Whether it’s personalities on reality TV shows or movies it seems their stories must resemble ‘journeys’. The story of where people begin in a different emotional state to when it ends and how they reach it is meant to captivate. ‘The Way’ presents a physical and psychological test for its characters resembling the most arduous of journeys. Mostly engaging it takes the viewer on a path towards some unexpected destinations.
Mourning the loss of a son killed while participating in a Spanish pilgrimage, Thomas (Martin Sheen) decides to complete his journey. Arriving at the foreign locale, he becomes determined to finish the hike along the ancient walking trail. Along the way he is joined by Sarah (Deborah Kara Unger), Jack (James Nesbit) and Joost (Yorick van Wageningen). Attempting to complete the journey, Thomas and company try to resolve long-standing issues in their personal quest.
Directed by Sheen’s son Emilio Estevez ‘The Way’s main interest is its location. Filmed along the Camino de Santiago trail, the scenery on the way is truly breath-taking. All sorts of cultures are shown with each town having a different effect on the travellers. As Thomas deals with his grief each location forces him to confront his relationship with his son. At once feeling guilt at their fractured relationship but proud of his son’s achievements, Thomas hopes the country-side will soothe his troubled soul.
With a potentially interesting premise and wonderful cinematography it’s a shame the story is somewhat clichéd. Its’ rambling narrative ensures the much needed emotional power remains diluted with some characters shown as stock-standard archetypes. Sheen is always good value however and does a fine job of conveying his character’s pain. Unfortunately the story isn’t strong enough to sustain the overly long running time although it occasionally has some stirring moments.
‘The Way’s characters certainly go on an arduous journey making for sometimes interesting viewing. Whilst it could have been better its examination of life and death conjures some potent observations with which most can associate.
Movie Review Rating 6 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
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