
The Way
2010, Drama, 1h 55m
100 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
It may be a little too deliberately paced for more impatient viewers, but The Way is a worthy effort from writer/director Emilio Estevez, balancing heartfelt emotion with clear-eyed drama that resists cheap sentiment. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
The Way Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Tom
Daniel
Jack
Sarah
Padre José
Joost
News & Interviews for The Way
Critic Reviews for The Way
All Critics (100) | Top Critics (38) | Fresh (83) | Rotten (17)
-
Okay, since the destination is preordained, what does the script do en route? Estevez's answer is two-fold: minor episodic adventures + incessantly repeated montages.
November 4, 2011 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review… -
Estevez takes full advantage of the beautiful mountain scenery, dramatic skies and ancient architecture to give us moments of quiet wonder.
November 4, 2011 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
Heartfelt if occasionally plodding.
October 21, 2011 | Rating: B- | Full Review… -
With "The Way," writer-director Emilio Estevez has made a respectable failure.
October 20, 2011 | Rating: 1/4 | Full Review… -
The Way never arrives anywhere you couldn't see coming a mile away, but it does so with such empathy that its conclusions feel comforting rather than overly predictable.
October 14, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
"The Way" is overly earnest and clumsily directed by Emilio Estevez (the non-prodigal son of Sheen). Yet it is nonetheless effective in evoking empathy and introspection.
October 13, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Way
-
Aug 04, 2013When Daniel(Emilio Estevez, who also wrote, directed and produced) dies on a hike across the Pyrenees, his father Tom(Martin Sheen), an eye doctor, goes to France to identify his body. He also informs Captain Henri(Tcheky Karyo) that he wants his son cremated. But not so it is easier to transport his remains back to the States. Rather, Tom's intent is to finish Daniel's hike on the Camino de Santiago, spreading his ashes along the way, with Joost(Yorick van Wageningen), a friendly Dutchman with his own portable pharmacy, for company. "The Way" has certain things going for it like excellent cinematography which takes full advantage of the scenic locations and more than its fair share of history. But this sentimental movie can never quite transcend being a travelogue to become either a compelling story or character study, for if no other reason than you are never in good company. Maybe if we had seen more of somebody with devout beliefs, considering this is supposed to be a pilgrimage, after all. As far as Tom goes, it might help the movie dramatically for him to start out right away but it would have made more sense if he returned home to think things out while on his daily ten mile walk.Walter M Super Reviewer
-
Apr 09, 2013It's nothing short of sensational. A deeply intimate, vastly original and personal piece of work that's spiritual and breathtaking. A truly heartfelt, spirited and wonderfully engaging movie. It's deeply moving, very funny and absolutely gorgeous in its craft and use of scenery. Director, Emilio Estevez takes full advantage of his cast and locations and brings out the best of everybody. A real triumph. Esteves and Sheen strike gold, the father-son duo make this picture worth while. Martin Sheen is superb, he gives one of the best performances of his entire career. Deborah Kara Unger is fantastic. Yorick van Wageningen is wonderful. James Nesbitt is terrific. They have wonderful chemistry together. This film delivers great laughs, beautiful scenery and top-notch performances. It's such an excellent and outstanding movie. It shines with humanity and beauty.Al S Super Reviewer
-
May 24, 2012A 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.Mark A Super Reviewer
-
May 21, 2012Very 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..Cynthia S Super Reviewer
The Way Quotes
Tom: | You believe in miracles father ? |
Tom: | You believe in miracles father? |
Father Frank: | It's my job. |
Jack: | Now there's something you don't see everyday: a yank without an opinion! |
Ishmael: | "Our children have the Best and the Worst of us" |
Ishmael: | Our children have the best and the worst of us. |
Tom: | You can keep the pack just give me the box! |
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified