MM Film Blog

The Way is one of the best films to come out of Hollywood in a long time! Emilio Estevez wrote, directed, produced, and also appeared in this powerful gem. Martin Sheen turns in a strong and moving performance as the father who travels to France to claim the body of his son (Estevez) -- who died while on pilgrimage on El Camino de Santiago (aka The Way of Saint James) -- and then decides to make the journey himself.

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This is a daring departure for a Hollywood film -- there is little plot, there are no car chases, and in fact there are many moments with little dialogue. Instead, there are people, relationships, and a gentle unfolding of moments of humanity. As the film follows Tom (Sheen) on his pilgrimage, and those he meets along the way, it becomes a beautiful tapestry as the threads of the individuals become intertwined. The relationships do not form easily, as each person is struggling with their own inner demons. People from various corners of the world who seemingly have nothing in common, find themselves walking the same path and bumping into each other again and again. It is a wonderful metaphor for the living of life. And on some level, their journey is not unlike that of Dorothy and her 3 friends, on a quest for home, wisdom, love, and courage.

The genius of this film is that the characters are allowed to be human. They have flaws and can even be prickly at times. This is why it is all the more moving when bonds begin to form, and subtle inner transformation begins to take place! The film does not attempt to tie things up in a neat little package, as the emphasis is on the journey (thus, it is aptly named).

Though the film begins with the death of Estevez's character, he turns up from time to time in flashbacks, or in brief "visions" that Tom has along his journey. Thus we piece together the troubled relationship between father and son, and feel reassured by the son's intermittent "appearances". Martin Sheen is brilliant as the controlled, closed Tom, who slowly begins to open and trust others. It seems that it would be much easier to play a character that is angry and continually lashing out. But in a character where most everything is trapped beneath the surface, Sheen does an amazing job of drawing us in and taking us on his journey. His measured performance is very real and heartfelt. He plays Tom with quiet dignity and strength. We see his flaws, feel his pain, and rejoice in his humanity!

There is very fine acting by Yorick van Wageningen as Joost from the Netherlands, Deborah Kara Unger as Sarah from Canada, and James Nesbitt as Jack from Ireland -- and the actors hail from those respective countries. Over time the characters develop a beautiful rhythm together, and communicate on levels beyond words.

In a film where the location is an extremely important component, Juan Miguel Aspiroz's breathtaking cinematography and Victor Molero's art direction do not disappoint! The road itself with its surrounding scenery becomes a character in the film. There are many scenes which take place in early morning or late afternoon, and the low light of the sun creates a golden aura around the actors that is absolutely stunning! Most of the journey takes place in Northern Spain, amongst beautiful green pastures and vineyards. For anyone who has ever traveled through the countryside of Europe, the scenery will feel like an old friend.

One minor flaw of the film is that the characters always appear fresh and clean, as if just stepping out of a commercial for trekking equipment, despite the fact that they often sleep in their clothes and in less than optimal accommodations! The physical hardships of the journey are alluded to but downplayed, except in a few funny scenes that depict the challenges with humor. Estevez chooses instead to focus on the emotional journey for the characters.

By the end of the film, we feel as though we have made the journey with the characters. We feel moved on a very deep level, and in some small way, forever changed. And it is a rare film indeed that can have that kind of impact on the viewer!

MM Rating - *****