The Way (2011)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Cynthia S

  
  Very nicely done. Well made. Enjoyable. Heartwarming film....This film has a nice, easy, slow pace. No fireworks. Just lovely. Inspired me to do this pilgrimage?? Maybe..not sure I would even make it halfway. Maybe if I had a scooter..

• Manu G

  
  Life is too big to walk it alone. Excellent Film! The Way is human, emotive, emotional, and sincere, and for this viewer a good journey. Martin Sheen is a Hollywood icon and a terrific actor but this is probably his best role in years. Sheen gives a powerhouse performance that just… More
  Life is too big to walk it alone. Excellent Film! The Way is human, emotive, emotional, and sincere, and for this viewer a good journey. Martin Sheen is a Hollywood icon and a terrific actor but this is probably his best role in years. Sheen gives a powerhouse performance that just makes you love and feel for this father looking desperately to find a son he's lost, but also a piece of himself. Sheen is riveting and this was an award worthy performance. I've come to the conclusion that when Estevez cares about a project he puts every ounce of his soul into the film. The Way demonstrates what kind of passion he puts into his film. It is just beautiful in every sense of the word. The Spanish countryside is stunning, the shots he uses of all of them together walking the trail, and the relationship he creates between these four strangers who are completely different. I felt on the verge of tears through the whole film but not just because it is sad because there are scenes of sadness but just how heart felt and honest and passionate this movie is. Please see this beautiful and simple drama because it is magnificent. "The Way" is a powerful and inspirational story about family, friends, and the challenges we face while navigating this ever-changing and complicated world. Martin Sheen plays Tom, an American doctor who comes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the remains of his adult son (played by Emilio Estevez), killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son's desire to finish the journey. What Tom doesn't plan on is the profound impact the journey will have on him and his "California Bubble Life". Inexperienced as a trekker, Tom soon discovers that he will not be alone on this journey. On his journey, Tom meets other pilgrims from around the world, each with their own issues and looking for greater meaning in their lives: a Dutchman (Yorick van Wageningen), a Canadian (Deborah Kara Unger) and an Irish writer ('James Nesbitt' ), who is suffering from a bout of writer's block. From the unexpected and, oftentimes, amusing experiences along the way, this unlikely quartet of misfits creates an everlasting bond and Tom begins to learn what it means to be a citizen of the world again. Through Tom's unresolved relationship with his son, he discovers the difference between "the life we live and the life we choose".

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  Cast: Martin Sheen, Deborah Kara Unger, James Nesbitt, Yorick van Wageningen, Emilio Estevez, Spencer Garrett, Antonio Gil-Martinez, Carlos Leal, Simón Andreu, Santi Prego Director:Emilio Estevez Summary: When his son dies while hiking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in the… More
  Cast: Martin Sheen, Deborah Kara Unger, James Nesbitt, Yorick van Wageningen, Emilio Estevez, Spencer Garrett, Antonio Gil-Martinez, Carlos Leal, Simón Andreu, Santi Prego Director:Emilio Estevez Summary: When his son dies while hiking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in the Pyrenees, a grieving father flies to France to claim the remains. Looking for insights into his estranged child's life, he decides to complete the 500-mile trek to Spain. My Thoughts: "Emilio Estevez has written and directed a beautiful story about self discovery, redemption, and spiritual healing. Martin Sheen does a fantastic job in the film. Emilio does a great job at directing and making you kinda feel like fifth wheel on this journey with these four characters. I enjoyed each one of their stories and loved the relationship that grew between the four as the film goes on. The scenery was beautiful and the movie makes you want to experience the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in the Pyrenees. Emilio did a fantastic job with this film. Great watch if you don't mind the concept and films that don't have to do with the norm of films like action, murder, blood and guts. It was a nice simple film."

