With so many movies out there it’s really hard to find something new and original. When something finally does make its way to film, they are usually an acquired taste. Film legend Martin Sheen and son actor/director Emilio Estevez joined forces to bring this special story to life inspired by Emilio’s own son who took this same journey and ended up meeting his future wife.
The Way follows a doctor who travels to St. Jean Pied de Port to collect the remains of his adult son, killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Instead of heading back home, he decides to take the historical pilgrimage to honor his son’s desire to finish the journey. Joined by a quartet of misfits with their own reasons for taking this journey they create an unlikely bond and discover what it means to live. This is a special movie on multiple levels. The story itself is very moving and will tug at your heart strings numerous times throughout. At times it’s sad and a bit of a downer, but others it will bring a tear of joy to your eye. Martin Sheen gives a powerful, yet sometimes subtle performance that brings so much more to this role than anyone else could have. Estevez has crafted a film that touches on so many things in the world without ever being preachy or pushy. The story is simple enough to be able to just watch it and enjoy, but deep enough to make you think about your own life and that of society. This film was shot on the actual Camino de Santiago, which really added to the effectiveness of the film. This road is rarely seen by anyone other than those taking the pilgrimage, so getting to experience this journey is a real treat.
This movie works on every level and creates an emotional experience to anyone willing to let it soak in. Knowing the meaning this film had to Sheen and Estevez and what they went through to bring it to life just shows the true passion they had for this project and it comes across on screen. This is a truly great film that should be experienced by everyone.
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