Disparaging "The Way"

[Peregrinopaul]

I’m biased. I loved it despite it’s faults.
And it really annoys me when people dismiss it with the throw-away line “Hollywood Movie” with every derogatory implication that goes with it. Just today I read that the modern popularity of the Camino derives from "Coelho, MacLain, Hollywood". I take the point, but did you mean "Coelho, MacLain, Estevez"?

Credit where credit is due folks. It was a labour of love by the Estevez family, INDEPENDENTLY financed, and intended as a homage to their own family heritage. Estevez himself describes it as a film inspired by a grandson, made by a son, starring a father, honouring a Galician grandfather, or words to that effect.

The making of that film owed nothing to Hollywood. Give it a break.

 

[ExiledSW]

I'm with you. I didn't think it was a "Hollywood" version of the Camino. I love how it follows along with the Wizard of Oz. This was a love letter from the Estevez family to the Camino and Spain.

 

[Deleted member 73526]

I take the point

Seems to me that you reject it.

 

[VNwalking]

I take the point, but did you mean "Coelho, MacLain, Estevez"?

Credit where credit is due folks. It was a labour of love by the Estevez family, INDEPENDENTLY financed, and intended as a homage to their own family heritage. Estevez himself describes it as a film inspired by a grandson, made by a son, starring a father, honouring a Galician grandfather, or words to that effect.

The making of that film owed nothing to Hollywood. Give it a break.

That would have been me, Paul, and I'm sorry if what I said caused you to be annoyed.
I stand with my opinion, though. Family labor of love notwithstanding, the plot, the overly dramatized events, and the scrambled geography are pure cheesy Hollywood, nothing to do with anyone's heritage or with the camino as it really is. So you're more than welcome to give it a break, but my opinion is different.

 

[Bogong]

I'm sorry, but if it had been cheesy Hollywood they would have humped it in bed in the Parador.

To me it was more about rediscovering paternal love and the interplay of human relationships. The route provided an iconic underpinning to the main theme, but the movie was never intended as a Glass's Guide to it. If it had been, arguably a quarter would have been about crossing the Meseta.

For me seeing it was the final link in a series of events which inspired me to walk.

DeColores

Bogong

 

[oursonpolaire]

Of course it's a Hollywood film. How do you think it would get into the cinemas otherwise? Even so, it is likely the best Hollywood film which could be made of the Camino. Even with its (many) weaknesses, it gives viewers the flavour of how an accidental posse develops into solid bonds, of the daily grind, of the tremendous landscape, and of the varied response of arrival in Santiago. I saw it once, which was enough, and have a feeling of ambivalence on its effect on the Camino, but I would urge a realistic appreciation of a fair attempt.

 

[Deleted member 73526]

Of course it's a Hollywood film. How do you think it would get into the cinemas otherwise?

It was distributed by Icon and PDA - Indie distributors. If we take "Hollywood" to mean the major film studio system, then The Way's credentials as a non-Hollywood film are rock solid.

If, by Hollywood, you mean low- to middle-brow culture, high production values, well-known actors, a simple, schmaltzy narrative arc, and a feel good ending ... It's pure Hollywood.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Of course it's a Hollywood film. How do you think it would get into the cinemas otherwise?

It was released only after its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, following which Estevez and his producer were able to do a deal with AMC Theatres.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

That would have been me, Paul, and I'm sorry if what I said caused you to be annoyed.
I stand with my opinion, though. Family labor of love notwithstanding, the plot, the overly dramatized events, and the scrambled geography are pure cheesy Hollywood, nothing to do with anyone's heritage or with the camino as it really is. So you're more than welcome to give it a break, but my opinion is different.

I fully respect your opinion VN, and indeed I agree with the point you were making with your list. It’s just that the sobriquet keeps cropping up and isn’t specifically valid.

 

[Roland49]

Dear fellow pilgrims,

If you look at the statistics you will have a clue that it is not only "Hollywood", Coelho and MacLain had an impact on the Caminos.

Most of the german / german speaking pilgrims are attracted to the CF by the book "Ich bin dann mal weg" ("I'm off then" in english) written by the famous german comedian Hape Kerkeling. He walked in 2001 and the book was released in 2006.
Many german speaking readers had read the book from Coelho, but the impact of Kerkelings book is far greater, that's for sure.

 

[gschmidl]

There's also a movie of the Kerkerling book, and that one is (in my opinion) particularly bad.

 

[Roland49]

There's also a movie of the Kerkerling book, and that one is (in my opinion) particularly bad.

Yip, the book is far better than the movie.

 

[David]

I'm with PeregrinoPaul!
Different countries make films in different ways, a reflection of their cultures and mindsets.
Australian films, for instance, have a rawness and underplayed but brutal honesty that sometimes jars to an english mindset. You can't watch a French film without a Gitane in your mouth and a glass of Pernod in your hand .
And English films? So different from American films - think how Four Weddings and a Funeral would have been made in America! .... so to call The Way 'Hollywood' is an error I think, better to call it American perhaps as 'Hollywood' seems to be a little derogatory and means 'slick' somehow, whereas 'American' doesn't, don't you think?
And then, one American actor, one Canadian, one Irish, one Dutch ..... Spanish film crew ....

Personally I love The Way, it is my virtual Camino during the winter and I would be embarrassed to say how many times I have watched it. It isn't a documentary so it doesn't have to be in linear order. I find the characters realistic - and all great films are about development of character, and all the main characters develop and change ... I particularly like that the actors were not given a script for the cathedral but were told to do whatever they wanted to do - the Dutch actor had absolutely no idea he would fall on his knees, it was an impulsive response that shocked him.

By the way, I recommend watching it at least once with the colour turned off on your tv so it is monochrome. Whereas pilgrims moving through the landscape stand out from it in their bright colours, in black and white they are part of the landscape, and the brilliant camera work can be truly seen in monochrome, every expression becomes real ... try it, trust me, it becomes an Art film.

 

[William Garza]

Coming from an American perspective
Holllywood kills whatever substance there is in favor of juvenile antics..sex,violence,innuendo and spectacle.
There wll be another "Way" someday and "The Way" may be canon to where the "New Way" will be compared and eviscerated as to not having followed "The Old Way" if not in spirit then intent.
Then mayhap.."The Way" of The Way ....may be formulaic and predictable

Or the New Way will break from The Way, The Old Way and point itself a different Way entirely.