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"You don't choose a life, Dad. You live one." </i> A father heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while traveling the "El camino de Santiago," and decides to take the pilgrimage himself. <center><font… More
  <i>"You don't choose a life, Dad. You live one." </i> A father heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while traveling the "El camino de Santiago," and decides to take the pilgrimage himself. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> 2011 has given us its share of small films that deal with intimate human experiences. Some go and explore social issues, universal themes of oppression and racism. "The Way" brings together a group of people on their own personal quests, looking for a miracle, a possibility of change for the better, hoping for the best, sharing "El Camino to Compostela". After a father loses his only son in France, he heads back to claim his body, only to realize there are important spiritual matters he needs to settle. His relationship with his son had not been his best until this moment; completing his son's journey might give him an opportunity to find redemption and peace of mind. On his way to Compostela, he is joined by a Dutch man, an American woman, and an Irish writer. Each of them has a story to tell, seeks a connection to Avery, who reluctantly lets them into his life. The journey takes them through interesting stops. One will probably end up saying "miracles actually happen" with the way the plot turns. In reality, the film works well because the main actors give heartfelt performance. The entire cast is in fact amazing, giving depth to characters that could have been clichés. The most touching is a surprise, as the shallow Dutch man grows more and more interesting as he becomes our eyes, and we are witnesses to a man who is processing the emotions his fellow companions are feeling. It's hard not to be moved by the display of faith in a film that could have gone overboard and become preachy. Instead, he lets us participate in some personal experiences, taking us through "the way", letting us see the surroundings, the people at the different stops, letting us become involved. It is a very moving experience.

• Christopher H

  
  The musical montages get a little annoying as the film goes along, but a great performance from Martin Sheen and refusal to go for cheap melodrama makes this a heartfelt European journey flick.

• Everett J

  
  Movies like "The Way" are a great reminder of how underrated some actors are. "The Way" stars Martin Sheen(as Tom) in his best role in years. Tom lives the life as a doctor who plays golf, and doesn't do much else with his time. One day while golfing he… More
  Movies like "The Way" are a great reminder of how underrated some actors are. "The Way" stars Martin Sheen(as Tom) in his best role in years. Tom lives the life as a doctor who plays golf, and doesn't do much else with his time. One day while golfing he gets a phone call that his estranged son has died in an accident while embarking on "the camino de santiago"(basically, a long historical walk in Europe). Once in France to collect his sons remains, Tom decides to finish the camino for his son. Along the journey he meets new people and his life changes forever. Sheen is moving, heartbreaking, and inspiring. Directed by and co-starring his son Emilio Estevez you get a real sense of their bond as father and son. Also, you can really see how much Emilio looks like Martin, it's pretty uncanny. The movie lags a bit in parts, but it's never dull. I was surprised when it never veered into melodramatic territory as it easily could have. Instead the movie remains balanced and entertaining. Give the movie a shot and you won't regret taking this journey.

• Matt G

  
  I wanted to walk the way out of the theater.

• Kevin M

  
  The Way is a very good, spiritually driven, lighthearted drama. It's about a man who goes on a pilgrimage from France to Spain and dies on the trip. His father goes to collect the body but instead decides to finish what his son started. He meets fellow pilgrims on the trip, and… More
  The Way is a very good, spiritually driven, lighthearted drama. It's about a man who goes on a pilgrimage from France to Spain and dies on the trip. His father goes to collect the body but instead decides to finish what his son started. He meets fellow pilgrims on the trip, and the interactions between the travelers and their will to keep going is what makes The Way work so well. They're all there for their own reasons: a Canadian named Sarah wants to quit smoking by the end of the trip, a Dutchman named Joost wants to lose weight so his wife will re-gain interest in him, and an Irishman named Jack wants to write a book about it all. Emilio Estevez (that's Martin Sheen's dad, which is pretty cool when you imagine a son directing his father) makes great use of the European landscapes and the cinematography is beautiful. The soundtrack is also perfect, as it doesn't stray far from uplifting folk songs. Everything about The Way just works so well.

• Mark A

  
  A very moving tale of a man coming to grips with the death of his son, with whom he had had a strained relationship. Traveling to France to collect his son's remains, the father, Tom (Martin Sheen), decides to complete the pilgrimage his son had only just started and to scatter… More
  A very moving tale of a man coming to grips with the death of his son, with whom he had had a strained relationship. Traveling to France to collect his son's remains, the father, Tom (Martin Sheen), decides to complete the pilgrimage his son had only just started and to scatter his ashes along the way. He meets up with, and eventually joins together with some fellow pilgrims along the way and learns what it means to be part of something bigger than oneself. Excellent cast, beautiful scenery, and a story of personal redemption combined to make this a winner for this viewer.

