The Way Review

The Way stars Martin Sheen as Tom Avery, an eye doctor who is upset at his son’s decision to walk the Camino de Santiago, a Christian Pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain also know as the Way of St. James. While playing golf one day, he gets a phone call that his son, played Emilio Estevez, died the first day of the journey. Now the father goes to the sacred route to help continue his son’s journey by spreading his son’s ashes along the way. On the way his father meets several colorful characters that help on his journey on the Way of St. James.

The film, written and directed by Estevez, is a touching story and a very inspirational one too. The film is also ambitious as it shows the audience the amazing pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. The journey on the pilgrimage route is beautifully shot by Estevez and at some points in the movie it made me want to travel it, even though it’s 800 miles.

The only problem with the film is that it is a little long. It’s also a little slow in some parts, and if you’re not into journey films then this may bore you. Plus the film was good, but it could have better. This is Emilio Estevez’s best film so far, but it could have been great in the hands of a more experienced director.

The Way is a gift to his father, Martin Sheen, and it brings out the best in Sheen. It is one of Martin Sheen’s best performances that rank up with his roles in Badlands, Apocalypse Now, and The West Wing. This is a special film and deserves to be seen by more people. It’s on DVD/Blu-ray so give it a chance.

Also, when I first saw the film last October, I met Martin Sheen in person before the advance screening. Sheen and his son Emilio went on a 30-city tour to promote the movie. Sheen was a very down to earth guy. I also saw Emilio Estavez and the producer David Alexania. I still can’t believe I got a picture with Martin Sheen. It’s not the greatest picture, but still…

The Way – 3/4