・デ・コンポステーラまで、主人公だけでなく巡礼者は皆、自分自身と向き合いながら何百キロもの距離を歩き通すのです。 歩いている最中は誰もが孤独ですが、旅は道連れ。路上で出会う仲間との血の通った交流に心が解きほぐされていくのを感じます。 始まりは悲劇でこそあれ、見終わった後には自然と穏やかな気持ちになれる、そんな映画です。 私もいつかこの道を歩きたい。

Der egozentrische Arzt Tom, der übergewichtige Joost, die kettenrauchende Sarah und der von einer Schreibblockade geplage Ire Jack treffen auf dem Jakobsweg aufeinander und beginnen eine Reise zum Heiligen Jakobus - und zu sich selbst. Die Geschichte wird in ganz ruhigen Sequenzen erzählt und schafft es dennoch, Spannung zu erzeugen. Die Figuren sind allesamt stark gespielt und schaffen es, ihre Charaktere lebensnah und identifizierbar rüber zu bringen. Niemand ist für sich von Anfang an sympathisch, weder der von sich eingenommen Tom, noch die nur nach außen hin überstarke Sarah, noch der ständig kiffende Joost und schon gar nicht der nervende Jack, der sich mehr aufdrängt, als eingeladen worden zu sein. Doch wenn man sich darauf einlässt, mit den vieren auf die Reise zu gehen, so wächst man mit ihnen - genauso wie sie mit sich wachsen. Eigentlich steht der Jakobsweg vor allem für Frömmigkeit und Gottesglauben, doch dieser Film hier ist überraschend unreligiös" und schafft es dennoch, spirituell zu sein und an das Große irgendwie da draußen" zu glauben. Für mich ist vor allem die Langsamkeit ein großer Pluspunkt in diesem Film, denn diese erlaubt, die Figuren einzeln zu entwickeln und näher kennenzulernen - und am besten gefällt mir, dass man zwar sieht, dass sich das Leben der einzelnen Charaktere verändert, aber es bleibt unserer Fantasie überlassen, wohin der Weg sie geführt hat, denn wirkliche Endergebnisse werden nicht präsentiert. Außerdem gehen die Veränderungen ganz ohne viel Tamtam" von Statten und das spricht absolut für den Film, der sich ganz ohne großes Getöse in Szene setzt. Eine mögen sich am Ende fragen, warum es gerade der übergewichtige Joost ist, der eigentlich nur ein paar Kilos verlieren wollte, der überwältigt ist von der Ankunft in Santiago und dem Heiligen Jakobus am größten seine Ehrerbietung zeigt oder wie die Vater-Sohn Beziehung von Tom und Daniel, zwei Menschen, die unterschiedlicher nicht sein können, wirklich war, aber gerade das finde ich so spannend, weil wir ja auch im wahren Leben nicht alles von unseren Wegbegleitern erfahren. Außerdem zeigt es auch, dass wir im Grunde immer auf dem Weg" sind und diesen nicht mit einer einzigen Reise abschließen kann, das Leben geht ja schließlich weiter und ist nicht abgeschlossen, auch wenn dieser eine Abschnitt es ist. Aber man hat sich verändert, hat Freundschaften geschlossen und musste sich sicher wieder auch von welchen verabschieden, denn wenn man zurück in das alltägliche Leben kommt, holt einem der Alltag eben auch ein und es fällt nicht immer leicht, mit den dort gefundenen Freunden auch weiterhin in Kontakt zu bleiben. Bei einigen geht es, bei einigen nicht. Dies wurde mir von meinem Vater, der den Jakobsweg selbst gepilgert ist zu einer Zeit, wo der Pilgerhype noch nicht so derartig ausgebrochen ist, bestätigt. Es gibt meiner Meinung nach nur eine Szene, die Estevez sich hätte sparen können und das ist ein Besäufnis mit einer übertriebenen Auseinandersetzung mit den spanischen Gesetzeshütern und anschließendem Gefängnisaufenthalt. Hier kommt eine amerikanische Überheblichkeit hervor, die der Film keinesfalls gebraucht hätte. Ein wenig fehlt mir aber auch, dass die körperlichen Anstrengungen, die so ein Weg mit sich bringt, zu wenig angesprochen wird. Was ist mit schmerzendem Rücken, Fersen voller Blasen und brennenden Oberschenkeln? Die gibt es auf alle Fälle bei Weitwanderungen oder zumindest einen Teil davon, aber unsere vier Protagonisten hatten damit wenig Probleme, man könnte denken, so ein 800-Kilometer-Marsch sei ein Spaziergang. Gut gelungen hingegen finde ich die paar Erscheinungen" von Daniel in Person auf dem Weg, denn so hat der Zuseher wirklich das Gefühl, Daniel nimmt an der Reise teil und zwar im Geiste und nicht nur in der Urne. Auf der darstellerischen Seite gibt es nichts zu bemängeln. Martin Sheen spielt auf einem hohen schauspielerischen Niveau und bringt die Wandlung vom Grantler zum Menschen, der nun die kleinen Dinge des Lebens zu genießen weiß, gekonnt rüber. Spröde zu Anfang und auch sehr unnahbar wirkend erfährt man im Laufe der Reise, dass es möglich ist, sich in jedem Lebensalter zu hinterfragen und zu reflektieren. Deborah Kara Unger, die die kettenrauchende Sarah spielt, bleibt gewollt maskenhaft und meint, sie ginge ja nur, um am Ende des Caminos das Rauchen aufzugeben - wobei es nur durch den Zeilen hervorkommt, dass sie ein tief einschneidendes Trauma zu verarbeiten hatte. Yorick van Wageningen dreht sich einen Joint nach dem anderen und man nimmt ihm ab, dass er abnehmen muss, um die Frauenwelt für sich zu begeistern, der seine wahre Schönheit bis dato verborgen blieb. Er bleibt mir bis zum Schluss am rätselhaftesten. Sehr gut aber natürlich auch James Nesbitt, der es grandios schafft, der skurrile Seite in der Rolle Liebenswürdigkeit einzuhauchen. Alle drei zusammen bilden ein wunderbares Gegengewicht zu Martin Sheen, den ich persönlich noch nie habe besser spielen sehen als genau hier bei Dein Weg". Eine große Schauspielerin ist auch die Landschaft, die hier in wunderschönen, stimmigen Bildern gezeigt wird und dadurch der Wunsch noch größer wird, den Weg einmal selbst zu gehen und das alles mit dem eigenen Auge zu sehen. Mir hat der Film wirklich gut gefallen, vor allem, da man auf die kleinen Dinge achten muss und alles eher fließend passiert als mit großem Trommelwirbel. Die schauspielerische Leistung war überzeugend, die Landschaftsaufnahmen großartig und die Inszenierung mehr als gelungen, daher mag man dem Film kleine Schwächen verzeihen.

Un excellent film qui a pour trame de fond, le chemin de Compostelle. Martin Sheen est un père qui reçoit un jour un téléphone de la police Française pour lui annoncer la mort de son fils qui s'était lancé sur le chemin de Compostelle. Il part donc en France pour récupérer le corps de son fils et entre temps, se convainc de faire le chemin en mémoire de ce dernier. Donc, durant sa quête, on peux vivre avec lui les différentes étapes de son voyage. Voir de superbe paysages etc.