• Burger S

  
  Great job from the Sheen/Estevez family. The film drags a little bit, but you have to consider the material and the message.

• Cameron J

  
  It's a charming, touching tale of love both onscreen and off, as it gives Emilio Estevez to finally work with his beloved father, the legendary Ramón Estévez. Oh come on, as if Martin Sheen doing a movie with his other big name son isn't enough proof of who's winning… More
  It's a charming, touching tale of love both onscreen and off, as it gives Emilio Estevez to finally work with his beloved father, the legendary Ramón Estévez. Oh come on, as if Martin Sheen doing a movie with his other big name son isn't enough proof of who's winning this race for daddy's love, he may as well drop the stage name little Carlos adopted. Now, I'd imagine you must have two things on your mind: "They should stick to Martin and Charlie, because that Spanish blood died down too far long ago for them to stick with Ramón and Carlos", and "Okay, maybe that whole "race for daddy's love" comment is going a little overboard." Actually, come to think of it, maybe I am being a little too harsh; I bet Martin loves all of his children equally, because although Charlie is a drunken, abusive, crazy, womanizing, self-righteous pig, he's the only one in the family that's making money now-a-days, so I suppose it kind of evens out. Still, as it stands, this is clearly Martin staying on the safe side, but hey, I'll run with it, just so long as he has an excuse to do some more acting, because the boy knows his stuff. Besides, he has to make up for that performance in "Spawn", so he may as well get started on his 83 years of community servies. Hey, with this film, Sheen seems to be going down the right "path", which isn't to say that he make up for "this" films mistakes. It's a humble, quiet tale or, in other words, a snoozefest. No, I was surprised to find how rarely dull this film is, but it is still an indie drama at the end of the day, so it at least has to have some slow spots here and there, but speaking of indie drama conventions, slowness is the least of this film's problems. I once heard someone say that Emilio Estevez should be doing some more directing, not because he's great, but because he's clearly inexperienced, as we can tell by some amateur spots where this film hits some heavy conventions, yet, just because some conventions are more intense then others, that doesn't mean that this film doesn't have some kind of cliche on its back, weighing it down. The characters, story, dialogue, themes and - oh lord, especially - soundtrack, in the immortals words of Steven Page of the Barenaked Ladies, "It's all been done". Hey, I said "almost" every song after the 80s is terrible; but anyways, this film is an all too conventional one, falling into most every familiar trope that you would expect to see in a film like this, and although that doesn't really damage the film extensively to where it's hard to bear, don't go in expecting something you haven't seen before. Still, it's not like this film makes little effort to play up those conventions, for although this is a film that finds itself lost in a massive pile of films like it, it's still one to standout. There's little that's terribly memorable about this film, but it's by no means forgettable, unless of course you're that one sourpuss that likes to forget about fun, which is something to be found here. If nothing else, the film is thoroughly charming, and if nothing else makes it that, then the locations do. Now, this isn't the Bahamas or anything, this is just some dirt path, but boy do the French know how to decorate it, leaving every structure or path our characters find themselves stumbling upon to feel dynamic and lush, really making the film feel pretty fun, the aforementioned occasional slow spot notwithstanding. Of course, it shouldn't be too hard to tell what aspect is really keeping this film from crossing over into the dreaded boring zone, and that is, of course, the soundtrack, which is pretty familiar and kind of repetative, but boy is it charming. No, it's the characters that really bring this path to life, for although you know exactly who's who, it's still a surprise when they show up and add versatility to the grand cast, as well as their own unique brand of charisma that gives you that sense of humanity and connection, which is supplemented by some electric chemistry and sense of building comradery. There's not a really upstanding performance, not even from Mr. "All But Broke Acting Ground in 'Apocalypse Now'" himself, but most everyone has their time to shine and they carry those brief but relieving moments well. Still, on the whole, the performers don't do much, but they're not supposed to and are only intended to serve their parts in workmanlike, very human fashions, and in that regard, the performers go above the call of duty. Don't get me wrong, they're not charismatic to the point of feeling as though they're fighting to see who's the most charming, but everyone is spirited and lively, adding his or her own piece to the puzzle to make it tight, charming and ultimately quite rewarding emotionally, and although you may have seen this story told a million times, there aren't a whole lot of retellings that are this effective and memorable. At the end of the journey, forgettability begins to set in, due to the countless collapses into conventions, or at least that's what would happen to any lesser film of this type, for although this film is a conventional one, it's still very lively, dynamic, emotional and generally quite fun, made so by the nifty locations and across-the-board thoroughly charismatic performances - tied together by equally electric chemistry and comradery that also comes into great play when individual performers actually have a chance to shine on his or her own - that make Estevez's and Son's "The Way" an ultimately deeply rewarding venture. 3/5 - Good

