NOTE: This movie was
released in 2010 and was not widely distributed which is a shame because it’s a
fine Independent film. It was recommended to me by my friend Eleanor. I had
never heard of it. My wife, Sara, watched it with me and enjoyed as much as I
did. You’ll have to look for it on Netflix, Redbox or some other streaming
channel… it’s worth the effort.
the way 3.2 ***
(Martin Sheen) goes to
France to bring back the body of his 40ish son Daniel (Emilio Estevez) who was
killed in a storm as he was going on the El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage .
However, Tom decides to walk The Way himself and to spread his son's ashes at
various places. The Way is the journey to Santiago, Spain where St. James is
buried. The main route starts in France and is about 800 Kilometers (500
miles).
Along the way, Tom reluctantly at first meets three travelers and together they form an unlikely alliance. There is Youst who is taking the trip to lose weight for his brother's upcoming wedding, but he eats and drinks the whole way; Sarah, an angry woman, who is trying to give up smoking, but smokes all the time; and Jack who is a writer with writer's block and he is looking for inspiration. Those are reasons they give whether true or not .. Tom is making the pilgrimage to honor Daniel . Writer, director and creator of the film Emilio Estevez plays the small role of Sheen's son, in flashbacks or ghostlike appearances seen only by Sheen. It is significant though because I think the intensity of the emotions Sheen displays is increased by the fact that Estevez is actually his son.
The movie is not your typical Hollywood blockbuster. It isn't fast paced, it isn't full of action or suspenseful moments. Instead it is a simple, heartfelt, subtle and quite beautiful movie. Your emotions will run high and although the movie has a dark undertone of sadness and grief, the beauty, and the spirit of the journey will lift you up and make you feel good.. The stunning scenery is only a small part of this film but what a beautiful countryside this rag tag group of pilgrims experience. It’s a story about four people from different walks of life on the same walk to experience something...anything...and you will walk with them step by step.
Along the way, Tom reluctantly at first meets three travelers and together they form an unlikely alliance. There is Youst who is taking the trip to lose weight for his brother's upcoming wedding, but he eats and drinks the whole way; Sarah, an angry woman, who is trying to give up smoking, but smokes all the time; and Jack who is a writer with writer's block and he is looking for inspiration. Those are reasons they give whether true or not .. Tom is making the pilgrimage to honor Daniel . Writer, director and creator of the film Emilio Estevez plays the small role of Sheen's son, in flashbacks or ghostlike appearances seen only by Sheen. It is significant though because I think the intensity of the emotions Sheen displays is increased by the fact that Estevez is actually his son.
The movie is not your typical Hollywood blockbuster. It isn't fast paced, it isn't full of action or suspenseful moments. Instead it is a simple, heartfelt, subtle and quite beautiful movie. Your emotions will run high and although the movie has a dark undertone of sadness and grief, the beauty, and the spirit of the journey will lift you up and make you feel good.. The stunning scenery is only a small part of this film but what a beautiful countryside this rag tag group of pilgrims experience. It’s a story about four people from different walks of life on the same walk to experience something...anything...and you will walk with them step by step.
There are few movies when I can say that I enjoyed every
character, every scene, and every line. "The Way" is one of those
movies. The script is so well written and delivered; the characters naturally
developed and completely believable; the photography moving, beautiful.
Rated PG 13.
Clark
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