In which case...
Taking a different Way may not be so bad
After all
The Way is made of of many Ways to Santiago..but in Spirit....is still A Way among many Ways
To which objectively it can be said there is more than one Way...
Either way...

THE Way was perfectly imperfect..Humans being
Written by humans who did, for those who havent amd want to
Easy!

 

[VNwalking]

I fully respect your opinion VN, and indeed I agree with the point you were making with your list. It’s just that the sobriquet keeps cropping up and isn’t specifically valid.

And I yours, Paul. Here's what I was meaning - more about the content than the literal source:

If, by Hollywood, you mean low- to middle-brow culture, high production values, well-known actors, a simple, schmaltzy narrative arc, and a feel good ending ... It's pure Hollywood.

Though to be honest, I assumed it had come out of a Hollywood studio. I've learned otherwise and will cease using the pejorative label.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

There wll be another "Way" someday and "The Way" may be canon to where the "New Way" will be compared and eviscerated as to not having followed "The Old Way" if not in spirit then intent.
Then mayhap.."The Way" of The Way ....may be formulaic and predictable
Or the New Way will break from The Way, The Old Way and point itself a different Way entirely.

Wiiliam, my head is spinning.
No one makes a point like William Garza

 

[malingerer]

Yip, the book is far better than the movie.

isn't that par for the course?

But then, what your two feet feel is better than any book!

Buen camino,

The Malingerer.

 

[VNwalking]

But then, what your two feet feel is better than any book!

It's better than anything!

 

[nycwalking]

Wiiliam, my head is spinning.
No one makes a point like William Garza

He always finds the way.

 

[Bradypus]

De gustibus non est disputandum. Or if you prefer 'There is no accounting for taste'. I have no strong feelings either way about the "Hollywood" label. And no particularly strong feelings about the film either which I find fairly entertaining but hardly Holy Writ. I do not share the passion which many of its fans obviously feel for it which sometimes leads them to make quite extravagant claims on its behalf. Like the man I met at a bar in Melide who was clearly a dedicated evangelist for the movie.He took offence at my lukewarm response and told me very forcibly that I and the dozen or more pilgrims in view would never have heard of the Camino if we hadn't first seen the movie. Then he declined to answer when I asked how he thought a 2010 movie could have inspired my 1990 Camino.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I enjoyed watching 'The Way'. I also enjoy a small dollop of Cool Whip, if real whipped cream isn't available.

 

[Robo]

That would have been me, Paul, and I'm sorry if what I said caused you to be annoyed.
I stand with my opinion, though. Family labor of love notwithstanding, the plot, the overly dramatized events, and the scrambled geography are pure cheesy Hollywood, nothing to do with anyone's heritage or with the camino as it really is. So you're more than welcome to give it a break, but my opinion is different.

Oh Dear. I don't think I have ever disagreed with you before

But it's a movie, not a documentary

I love it. Have watched it about 20 times and it inspired me to walk the Camino.
And my first Camino........was very like the movie! It had all the key 'components'

 

[steve 217]

My understanding was that it was actually financed by the Sheen family so they clearly were willing to risk there own money . A love letter to the Camino and Galicia would appear to be correct.

Whatever we think the impact it had upon the Camino you have to admire there determination to put up there own money

 

[Rebekah Scott]

We live in a world where the Cult of Personality is tremendously powerful, where anyone who's appeared on TV or in a movie is suddenly gifted with massive powers of leadership, style, or taste. All the people named above were "stars" way before they found the Camino, and only they could have led so many ordinary people to attempt such an odd feat.

 

[Dani7]

No matter the out of sequence or other « non factual » parts of the movie, for me it reflected perfectly the feelings about « The Why ». Everyone of those characters had a past or things to ponder or resolve and sometimes unbeknownst to them. It captured community and care for others. That’s why the movie touched my heart. Also the fact that Emilio is his real life son made Martin’s performance even more touching.

 

[Liam Ryan]

For me 'The Way' was one of the hooks that got me to the Camino. I am incredibly grateful that I was and am hooked.

 

[Karl Oz]

Most of the german / german speaking pilgrims are attracted to the CF by the book "Ich bin dann mal weg" ("I'm off then" in english) written by the famous german comedian Hape Kerkeling. He walked in 2001 and the book was released in 2006.
Many german speaking readers had read the book from Coelho, but the impact of Kerkelings book is far greater, that's for sure.

A point well-made Roland. Most posters from English-speaking countries are not even aware of Kerkerling's book. Nor of Korean documentaries mentioned in another thread that have motivated plenty of Korean pilgrims.

 

[andywild]

If it was totally accurate there would have been at least four conversations about whether her could take his walking poles home on the plane...

 

[PilgrimJames]

I’m biased. I loved it despite it’s faults.
And it really annoys me when people dismiss it with the throw-away line “Hollywood Movie” with every derogatory implication that goes with it. Just today I read that the modern popularity of the Camino derives from "Coelho, MacLain, Hollywood". I take the point, but did you mean "Coelho, MacLain, Estevez"?

Credit where credit is due folks. It was a labour of love by the Estevez family, INDEPENDENTLY financed, and intended as a homage to their own family heritage. Estevez himself describes it as a film inspired by a grandson, made by a son, starring a father, honouring a Galician grandfather, or words to that effect.

The making of that film owed nothing to Hollywood. Give it a break.

I can't comment or critique as I did not watch the movie from beginning to end. I did however intentionally avoid the movie before I first walked in 2015. I did not want to be influenced by this, or by Paulo Coelho or Shirley McLean before I set off walking. I waited a lot of years and wanted this to be my experience. After completing 4 caminos I watched parts of the movie and it was nice to see many of the scenes that are embedded in my own memory of the Frances and enjoyed many parts and appreciated the dramatic licence. I cannot however say that I am fully happy with the success of the movie in terms of 'marketing' the Camino. I just returned from Santiago yesterday and I am a little dismayed by the ever increasing amount of Camino tourist traffic both on route and in Santiago. I realise that this is often an animated 'discussion' point with many people, e.g. pilgrims - v - hikers - v - tourist/pilgrims. I am not a purist but any fair observation will recognise many of the adverse effects.
Having said all that I was absolutely blown away by the group I Will Push You during last week and by their arrival in Santiago. If the movie inspired just one of these wonderful people to experience the Camino - then that is good enough for me.
My first and second lessons on my first Camino was humility and not to judge people. I hope I have not stepped over the line (again)

 

[John Sikora]

Seriously, you can intellectually argue points until the end of the world, but any movie that got me off my butt and into retirement on a high note is a classic.

