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The Way Back

Play trailer Poster for The Way Back PG-13 2011 2h 13m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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73% Tomatometer 137 Reviews 72% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Denounced by his wife as a possible spy in 1939, Janusz (Jim Sturgess) finds himself in a remote Siberian labor camp. Faced with brutal conditions inside and out, Janusz is determined to escape. A blizzard provides him with the perfect opportunity, and he and a small group of fellow prisoners make a break for it. Escape, however, is the easy part, for Janusz and his companions face a 4,000-mile trek on foot through the frozen Himalayas before they can truly be free.

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The Way Back

The Way Back

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Critics Consensus

It isn't as emotionally involving as it should be, but this Peter Weir epic offers sweeping ambition and strong performances to go with its grand visual spectacle.

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Critics Reviews

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Deborah Ross The Spectator Aug 30, 2018
I had no reason to care. And their spiritual journeys are as predictable as they are pat... It's all voyage at the expense of the voyagers, so lacks any moral power. Go to Full Review
Jennie Yabroff Newsweek Feb 8, 2018
... a placid, almost pleasant film, so reluctant to offend that it fails to engage. Go to Full Review
Joe Neumaier New York Daily News Apr 12, 2016
4/4
The man-versus-the-natural world story is in Weir's wheelhouse, and Harris and Farrell get into a scene-stealing duel. Worth the trek. Go to Full Review
Akos Peterbencze The Screen Sep 20, 2026
There’s a potency in restraint and implication that makes the people in Weir's movies utterly human. He gives you the broad strokes of who they are, outlining their core and spirit, but it’s up to you to finish their portraits. Go to Full Review
Michael Leader Den of Geek May 7, 2024
2/5
At 4,000 miles covered, The Way Back is a good sight longer than a Wainwright walk, and it's certainly more exhausting. Go to Full Review
Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Aug 3, 2023
2/4
Weir and Clarke seem so swept away by the astounding concept of the story that they forget to attach a dramatic resonance to it, and the personal dramas that do occur […] feel diminutive next to the film’s vistas. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Huntin P @PaxVobiscum80 Sep 16, 2026 I enjoyed it the first time. The second viewing, I'm sorry to say, proved rather tiresome. Great scenery, though. And the eyes of Ed Harris! See more
Daniel L @Hotchopeppa Sep 8, 2026 Good movie. It’s a very slow burn. Don’t expect much in the way of action and war. But the walk and the story is compelling and entertaining. See more
Scott M @RT75128960 Apr 14, 2026 The dialog felt fake. I didn't believe the actors were in peril at anytime they were on screen. Felt like they were waiting to eat craft services just behind the camera. I like Ed Harris but his talents are wasted here. See more
SICKS6SIX S @SICKS6SIXS Oct 18, 2025 I never realised being a P.O.W. in minus 40 could be so pleasant, the stories I've read of canabalism and killing each other for a loaf of bread or a pack of cigarettes didn't seem to reach the American script rwiters in Hollyweird, The Gulag Archipelagoby Solzhenitsyng should be esential reading for anyone attempting to write on this subject, not a day out in Canada skying with chums from the Hylton hotel, OK that was below the belt, See more
Sebreena S @RT55611029 Sep 14, 2025 Ed and Jim were the real backbone of this movie. Held my attention to the end - which was truly loveable👍 See more
HameZz O @HameZz Aug 1, 2025 I understand that it's about a long journey but this still felt a bit too long. Still well made. See more
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The Way Back

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Cast & Crew

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Peter Weir

Director

Jim Sturgess

Janusz

Ed Harris

Mr. Smith

Colin Farrell

Valka

Saoirse Ronan

Irina

Mark Strong

Khabarov

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The Way Back

A scene from the film "The Way Back." Saoirse Ronan as Irina in "The Way Back." (Right) Colin Farrell as Valka in "The Way Back." Ed Harris as Mr. Smith in "The Way Back." (L-R) Ed Harris as Mr. Smith and Saoirse Ronan as Irina in "The Way Back." Saoirse Ronan as Irina in "The Way Back." Colin Farrell as Valka in "The Way Back." (L-R) Ed Harris as Mr. Smith and Colin Farrell as Valka in "The Way Back." Jim Sturgess as Janusz in "The Way Back." Saoirse Ronan as Irina in "The Way Back." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Denounced by his wife as a possible spy in 1939, Janusz (Jim Sturgess) finds himself in a remote Siberian labor camp. Faced with brutal conditions inside and out, Janusz is determined to escape. A blizzard provides him with the perfect opportunity, and he and a small group of fellow prisoners make a break for it. Escape, however, is the easy part, for Janusz and his companions face a 4,000-mile trek on foot through the frozen Himalayas before they can truly be free.
Director
Peter Weir
Producer
Joni Levin, Duncan Henderson, Nigel Sinclair
Distributor
Newmarket Film Group
Production Co
Exclusive Films
Rating
PG-13 (Brief Strong Language|A Nude Image|Depiction of Physical Hardship|Violent Content)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 21, 2011, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 17, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$2.7M
Runtime
2h 13m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
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