Directed by:
Peter WeirCinematography:
Russell BoydComposer:
Burkhard von DallwitzCast:
Jim Sturgess, Colin Farrell, Ed Harris, Saoirse Ronan, Mark Strong, Alexandru Potocean, Gustaf Skarsgård, Sebastian Urzendowsky, Dragoș Bucur, Zahary Baharov (more)VOD (2)
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The film begins with Janusz, a Polish POW, being interrogated by a Soviet officer. Janusz refuses to admit his guilt. His wife is brought in to the room and forced to make a statement condemning Janusz. Janusz is sentenced to 20 years in the gulag. At the camp in Siberia, Janusz meets Mr Smith, an American; an actor named Khabarov; Valka, a hardened Russian criminal; Tomasz, who makes a living by sketching erotic drawings in exchange for food and clothes; Kazik, a Pole who suffers from night blindness; Voss, a Latvian priest; and Zoran, a Yugoslav accountant. Khabarov confides to Janusz that he has a plan for escaping. Khabarov's proposed route is south to Mongolia, passing Lake Baikal. Mr Smith tells Janusz that Khabarov is fantasising about his desire to escape in order to improve his own morale, and that, in his opinion, escape is impossible. Janusz maintains his resolve. (Entertainment One)
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Reviews (11)
Nothing but a few above-average scenes that touch the heart. Otherwise, this film is too polished and cinematic, which shouldn't be surprising considering it was directed by a film classic and a person who rarely goes against the tide. Peter Weir is undoubtedly a great director, but his conservative style didn’t resonate with me here. He knows how to set up a good game, with an attractive thematic approach and a stellar cast, but he didn't completely captivate me. Without the crazy Colin Farrell and the raw Ed Harris, The Way Back would be nothing more than an average adventure film, where everything is as it should be, and the plot can be essentially predicted. The dream sequences are completely out of place. What I want is either a gritty, uncompromising film, or something that I can philosophise to. Having both doesn't work.
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Maybe a little watered down, but The Way Back is worth seeing if only for the wonderful landscapes. Top notch acting performances, Colin Farrell rules as the thief Valka and Saoirse Ronan is one of the most talented young actresses right now (and Irena reminds me of someone I know). Weir is usually a great director, but I think that this didn’t come off one hundred percent. But even so, it’s very high above average. And Dallowitz’s music is delightful. That sweater. Did your granny knit it for you?
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Sławomir Rawicz experienced something unimaginable, so I have no problem tolerating his fiction. The post-war generation needed many such stories to survive. After the first war, there was Anastasia, after the second The Way Back. The only problem I have is with the adaptation being too universal and with actors who are too famous. Colin Farrell and Ed Harris? Their faces are simply an obstacle to believable ordinary characters.
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I have a soft spot for Weir, but he’s off the mark here. Actually, I think that it wasn’t reasonable to even try to make a film like this, paradoxically, for the same (or rather, opposite) reason that made me doubt 127 Hours. Whereas in Boyle’s latest, there wasn’t enough story for a feature film, in The Way Back there is too much and it feels like a bunch of haphazardly cut sections of the story of a much longer film. I can’t say I had fun, or that I feel like watching the extended (complete) version. After those 133 minutes, I felt almost as exhausted as if I had made that trek, which, as someone who likes comfort, is not something I can appreciate.
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Peter Weir light. The overall impression is not that powerful, but the film offers a lot of unforgettable
details. You will enjoy getting to know different characters and the importance of the positive synergy of
their natures and abilities for achieving a common goal – survival and freedom. The Way Back features a
well-chosen cast, subtle and intelligent humor, and a slow pace with just a few dramatic moments. Do
not expect big things. Watch and listen. You’ll be satisfied with having learned something, and the
characters will remain in your memory.
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