 

[Bradypus]

I cannot however say that I am fully happy with the success of the movie in terms of 'marketing' the Camino. I just returned from Santiago yesterday and I am a little dismayed by the ever increasing amount of Camino tourist traffic both on route and in Santiago.

There is no doubt that numbers have increased markedly since the movie was released. Especially amongst those travelling from the USA. But the overall growth in numbers on the Caminos had already been happening pretty steadily ever since the 1980s and I do not think the film itself has made a huge difference overall. The effect is easily exaggerated, especially in an English-language forum.

 

[Shazenal]

I think that like all the people l met on the Camino, the Estevez family have their own journey in life, and are entitled to it, like all people on the camino ,it is not for us to judge.

 

[lt56ny]

When I first walked in 2012 I had not heard of the movie yet. After I saw it my first reaction was, where did they find all those great meals? That can't be real unless they were eating in some Michelin restaurant. It seemed like then (and it isn't too long ago) most pilgrim meals were with a salad that had head lettuce, two slices of tomatoes, a few green olives and a bunch of sliced white onion. The dressing was always oil and vinegar that usually felt like the glass containers hadn't been washed for about 5 years. Or some soup or pasta. Main course was usually a choice of either pasta, dry chicken, or lomo. Dessert was either a small plastic yogurt, small scoop or cup of ice cream, flan, or arroz con leche. Choice of drink was of course vino Tinto or water. I think it was usually 8 euros. If you were a vegetarian you were basically screwed! Ahhh the good not so old days!
Back to the film. After several watchings, now that it is on YouTube I have grown to really find a place in my heart for the film. It wasn't my motivation to go but I can see where it would have been for others.
My motivation and discovery about the Camino happened in 2000 when my next door neighbor's 63 year old mom walked it. When she returned we were invited over to hear her story and see her photos and enjoy a wonderful Tapas dinner. Somehow the Camino got tucked in my conscience and when the time was right it jumped out and took me over completely.

 

[lt56ny]

A point well-made Roland. Most posters from English-speaking countries are not even aware of Kerkerling's book. Nor of Korean documentaries mentioned in another thread that have motivated plenty of Korean pilgrims.

I have heard about this book on a few occasions and spoke briefly to a German pilgrim about this a few years ago. Every time this book is mentioned it is always stated how it is the number one reason to motivate Germans to walk. I am going to download the English language translation. I am leaving for Camino 5 in l 1/2 weeks. I will probably wait until I get back to read it. I am always torn about reading Camino accounts in books etc before a Camino. I am not sure why but I think it is to try to keep my head clearer. There is enough garbage in there without adding to it!!

 

[Hurry Krishna]

I’m biased. I loved it despite it’s faults.
And it really annoys me when people dismiss it with the throw-away line “Hollywood Movie” with every derogatory implication that goes with it. Just today I read that the modern popularity of the Camino derives from "Coelho, MacLain, Hollywood". I take the point, but did you mean "Coelho, MacLain, Estevez"?

Credit where credit is due folks. It was a labour of love by the Estevez family, INDEPENDENTLY financed, and intended as a homage to their own family heritage. Estevez himself describes it as a film inspired by a grandson, made by a son, starring a father, honouring a Galician grandfather, or words to that effect.

The making of that film owed nothing to Hollywood. Give it a break.

Agree completely. Beautifully done and without many of Hollywood’s characteristic excesses.

 

[oursonpolaire]

It was released only after its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, following which Estevez and his producer were able to do a deal with AMC Theatres.

Quite so, and as my friend who works for the TIFF tells me, it is the entry point for many films into the North American and international markets. I fear that I used Hollywood in an overly generic manner rather than in a very specific one.

 

[Chris Gi]

I can't comment or critique as I did not watch the movie from beginning to end. I did however intentionally avoid the movie before I first walked in 2015. I did not want to be influenced by this, or by Paulo Coelho or Shirley McLean before I set off walking. I waited a lot of years and wanted this to be my experience. After completing 4 caminos I watched parts of the movie and it was nice to see many of the scenes that are embedded in my own memory of the Frances and enjoyed many parts and appreciated the dramatic licence. I cannot however say that I am fully happy with the success of the movie in terms of 'marketing' the Camino. I just returned from Santiago yesterday and I am a little dismayed by the ever increasing amount of Camino tourist traffic both on route and in Santiago. I realise that this is often an animated 'discussion' point with many people, e.g. pilgrims - v - hikers - v - tourist/pilgrims. I am not a purist but any fair observation will recognise many of the adverse effects.
Having said all that I was absolutely blown away by the group I Will Push You during last week and by their arrival in Santiago. If the movie inspired just one of these wonderful people to experience the Camino - then that is good enough for me.
My first and second lessons on my first Camino was humility and not to judge people. I hope I have not stepped over the line (again)

I also enjoyed “I’ll Push You” when it was shown here in San Diego a couple of years ago - I had previously read the book, and
I am also one who enjoyed “The Way”

 

[tomnorth]

I have heard about this book on a few occasions and spoke briefly to a German pilgrim about this a few years ago. Every time this book is mentioned it is always stated how it is the number one reason to motivate Germans to walk. I am going to download the English language translation. I am leaving for Camino 5 in l 1/2 weeks. I will probably wait until I get back to read it. I am always torn about reading Camino accounts in books etc before a Camino. I am not sure why but I think it is to try to keep my head clearer. There is enough garbage in there without adding to it!!

Funny, I read Kerkerling’s book a few years before I walked, and it was the reason I shelved my plans to walk for a couple years. His judgmental attitude really annoyed me. There were precious few people that he met along the way that he had anything good to say about. Just by looking at someone he seemed to think he could tell you exactly who they were and what motivated them. I suspect if I’d have met Kerkerling on the Camino we wouldn’t have gotten along.

 

[simply B]

One either likes it or they don't - I cannot see the need for disputation over this movie, any movie, book, TV show, theatrical production, etc. unless one makes their living as a critic.

My constant rejoinder to emphatic declarations of what should be acceptable or not is simply this: "And why is it important for you for me to believe that? Twenty-five words or less, please."