• Panta O

  
  This wonderful touching drama which stars Martin Sheen and his real life son Emilio Estevez, takes us to the ancient pilgrimage road of Camino de Santiago. It is a movie for all generations, and the director and screenwriter Emilio Estevez said it is "pro people, pro-life - not… More
  This wonderful touching drama which stars Martin Sheen and his real life son Emilio Estevez, takes us to the ancient pilgrimage road of Camino de Santiago. It is a movie for all generations, and the director and screenwriter Emilio Estevez said it is "pro people, pro-life - not anti - anything." And he is right... It's a movie for people with spirit! The story of Thomas Avery, an American doctor who goes to France following the death of his adult son who was killed in the Pyrenees during a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago - is something very similar to one of the books of Paulo Coelho I read - but it had much more personal feeling. Tom's purpose is initially to retrieve his son's body - however, in a combination of grief and homage to his son, Tom decides to walk the same ancient spiritual trail where his son died in order to understand his son better. On that road he understands himself and the world as well as the purpose of living much better and spiritually gets closer to his son! The personal feeling probably comes from the film's inspiration: Emilio Estevez's own son, Taylor - who in 2003 was only 19 years old - and Martin Sheen, took part in this pilgrimage route. On that pilgrimage Taylor drove the length of the Camino with his grandfather when on the way he fell in love and met the woman who would become his wife, thus, the Camino holding special meaning to them. Since that trip a series of discussions started between Sheen and his son for a movie about the Camino de Santiago. Sheen originally suggested it be a low-budget documentary, but Estevez was not interested in such a small project, wanting instead a bigger experience - and I am glad that he made such an inspirational movie for all of us! If you like a good, old-fashioned and well done film which explores the universal themes of loss, community and faith - this is my choice!

• Theta S

  
  Following the death of his son (Emilio Estevez) in The Pyrenees, Tom Avery (Martin Sheen) decides to take the Camino del Santiago pilgrimage to honour his son's memory. Along the way he forms a bond with three other people, Joost (Yorick van Wageningen), Sarah (Deborah Kara… More
  Following the death of his son (Emilio Estevez) in The Pyrenees, Tom Avery (Martin Sheen) decides to take the Camino del Santiago pilgrimage to honour his son's memory. Along the way he forms a bond with three other people, Joost (Yorick van Wageningen), Sarah (Deborah Kara Unger) and Jack (James Nesbit), all of whom are following the pilgrimage for their own reasons on a journey which threads through Northern Spain taking in it's varied scenery and various characters along the way. I caught this on home viewing as it had a very limited release in the UK and, to be honest, whilst I understand why it had a limited release, it's a shame that it didn't get more publicity as it's a nice film to watch... if unfashionable in comparison to the multiplex blockbusters that are the staple of the modern film industry. Emilio Estevez's direction is beautiful and supports the story well showing off the route of the Camino to full effect. In front of the camera, he portrays Tom's son, both in flashback and as a "spirit guide" for Tom's journey - geographically, emotionally and spiritually. Martin Sheen shines in the role of Tom. His portrayal of a grieving father who parted on difficult terms with his son was believable and not misery-inducing and his spiky characterisation provides some gentle humour. He is ably supported by his three co-stars, the humorous van Wageningen and Nesbit and the equally spiky Unger provides the film with a warmth which elevates it from just being a travelog. The Way is a well produced and thoughtful film. Gentle enough to round off the weekend.

