The Way

I really enjoyed The Way and I appreciated the opportunity to view it in class. Travel fascinates me on so many levels and, although I had heard of the Camino, I did not have a very extensive knowledge about it. In my opinion, it is such an incredible tradition that blends both physical travel with spiritual exploration. Throughout the centuries, thousands of people have embarked on the journey across Spain to deepen their faith and/or pursue a goal. The symbolism behind the walk and the accounts of the pilgrims are so intriguing. The film does such an excellent job of painting rich and complex characters that everyone can relate to. As the film progresses, the audience can see that the stock reasons for each character's walk are really only excuses obscuring the true motivations behind the journey.  Sarah, for example, claims that she was walking to quit smoking while, in reality, she is embarking on a personal odyssey of self-forgiveness. Spending weeks together away from the comforts of routine and consistency, the characters develop such a unique bond, and I felt myself become increasingly invested in their stories.

For me, the film was inspiring because it provided such an intimate look at the journey of a group of people who became unlikely friends under unusual circumstances. I plan to travel across the world and movies like The Way always serve to strengthen this ambition.