I am just part of the vast global conspiracy wishing to leave people to their own tastes and devices,

B

 

[tomnorth]

I think The Way does a great job capturing the emotional journey on the Camino and the spirit of a Camino family. In that sense, it feels more true to me than the documentaries that focus on the individual or treat the Camino as a challenge to be conquered. At the end of The Way, Tom’s Camino had only just begun.

 

[VNwalking]

I enjoyed watching 'The Way'. I also enjoy a small dollop of Cool Whip, if real whipped cream isn't available.

Hahaha! Love it (the answer, absolutely not the cool whip; ick.)

Oh Dear. I don't think I have ever disagreed with you before

Well, there's always a first time!

My constant rejoinder to emphatic declarations of what should be acceptable or not is simply this: "And why is it important for you for me to believe that? Twenty-five words or less, please."

I am just part of the vast global conspiracy wishing to leave people to their own tastes and devices,

Thank you, B. Brilliant.

And I think @Rebekah Scott put her finger on what bugs me about the movie - not the movie per se, but the societal cult of personality that allowed it to have an outsize impact. And that shallowness is another story.

 

[Glamgrrl]

I’m biased. I loved it despite it’s faults.
And it really annoys me when people dismiss it with the throw-away line “Hollywood Movie” with every derogatory implication that goes with it. Just today I read that the modern popularity of the Camino derives from "Coelho, MacLain, Hollywood". I take the point, but did you mean "Coelho, MacLain, Estevez"?

Credit where credit is due folks. It was a labour of love by the Estevez family, INDEPENDENTLY financed, and intended as a homage to their own family heritage. Estevez himself describes it as a film inspired by a grandson, made by a son, starring a father, honouring a Galician grandfather, or words to that effect.

The making of that film owed nothing to Hollywood. Give it a break.

Agreed and thank you!

 

[C clearly]

what bugs me about the movie - not the movie per se, but the societal cult of personality that allowed it to have an outsize impact. And that shallowness is another story.

OK unlike @Robo, I have disagreed with you before .

I think there is a bit of a cult of disparagement that the OP is pointing out. The analysis of the flaws of the movie may have truths, but that does not mean the movie was, in net, a bad thing. There are many trite stories that I have enjoyed and, I think, benefited from.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I'm with PeregrinoPaul!
Different countries make films in different ways, a reflection of their cultures and mindsets.
Australian films, for instance, have a rawness and underplayed but brutal honesty that sometimes jars to an english mindset. You can't watch a French film without a Gitane in your mouth and a glass of Pernod in your hand .
And English films? So different from American films - think how Four Weddings and a Funeral would have been made in America! .... so to call The Way 'Hollywood' is an error I think, better to call it American perhaps as 'Hollywood' seems to be a little derogatory and means 'slick' somehow, whereas 'American' doesn't, don't you think?
And then, one American actor, one Canadian, one Irish, one Dutch ..... Spanish film crew ....

Personally I love The Way", it is my virtual Camino during the winter and I would be embarrassed to say how many times I have watched it. It isn't a documentary so it doesn't have to be in linear order. I find the characters realistic - and all great films are about development of character, and all the main characters develop and change ... I particularly like that the actors were not given a script for the cathedral but were told to do whatever they wanted to do - the Dutch actor had absolutely no idea he would fall on his knees, it was an impulsive response that shocked him.

By the way, I recommend watching it at least once with the colour turned off on your tv so it is monochrome. Whereas pilgrims moving through the landscape stand out from it in their bright colours, in black and white they are part of the landscape, and the brilliant camera work can be truly seen in monochrome, every expression becomes real ... try it, trust me, it becomes an Art film.

I love "The Way"...and make no apologies for it! There are many crappy movies out there, but this one is a nice, feel good movie with a very special and touching ending. I always shed a few tears, so call me sappy!...I don't care!

 

[Doogman]

If it was totally accurate there would have been at least four conversations about whether her could take his walking poles home on the plane...

Brilliant!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Brilliant!

Yes, but do we really want to "get into all that" on a feel good movie...it would just confuse folks watching it!
On the other hand, yes, confuse them so they don't wanna experience it!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have heard about this book on a few occasions and spoke briefly to a German pilgrim about this a few years ago. Every time this book is mentioned it is always stated how it is the number one reason to motivate Germans to walk. I am going to download the English language translation. I am leaving for Camino 5 in l 1/2 weeks. I will probably wait until I get back to read it. I am always torn about reading Camino accounts in books etc before a Camino. I am not sure why but I think it is to try to keep my head clearer. There is enough garbage in there without adding to it!!

Buen Camino! I hope your walk is all you hope for it to be!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

There is no doubt that numbers have increased markedly since the movie was released. Especially amongst those travelling from the USA. But the overall growth in numbers on the Caminos had already been happening pretty steadily ever since the 1980s and I do not think the film itself has made a huge difference overall. The effect is easily exaggerated, especially in an English-language forum.

But I think we in the U S.are coming over in droves because of the movie...me personally...I'll be walking my 6th this coming spring!

 

[Bradypus]

But I think we in the U S.are coming over in droves because of the movie...me personally...I'll be walking my 6th this coming spring!

18,582 last year recorded by the pilgrim office. 5.68% of all those receiving Compostelas last year.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have Amazon prime Firestick. Sometimes I look at the options to find something descent to watch and can spend a half hour "trying"...give me something like "The Way" and I can be quite happy. I will promote "The Way Back" a true story of prisoners of war finding their way to freedom!...but I digress. Give it a look!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

18,582 last year recorded by the pilgrim office. 5.68% of all those receiving Compostelas last year.

Maybe, but before that we were almost nil, I'm sure!

 

[elleley]

After reading Shirley's book many years ago, the Camino came into my consciousness but not as a personal reality. Maybe it was just a bit too "far out" for my taste. However, after seeing The Way, something in me stirred as if I had already walked it...couldn't explain it but as others have said, it planted a seed of reality that grew into my many journeys and experiences (peregrina, hospitalera, voluntaria). The intentions, I believe, of the Sheen/Estevez family were to share a story connected to their ancestral land. I am grateful they did.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

If I'd read Shirley's book I'd have run in the opposite direction...just sayin!

 

[Bradypus]

Maybe, but before that we were almost nil, I'm sure!

3.2% in 2009. Smaller percentage but far from zero.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

3.2% in 2009. Smaller percentage but far from zero.

