MOVIE REVIEW - The Way

Why is it that so many movies that are in limited release are such gems? That's the way of it this week with the new, The Way.

The Way stars Martin Sheen, and is directed by his son, Emilio Estevez. The Way is a simply astounding movie that all real movie goers ought to go see. It has all the key elements you need for a great experience, headlined by a story that you haven't seen before, and that is worth telling.

The Way is the story of Tom (Sheen). He is a very successful eye doctor from California whose wife has died, and he is at odds with his only child, his son, Daniel (Estevez). Daniel is almost 40 years old and is going to abandon his doctoral thesis to go to Europe and walk the Camino de Santiago. This is a spiritual 800 kilometer walk through France and Spain, ending up at the foot of St. James. It's a century old journey that has changed the lives of thousands looking for spirituality. Daniel then dies on his first night of the walk alone in an accident. So Tom goes to France to collect the remains.

While there, Tom decides to walk the journey for his son himself at 64 years old. So he strikes out too alone. Evntually meeting up with three other troubled walkers whom he eventually befriends, all walking for different and painful reasons. But what will it take for each of these four people, from four different countries share their stories with each other. And will they each find solace from the pain that follows them, and is this really a trek of healing?

This story is so well written and so well told, it really is a gem in a stack of really mediocre movies that have been out recently. Sheen is terrific, and so is the unknown supporting cast. Filmed magically in the European Spanish country side, it is simply breathtaking. You feel the pain in each step, and you feel like you are on the journey with them. But even though this is a movie where our characters are each trying to find comfort from anguish, you also feel the whole time they will find the answers they seek. You just don't know how each is going to reconcile their own case. Very skillfully made.

The Way. If you are seeking something, if you ever have, or if you just want to take two hours and find some joy, The Way is for you. A movie goers movie. Just flat out great!