Re: The Wing Kong Exchange
A father heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while traveling the El camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James. Once there, he decides to have his son cremated and make the journey himself, intending to spread his ashes at key points along the way. While travelling, he meets three other pilgrims and together they discover many things about themselves and their reasons for making the walk.
The Way, much like the Camino de Santiago itself, is an intensely personal experience that will leave each viewer with their own feelings upon its completion. Powerful, emotionally challenging, at times uncomfortable and at times hilarious, the film manages to toy with its viewers feelings quite easily. For a "road film" it is definitely different than most, though that too makes it not only unique but also enriching. While it may not be a movie designed for everyone, and certainly slow paced enough to turn off a lot of the cellphone generation, it is nevertheless something that will sit with you long after its over. You don't choose a life, you live one. That one line, which not only graces the poster but the film itself, is a perfect way to sum up the emotions that The Way brings forth. I've seen a great many films in my time, and few have left as lasting an impact as The Way has, which may be the greatest praise I can give it.
"Father and son in more ways than one."
Written and directed by Emilio Estevez, its clear that his intention was to craft a deeply personal film that pulls at the heartstrings of its viewers. Estevez succeeds admirably and really proves that he is a great American filmmaker. His previous efforts such as Men at Work (completely underrated comedy) and Bobby (excellent drama) notwithstanding, this may very well be the film that opens the eyes of many to the talent he truly possesses. He writes a very minimal script, preferring to let the story unfold slowly over the course of the film rather than shove exposition down our throats. At the same time he paces the film so properly that even moments of uncomfortable or awkward silence seem extremely important and meaningful. Sometimes the most beautiful things in the world are the most mundane, and Estevez understands this well. He chooses his shots carefully, never lingering on any one piece of scenery long enough to make it lose its appeal. He also deftly manages the extremely strong cast and really allows each of his actors to shine.
"Kindred spirits at the edge of the world."
Martin Sheen (Emilio's real life father in case you didn't notice the family resemblance) is cast as the lead character and turns in one of his greatest performances. This is no small feat considering his previous work in films such as Apocalypse Now, The Dead Zone and the television series The West Wing. Here he conveys a strong sense of emotional turmoil, physical and spiritual loss and an understated frustration. This character has some serious depth and Sheen is perfect for the role. There's a moment at the beginning where he identifies the body of his son (played by Estevez) and its quite moving to watch him subtly break down. He anchors the film well and watching his own emotional journey from beginning to end is both compelling and rewarding. He is joined by excellent character actors such as Deborah Kara Unger (as an abused woman), Yorick van Wageningen (as a Dutch stoner) and James Nesbitt (as an Irish author). Each play their parts well and add a lot to the proceedings. Another excellent performance comes from Antonio Gil, in a small but crucial role as Ishmael, a gypsy who's son steals Sheen's backpack. Ishmael provides the turning point in Sheen's journey and their conversation is among the best in the film.
"I thought this was supposed to be a journey on foot."
Outside of the obviously strong acting, the film is a technically excellent as well. The musical score is full of wonderfully unique tunes that highlight the journey these people are taking and the inclusion of the Alanis Morissette song "Thank U" was a particularly nice touch. While I'm not a huge fan of the song itself, it certainly fits well in the context of the scene its included in and actually made me appreciate it for once. The cinematography by Juan Miguel Azpiroz is superb and a real highlight to be sure. It's almost as if the film is one long advertisement for the road taken during the El Camino de Santiago and if that's the case then it certainly works. While watching it I got the impression that Estevez was attempting to not only make a personal film but also one that would be an intensely positive experience. It's just such an intentionally persuasive piece that I imagine many who view it think about how they could find a few months to take off and make the pilgrimage themselves. While I knew of El Camino de Santiago before watching The Way, I never understood the true significance of it. Now that I do I find myself wondering when I'll be able to find the time to walk it myself, which shows that Estevez's efforts were not wasted, at least on me.
The Way is a film that on the surface feels quite simple. It's only once you watch it closely and allow it to overtake you that you realize its so much more than that. I would use the term "quiet epic" to define it, as it has all the feel of a sweeping masterpiece with none of the Hollywood cliches that affect those films. There is no need for big budget special effects, over the top action sequences, or even romantic interludes here, the story and the journey are more than enough. It's my belief that Estevez was attempting to make a film that would allow each individual viewer to experience their own version of El Camino de Santiago, albeit from their comfortable seats at home or in a movie theatre as opposed to the cobblestone roads that populate the true path. At the end of it, we come to the realization that the journey was in fact more important than the destination, an important lesson for all of us to learn. There's a wonderful moment just before the credits where Sheen speaks to the ghost of his son (who has been following him on the journey) and says "I don't have anything left to bring back" to which Estevez replies simply, "yes you do". The memories of the trip itself, which will stick with him for the rest of his life, are what Sheen has to cherish, much like the memories we have of Sheen's journey will stick with us. So if you're up for a little soul searching and a little self discovery, you can look no further than The Way, a film that truly has something to offer everyone.
"Spiritual journey accomplished."
The Way has grossed just over $14 million at the box office which doesn't surprise me. It had a very limited theatrical release, most likely due to the desire to get stupidity like The Vow and Big Miracle into as many theatres as possible. That's sad, but not surprising, as films like this aren't meant for mass public consumption. They should be though, as perhaps if they were the world would be a much better place. Hey, I can dream can't I? Regardless of its monetary take or its popularity, The Way is a piece I believe you should all watch at least once in your lives, so I hope you take the time to seek it out. It just may be one of the greatest journey's you ever take...and you don't even have to leave the comfort of your own home to do it.
8.5/10.