Yep, I think quite small...almost nil, unless you were a devout Catholic and knew of its existence.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Are we having fun yet?

 

[JamesGeier]

No matter the out of sequence or other « non factual » parts of the movie, for me it reflected perfectly the feelings about « The Why ». Everyone of those characters had a past or things to ponder or resolve and sometimes unbeknownst to them. It captured community and care for others. That’s why the movie touched my heart. Also the fact that Emilio is his real life son made Martin’s performance even more touching.

"The Way" also touched my heart. My parents named me for Saint James. Thus I had heard many times in my life about this pilgrimage in Spain to the cathedral where the remains of Saint James are said to be interred. I saw the film "The Way" in 2013 or so. It got me thinking. In 2015, my mother passed away at age 94, she lived a good, long life. On my return home from the services, the people in the plane next to me were talking about the Camino de Santiago, almost a hint that I needed to make that pilgrimage. So I did - I walked the Camino Frances the first time in the spring of 2016, motivated primarily by honoring my parents who named by after Saint James. I met Philippe and Marie-Pierre from Paris walking over the Pyrenees and they named me "James on the Saint James Way," and it stuck. It was a magical journey.

"The Way" planted a seed, and it grew in my subconscious, and manifested in two glorious walks on the Camino Frances. And next spring I shall return to Seville and walk the Via de la Plata.

Buen Camino,
James on the Saint James Way

 

[C clearly]

If I'd read Shirley's book I'd have run in the opposite direction...just sayin

It was one of the first accounts of the Camino that I encountered. However, I was able to separate fact from fiction , and knew I wanted to do my own version.

 

[lt56ny]

Funny, I read Kerkerling’s book a few years before I walked, and it was the reason I shelved my plans to walk for a couple years. His judgmental attitude really annoyed me. There were precious few people that he met along the way that he had anything good to say about. Just by looking at someone he seemed to think he could tell you exactly who they were and what motivated them. I suspect if I’d have met Kerkerling on the Camino we wouldn’t have gotten along.

How can you say that Tom? You fell for me and I am about the most obnoxious, foul and loud mouthed judgmental ass you have ever met in your life!!! Call you soon. Hope everyone is great!

 

[Roland49]

Funny, I read Kerkerling’s book a few years before I walked, and it was the reason I shelved my plans to walk for a couple years. His judgmental attitude really annoyed me. There were precious few people that he met along the way that he had anything good to say about. Just by looking at someone he seemed to think he could tell you exactly who they were and what motivated them. I suspect if I’d have met Kerkerling on the Camino we wouldn’t have gotten along.

ROFL, you made my day!

I don't know the english translation. But if only half of the wordplay is translated to english, and it is hard translating a such descriptive and exact language like german, it should be fun to read.

Yes, he is german, and Germans do complain a lot, worry about anything and argue with everybody.
Lucky me, that I'm not a typical German ;-). The orignal is fun to read. And it was one of the reasons that I made my pilgrimage in July to SdC. And in the book he is making continuously fun of his "German-ness".

Personally I think that meeting him on the way had been no fun at all. Before his way he had a breakdown and an OP and was, as far as I understand the book, deeply depressed.

And in 2001 only 61.000 pilgrims claimed their Compostela. There were very few pilgrims on the way to work off for him. Some of the people he met in the book were imaginations or mixtures of different pilgrims. And you have to say it's a novel, not a travel report.

Give it a second chance, maybe you should read it again.

 

[Walton]

"The Way" planted a seed, and it grew in my subconscious, and manifested in two glorious walks on the Camino Frances. And next spring I shall return to Seville and walk the Via de la Plata.

Same here Jim. Loved the film! - thank you to the Estervez family for making it.

We did the Francis in 2016 and Portugeuse in 2017. Hoping to do the Via April 2020.

Criticising is easy. Doing is much harder. I couldn't even begin to imagine how difficult making a movie might be, let alone writing a script and making a story.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Crikey! This thread has exploded, and some of you will be thinking “Oh no. not another one about that bloody film!”. To those I apologise. I hadn’t intended that. I was just sounding off about an adjective.

Getting back - sort of - to my original point, for those of you who have expressed such positive sentiments about the film, you might be interested in the book which Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez published called “Along the Way”, which sets their personal life-story in counterpoint to their experience in conceiving and making the film.

 

[carryoncouple]

I’m biased. I loved it despite it’s faults.
And it really annoys me when people dismiss it with the throw-away line “Hollywood Movie” with every derogatory implication that goes with it. Just today I read that the modern popularity of the Camino derives from "Coelho, MacLain, Hollywood". I take the point, but did you mean "Coelho, MacLain, Estevez"?

Credit where credit is due folks. It was a labour of love by the Estevez family, INDEPENDENTLY financed, and intended as a homage to their own family heritage. Estevez himself describes it as a film inspired by a grandson, made by a son, starring a father, honouring a Galician grandfather, or words to that effect.

The making of that film owed nothing to Hollywood. Give it a break.

“The Way” gave my wife the idea that we should walk the Camino; we have just finished our fifth long-distance trek as a result. And I ended up writing a book (Camino Sunrise) that has exceeded my expectations. Then there are a wealth of personal rewards. So I agree with you. The film has many great qualities.

 

[VNwalking]

“The Way” gave my wife the idea that we should walk the Camino; we have just finished our fifth long-distance trek as a result. And I ended up writing a book (Camino Sunrise) that has exceeded my expectations. Then there are a wealth of personal rewards. So I agree with you. The film has many great qualities.

Did you do all that, @carryoncouple, or did the movie?

 

[trecile]

Like the man I met at a bar in Melide who was clearly a dedicated evangelist for the movie who took offence at my lukewarm response and told me very forcibly that I and the dozen or more pilgrims in view would never have heard of the Camino if we hadn't first seen the movie.

I heard of the Camino before I heard of the movie. I was taking a Spanish class, and we had to do presentations. One of the other students had walked the last 100km, and when I learned that I could walk across a country and have a bed to sleep in every night I was hooked! It was only after finding this forum and other information that I learned of the film, and watched it to get a general idea of what this Camino thing was all about. I've only watched it one other time, not long after returning from my first Camino, and all that I noticed was that all of the main characters were wearing jeans and carrying sleeping pads - so obviously a work of fiction!

If it was totally accurate there would have been at least four conversations about whether her could take his walking poles home on the plane...