• John C

  
  Deeply moving and spiritual The Way is the best dramatic movie that I have seen in 2011. Emilio Estevez did a fine job of writing a hearfelt narrative and directed it with beautiful acting and cinematography. Martin Sheen played the anger and angst of the main character with gusto.… More
  Deeply moving and spiritual The Way is the best dramatic movie that I have seen in 2011. Emilio Estevez did a fine job of writing a hearfelt narrative and directed it with beautiful acting and cinematography. Martin Sheen played the anger and angst of the main character with gusto. I heartily recommend The Way to anyone who feels that Hollywood has lost the way! (10-12-11)

• Philip P

  
  Movies are no longer about the basic story they are telling but instead marveled at because of how they convey them. What tools, characters, and instincts writers use to manipulate an age old story you have seen many times into something new and fresh. It has been taught that all… More
  Movies are no longer about the basic story they are telling but instead marveled at because of how they convey them. What tools, characters, and instincts writers use to manipulate an age old story you have seen many times into something new and fresh. It has been taught that all stories can derive from a certain number of plots. I've heard many different numbers that can fill in that blank, but the fact of the matter is is that it doesn't matter. Because no matter how much the plot matters your audience will not be interested if you do not relate it to them in an appealing manner. It is about the journey and so in making a film about an actual journey it is likely hard to figure out how to make it fresh and interesting. This is certainly a challenge director Emilio Estevez was aware of when he began work on "The Way", a film that chronicles a fathers journey of traveling the "El camino de Santiago" from France to Spain. The story is rooted in more than just a man making a trek though, there is obviously the reasons why he is doing this and while in terms of storytelling this is of course used as a means to make us feel for the character, to relate to him, it is also the reason we want him to take a journey and ultimately why we don't mind tagging along with him. Estevez does a fine job of navigating our protagonists story while providing enough entertaining company and genuine incidents along the way to recommend this heartfelt, if not sometimes slow moving diary of a weary traveler. Estevez enlists his real-life father Martin Sheen in the lead role of Tom Avery, a California optometrist who upon learning about the death of his son Daniel (played by Estevez in flashbacks) travels to France to collect his sons remains. Daniel was a free spirit type who dropped out of Berkley to see the world and in doing so he began the journey of the "El camino de Santiago" himself but was killed in an accident on his first day out. When Tom reaches France and in a all-around great performance by Sheen we see the reality of his sons death begin to sink in, Tom realizes he has to finish the journey for his son. It feels the only proper thing to do and the most respectable form of honoring his son. What ensues on his journey is not something just for his son who he never seemed to fully understand, but of course a kind of self-discovery that allows Tom to see and appreciate the time he's spent on earth in a different light. This is like I said, a story so ingrained in our cultural DNA but is fortunately not the most important thing about the film. No, despite "The Way" being standard fare, it is elevated by the performances and the bonds that Avery makes during his journey that allow him to come to terms with who he has become. This may all sound a tad melodramatic and "Eat Pray Love"-ish but unlike that film our protagonists quest for something more is not rooted in their own selfishness. In fact, Tom has no desire to leave his safe and secure world of being a doctor with golf games in the afternoon. He enjoys his life, he is content, but his son has always been a kind of challenge in his life, the unconventional part of it, yearning to break out of the California bubble. Tom at first doesn't even intend to finish the walk for Daniel. This pilgrimage is the first thing in a long while to give Tom something to achieve, but the problem this enlists for the film is it lets the audience know where the film will end. So the meat of what is interesting will happen en route and while Tom collects a diverse group of traveling buddies that while having their own personal crisis on their hands, they pale in comparison to the reason Tom has chosen to take this trip. The two main problems I had with the film were the too often occurring montages set to what felt like out of place popular songs and the slight episodic feel the film began to pick up. Tom's new found friends and their personal stories as well as their loyalty and determination to make Tom feel a part of something rather than a loner is the saving grace of the long pilgrimage and the level of acting elevates these characters to people we want to see resolve their issues. As the lone woman on the trek, Sarah (Deborah Kara Unger) says she is trying to give up smoking by the end of the trip while seeming eternally pessimistic. It is clear there is more under the hood here than smoking though and her quest for a kind of self assurance compliments Tom's the best. There is the instinctively kind Joost (Yorick van Wageningen) who is walking the path to try and lose weight in order to once again feel attractive to his wife. Finally, we have the wonderful James Nesbitt who shows up about halfway through the film as Jack, an author with writer's block who finds in Tom a story worthy of his novel. The interaction between each of them and the bonds they form is clearly the strongest aspect of the film. And while at times the movie could do with better pacing and even shave a few minutes here and there; ultimately Estevez documents the natural progression of these relationships well and produces a heartfelt if not slightly modest effort.