Or whether one should use water bottles or a hydration pack...

At the end of The Way, Tom’s Camino had only just begun.

So true.

 

[Tom Quinn]

Not until I saw the movie did I give any weight to the acting skills of Martin Sheen. His facial expressions were perfectly suited to the emotional context of the plot and they were beautifully displayed by the director of the film. While some would look for the graphic locus, to me the story was the meld of four distinct disparate personalities. If even for a moment, that is the lesson taught by The Way. It is not Hollywood, nor is it the geographic locations. It is the spirit of Saint James and an example of some that listened to the call. To that, I thoughtfully appreciate.

 

[VNwalking]

I think there is a bit of a cult of disparagement that the OP is pointing out.

As @Bradypus said, there's no accounting for taste - and there are plenty of people who just think it's a dumb movie. So then others take umbrage. Because of...? Sentimental attachment? Feeling identified and personally attacked by what is merely another opinion?

I'm not disparaging any of you who happen to like this movie. The dismissiveness just my view of it. Nor is there a 'cult,' just straightforward dissenting opinions.

 

[C clearly]

Nor is there a 'cult,' just straightforward dissenting opinions.

Yes -that was an exaggeration. It was picking up your reference to a "the societal cult of personality that allowed it to have an outsize impact", which seemed a little over the top (and disparaging) as an explanation for why many people liked the movie a lot. I saw part of it on a plane but fell asleep, so I don't have much of an opinion on it. But what I saw seemed ordinary, as movies go.

I agree with @simply B ...

One either likes it or they don't - I cannot see the need for disputation over this movie, any movie, book, TV show, theatrical production, etc. unless one makes their living as a critic.

 

[Bradypus]

As @Bradypus said, there's no accounting for taste - and there are plenty of people who just think it's a dumb movie. So then others take umbrage. Because of...? Sentimental attachment? Feeling identified and personally attacked by what is merely another opinion?

I think that those who first learned of the Caminos by seeing the movie often have a far stronger personal emotional attachment to it than those of us whose first knowledge and experience came by another route. Perhaps they also feel a sense of special gratitude for the film? - something which some have already expressed in this thread. For them the film and their subsequent personal Camino experience are probably deeply and inseparably intertwined. An understandable reason to be defensive of something valued. I think the same applies to the Brierley guides which have been the lens through which many pilgrims have encountered the Caminos in recent years and which also generate tremendous loyalty amongst his fans. Something else which I personally find quite mystifying but which I must also acknowledge as being deep and genuine.

 

[Kathar1na]

And I think @Rebekah Scott put her finger on what bugs me about the movie - not the movie per se, but the societal cult of personality that allowed it to have an outsize impact. And that shallowness is another story.

I think it is a totally wrong assessment of the reality. People don't go on the Camino as an expression of their admiration for a celebrity. People who are widely known reach a larger audience than the average person, for whatever reason, usually to promote their book or their movie and there's nothing wrong with it but also because they are used to, or have the gift of, talking about stuff in an entertaining way and there's nothing wrong with a bit of entertainment either, at least in IMHO, and so you learn about the Camino and you think, hey, that's interesting, I could try this, too.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I think that those who first learned of the Caminos by seeing the movie often have a far stronger personal emotional attachment to it than those of us whose first knowledge and experience came by another route. Perhaps they also feel a sense of special gratitude for the film? - something which some have already expressed in this thread. For them the film and their subsequent personal Camino experience are probably deeply and inseparably intertwined. An understandable reason to be defensive of something valued. I think the same applies to the Brierley guides which have been the lens through which many pilgrims have encountered the Caminos in recent years and which also generate tremendous loyalty amongst his fans. Something else which I personally find quite mystifying but which I must also acknowledge as being deep and genuine.

@Bradypus, I think you make a very good observation as to why so many of us who were motivated by the movie to walk the camino are attached to it in an emotional way. I'd never thought of it like that before.

I am not attached to the Brierley guidebooks. I have two of his and three by other authors for different routes, but of them all his are my favorites. The reason is that the text is larger, I prefer his layout, and I love his maps, but I could do without his commentary. There is no other reason for my preference of his guidebooks and nothing mystifying about it.

 

[Ungawawa]

ROFL, you made my day!

I don't know the english translation. But if only half of the wordplay is translated to english, and it is hard translating a such descriptive and exact language like german, it should be fun to read.

...

Give it a second chance, maybe you should read it again.

Unfortunately the English translation is rather bad and full of mistakes and omissions.

Example: the end of chapter one in German goes:
Sitze ich doch bei Milchkaffee auf einem kartoffelförmigen Planeten, der mit überhöhter Geschwindigkeit durchs Weltall rast. Davon merke ich zwar nichts, aber trotzdem entspricht es den Tatsachen.
and this is totally mistranslated as:
Here I am, sitting with a cafe au lait on a potato-shaped planet racing at top speed through the universe. Not that I notice it, but it's a fault.
A fault? What fault?! And do you see how all the subtle tone of the original has not been carried over into English?
The translator goes on to leave the next paragraph out totally, in which he muses over which St Jean the St-Jean-Pied-De-Port one actually is.

Honestly, I think this translation was done by a student as a side-job in their holidays, and they probably thought they'd get away with this cause no one was going to read both versions ever! The book is full of mistakes like this, so unfortunately if you have only read the English version, in many ways you haven't really read the book.

 

[lt56ny]

I think The Way does a great job capturing the emotional journey on the Camino and the spirit of a Camino family. In that sense, it feels more true to me than the documentaries that focus on the individual or treat the Camino as a challenge to be conquered. At the end of The Way, Tom’s Camino had only just begun.

I thought about it and I have watched the movie before my last 2 caminos and will watch it again in about a week. I actually think it may have more meaning to those who watch the film after they walk.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I thought about it and I have watched the movie before my last 2 caminos and will watch it again in about a week. I actually think it may have more meaning to those who watch the film after they walk.

For me...both before and after!

 

[lt56ny]

For me...both before and after!

That probably covers all the bases!

 

[Tom Quinn]

As @Bradypus said, there's no accounting for taste - and there are plenty of people who just think it's a dumb movie. So then others take umbrage. Because of...? Sentimental attachment? Feeling identified and personally attacked by what is merely another opinion?

I'm not disparaging any of you who happen to like this movie. The dismissiveness just my view of it. Nor is there a 'cult,' just straightforward dissenting opinions.

And out of kindness do I refuse to disparage or dismiss those that do not understand the plot and overlook the purpose of the movie.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I am aware of only one Forum member who has made "professional" films. That leaves the rest of us to be amateur critics, blithely unaware of the craft except from a theater seat as we eat popcorn. I love to expound on my areas of ignorance! I say "The Way" is fiction somewhere between "Captain Apache" and "Casablanca" in quality.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

I think that those who first learned of the Caminos by seeing the movie often have a far stronger personal emotional attachment to it than those of us whose first knowledge and experience came by another route. Perhaps they also feel a sense of special gratitude for the film? - something which some have already expressed in this thread. For them the film and their subsequent personal Camino experience are probably deeply and inseparably intertwined. An understandable reason to be defensive of something valued.

Thank you for this very perceptive insight. Like Camino Chrissy I think I probably belong in that category.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I am aware of only one Forum member who has made "professional" films. That leaves the rest of us to be amateur critics, blithely unaware of the craft except from a theater seat as we eat popcorn. I love to expound on my areas of ignorance! I say "The Way" is fiction somewhere between "Captain Apache" and "Casablanca."

Love this!... "I love to expound on my areas of ignorance." That's often what our opinions are, isn't it!

 

[RJM]

@Bradypus, I think you make a very good observation as to why so many of us who were motivated by the movie to walk the camino are attached to it in an emotional way. I'd never thought of it like that before.

I am not attached to the Brierley guidebooks. I have two of his and three by other authors for different routes, but of them all his are my favorites. The reason is that the text is larger, I prefer his layout, and I love his maps, but I could do without his commentary. There is no other reason for my preference of his guidebooks and nothing mystifying about it.

Originally I had a full Brierley guidebook for the Frances, but a few years ago I got maps only versions of his guidebooks for the Portuguese and the Frances. They do the job well, no commentary, lightweight and as I cannot stand the thought of having my nose buried in a phone or any other device whilst walking the Camino, they are perfect for me.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Originally I had a full Brierley guidebook for the Frances, but a few years ago I got maps only versions of his guidebooks for the Portuguese and the Frances. They do the job well, no commentary, lightweight and as I cannot stand the thought of having my nose buried in a phone or any other device whilst walking the Camino, they are perfect for me.

Sounds good. Do the maps only versions list the lodging and cafe options too?

 

[RJM]

Sounds good. Do the maps only versions list the lodging and cafe options too?

Yes, it shows the lodgings and the maps show the cafe symbol in the towns. Also has those inset maps of the major cities and towns.
They sell them on this site and I believe they have sample pages shown for each guidebook.

2020/21 edition: Maps Only Guide to the Camino Francés

This is the 2020 edition of this book. If you are planning a walk in 2021, get the 2020 edition (no new 2021 edition will be published) and download free pdf updates here for 2021 (link to pdf coming later on this page). 112 page paperback in full colour. This condensed and ultra lightweight...

www.santiagodecompostela.me

 

[Terri B]

I loved the movie, I also enjoyed the autobiography Emilio and Martin write that ties in with filming the movie and their lives to date.
I also enjoyed Kerkelings book, hated Shirley Maclains book.
The thing that inspired me to walk the first time was a book witten by two Australian authors who walked in 2006.

 

[VNwalking]

I think it is a totally wrong assessment of the reality. People don't go on the Camino as an expression of their admiration for a celebrity.

I should have been clearer because that's not what I meant. But in general (in American culture anyway) celebrity is given more weight and credence in most realms. So if Martin Sheen had not been in that movie - but an equally tallented 'nobody' - would it have become so widely viewed and admired? Maybe I'm a cynic, but I doubt it.

 

[Karl Oz]

Unfortunately the English translation is rather bad and full of mistakes and omissions.

Example: the end of chapter one in German goes:
Sitze ich doch bei Milchkaffee auf einem kartoffelförmigen Planeten, der mit überhöhter Geschwindigkeit durchs Weltall rast. Davon merke ich zwar nichts, aber trotzdem entspricht es den Tatsachen.
and this is totally mistranslated as:
Here I am, sitting with a cafe au lait on a potato-shaped planet racing at top speed through the universe. Not that I notice it, but it's a fault.
A fault? What fault?! And do you see how all the subtle tone of the original has not been carried over into English?....

To be fair, a translation is a subjective exercise. To consider an idiosyncratic or not-strictly verbatim translation of a sentence an error is looking at it a little harshly, in my opinion.

I read a translated version of Don Quixote. The translator in the preface admitted that some things such as puns could not be translated from the original Spanish. Oh well, I still liked it.

May I say that I've read 'Ich bin dann mal Weg' in both languages, and enjoyed them too, although at that time my German was not strong enough to notice oddities in translation.

 

[gerip]

I should have been clearer because that's not what I meant. But in general (in American culture anyway) celebrity is given more weight and credence in most realms. So if Martin Sheen had not been in that movie - but an equally tallented 'nobody' - would it have become so widely viewed and admired? Maybe I'm a cynic, but I doubt it.

Outside of the bubble of Camino aficionados, this movie is not widely known at all. I only know of a handful of people who are aware the movie exists. Most are aware of the Camino because of others who have made this or some other pilgrimage.

 

[SEB2]

So if Martin Sheen had not been in that movie - but an equally tallented 'nobody' - would it have become so widely viewed and admired? Maybe I'm a cynic, but I doubt it.

Well @VNwalking you have finally woken me from my slumbers in my Scottish cave by poking me with a sharp stick. Yes I do think that it would have been just as successful with an equally talented nobody. Tcheky Karyo - who played the role of Captain Henri - was a noted actor in France, but a nobody to audiences outside mainland Europe, yet in his brief appearance he managed to convey a deep humanity for a bereaved person that set the tone for what followed. Yorick van Wageningen was unknown to me - not so to Scandinavian audiences perhaps but imbued his role of empathetic clown with a degree of dignity. In the end, despite its weaknesses, especially that section of the script given to Deborah Kara Unger, it is a good story told simply, filmed in a beautiful setting and documenting a unique experience. That it begins with a bereavement surely is the hook, because that is a universal experience. The emotional grab from that is that this is a loss where mortality prevented a reconciliation in a fractured relationship - it is unfinished business and how many of us have walked the Camino because there was 'unfinished business' particularly in relation to loss. It has often been said that a text - be it book, film or piece of music is never complete until it has been read, watched or listened to. As others have said, it is what people bring to the watching of 'The Way' that makes it work. No stars or celebrities needed just an audience.