• Daniel P

  
  A film where the protagonist's emotional arc is predictable which serves as both a hindrance and a virtue, <i>The Way</i> is a somewhat sentimental but very well acted and made "road" movie (though on foot - a similarity it shares amongst other threads with… More
  A film where the protagonist's emotional arc is predictable which serves as both a hindrance and a virtue, <i>The Way</i> is a somewhat sentimental but very well acted and made "road" movie (though on foot - a similarity it shares amongst other threads with the simultaneously released and superior <i>Third Star</i>). Martin Sheen plays an optometrist whose son is killed in a storm whilst starting a pilgrimage on the famous Camino de Santiago route, and finds himself walking the route with his son's ashes for reasons he cannot yet understand. Along the way he inevitably runs into other hikers (amongst them the profoundly irritating James Nesbitt, alas) who all have their own personal reasons for making the pilgrimage. Despite a premise that is essentially nothing new and using the 'ghost' device (actually only intermittent and quite effective) and of all things, Coldplay on the soundtrack, <i>The Way</i> is made with conviction and is frequently moving and occasionally profound, with a performance from Martin Sheen that is very good indeed, with shades of subtlety underpinning a man stricken with a grief he has hardly had time comprehend. Any faults can be overlooked by a film made with such good intention and skill.

• hawk l

  
  Heartwarming, well shot story, somewhat unhurried, but leads up to a nice, emotional climax.

• Jason R

  
  Martin Sheen gives one of the best performances of his career in a film directed by his son, Emilio Estevez. Together they have crafted a very moving picture of tragedy, redemption, and enlightenment. All from the point of view of this man and the colorful characters he meets along… More
  Martin Sheen gives one of the best performances of his career in a film directed by his son, Emilio Estevez. Together they have crafted a very moving picture of tragedy, redemption, and enlightenment. All from the point of view of this man and the colorful characters he meets along the way. As he walks, The Camino de Santiago. Enjoyed every second of the movie. THE WAY is a fine example of Grade-A filmmaking and acting. Certainly needs to be atop your must-see list or among the other films in your movie collection.

• James K

  
  I wasn't sure what to expect going into this movie. Well, being a fan of The West Wing, I was hoping Sheen was in an intelligent role as his character Jed Bartlet was. I wasn't disappointed. Sheen play Dr. Jack Avery who assumes his dead son's pilgrimage along the… More
  I wasn't sure what to expect going into this movie. Well, being a fan of The West Wing, I was hoping Sheen was in an intelligent role as his character Jed Bartlet was. I wasn't disappointed. Sheen play Dr. Jack Avery who assumes his dead son's pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. During his journey, he collects a band of equally damaged travelers; his interactions with them allow Jack to examine, and come to terms with, his own issues just as Dorothy learned from the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion. This is essentially a masculine version of Eat, Pray, Love. Unlike Julia Roberts' character, as a typical "man," Jack needed have a tangible goal in order to perform an action; the idea of traveling to find ones' self would've been foreign to Jack. Finishing his son's journey, gives Jack a goal to obtain and allows him take the journey along the road and within himself.

Read all 19 featured audience ratings