 

[VNwalking]

Well @VNwalking you have finally woken me from my slumbers in my Scottish cave by poking me with a sharp stick.

Ha! Then this is good for something. And sorry for the poking; welcome out of your cave, @SEB2 ! It does sound like I'm in the minority about this film....

As others have said, it is what people bring to the watching of 'The Way' that makes it work.

Or not.
I relate to berevement and inner work...but not to where they go with that, and the camino mythology the plot has created.

 

[SEB2]

Ha! Then this is good for something. And sorry for the poking; welcome out of your cave, @SEB2 ! It does sound like I'm in the minority about this film....
Or not.
I relate to berevement and inner work...but not to where they go with that, and the camino mythology the plot has created.

You are right @VNwalking to point out that the film doesn’t appeal to everyone - I slipped into generalising there. The Camino mythology (or mythologies) is an interesting perspective to explore, not least because of the danger of fiction building expectations which reality cannot deliver, resulting in, for example, a lone pilgrim who had hoped to meet & bond with a ‘Camino family’ feeling a sense of failure when this doesn’t happen. Over the years there’s been one or two posts where one’s heart goes out to the pilgrim despairing because s/he is alone and not by choice. But pilgrims tell other people stories about the Camino, John Brierley tells his readers stories, returning pilgrims do presentations at their churches or local groups, all no doubt framing their experiences in a narrative form with much of the boring or unpleasant bits left out so that the audience remains engaged.

 

[Kathar1na]

I should have been clearer because that's not what I meant. But in general (in American culture anyway) celebrity is given more weight and credence in most realms.

We differ in our interpretation: you and others think that celebrity leads to more weight and credence while I think celebrity leads to reaching a larger audience and that is the crucial factor.

Step back a bit and think about it: we couch it in words where we criticise “our world“ and “our society“ and a Cult of Personality but basically we are saying that other people are just dumber and less critical than ourselves and believe and follow what celebrities do or say while we don’t. It’s not my view. I am not a particular fan of the movie; I had watched it for the first time long after I had started walking; I watched it a few times, first for the story and later for the landscapes. I don’t think it’s a great work of art; I don’t even think that the acting is so great. But it has appeal. I’d even go as far as to say that it contains every Camino pearl of wisdom/Camino platitude (de gustibus ...) known to man. And that must count for something.

 

[VNwalking]

ep back a bit and think about it: we couch it in words where we criticise “our world“ and “our society“ and a Cult of Personality but basically we are saying that other people are just dumber and less critical than ourselves and believe and follow what celebrities do or say while we don’t.

Well, I've been known to preferentialy believe a famous person as opposed to an obscure one. And to be wrong in that.
So there's no soapbox there.
Americam culture tends to be more prone to this than European culture, so our different opinions may be as much about different backgrounds than anything else. Brought to you by a culture that created YouTube influencers, Kardashians, and yes, Hollywood and the whole stardom phenomenon.

 

[Kathar1na]

Btw, until this movie and the forum discussion about it, I knew next to nothing about Martin Sheen The Person. Since then, I’ve watched a few interviews or talks he gave and I read his Wikipedia article. Married since 1961 - that’s 58 years and no divorce - and arrested about 66 times for protests and acts of civil obedience. It doesn’t make the movie or his performance in it any better but that’s stuff I wouldn’t hold against him ☺.

 

[VNwalking]

Btw, until this movie and the forum discussion about it, I knew next to nothing about Martin Sheen The Person. Since then, I’ve watched a few interviews or talks he gave and I read his Wikipedia article. Married since 1961 - that’s 58 years and no divorce - and arrested about 66 times for protests and acts of civil obedience. It doesn’t make the movie or his performance in it any better but that’s stuff I wouldn’t hold against him ☺.

Wonderful. Me neither (depending on the protests... ) Thanks for sharing this.

 

[Paul McG]

My two cents = The true value of the film 'The Way' is that it helped attract so many people to the Camino, to the benefit of Galicia - the ancestral home of the Estevez family. I think non-pilgrim Galicians whose economy and regional prestige has grown thanks to the Camino are the real beneficiaries of the film. After all, many earn a living from the Camino and will not have to emigrate - unlike the impoverished Estevez ancestors.

 

[Pelegrin]

My two cents = The true value of the film 'The Way' is that it helped attract so many people to the Camino, to the benefit of Galicia - the ancestral home of the Estevez family. I think non-pilgrim Galicians whose economy and regional prestige has grown thanks to the Camino are the real beneficiaries of the film. After all, many earn a living from the Camino and will not have to emigrate - unlike the impoverished Estevez ancestors.

Yes, but only 2 shots in Galicia, O Cebreiro and Santiago.

 

[Bradypus]

Yes, but only 2 shots in Galicia, O Cebreiro and Santiago.

Isn't Muxia in Galicia?

 

[Pelegrin]

Isn't Muxia in Galicia?

Oh yes sorry. I meant on the Camino Frances to reflect better the diferences with the Meseta that I think it is an important thing on that camino.

 

[gerip]

3.2% in 2009. Smaller percentage but far from zero.

So the numbers have not quite doubled in10 years. Wouldn’t call that a huge increase, compared to the increase in the number of Koreans. And what about all those Aussies & Kiwis? What motivated them?

 

[Bradypus]

So the numbers have not quite doubled in10 years. Wouldn’t call that a huge increase, compared to the increase in the number of Koreans. And what about all those Aussies & Kiwis? What motivated them?

I think you are confusing actual numbers with the changing percentage of Americans. In 2008 the pilgrim office recorded 2214 pilgrims from the USA - 1.8%. In 2018 those figures had risen to 18,582 or 5.68%. A substantial increase both in absolute numbers and in the proportion of Americans on the caminos.

 

[Stivandrer]

Hollywood or no Hollywood,
Is everything west of Europe Hollywood?
- the angle of this film might not have caught anybody´s attention, with this indie approach, puny camera crew, lousy budgeting, and the subsequent success might then not have happened at all...

What I like about this film is, that it is shot in Super 16 format, real negative film with the best of colour hues that suit the landscape of Spain.

This is where I find the love expressed at its fullest along the route....
The rest is a lot of contra factual discussions that leaves me totally uninterested.....