Quick “The Way” synopses (and tribute)

[adam lapp]

Synopsis:

A few people meet and connect from St Jean to Burgos (1 hour mark is 6 days in on average). Fast forward to Cruz de ferro. Then fast forward to Santiago. No blisters. No rain. No bad experiences except an exaggerated one at an albergue in Tores de Rio.

Tribute: I’ll be honest, this movies is why I did my first Frances hike and the next 3 and my Portuguese hike. And why I’m planning a Norte and Primitivo hike. And have the map framed on my wall.

But after hiking the Camino Frances 4 times (and even before) I still love watching the movie to remind me of the incredible journey. FYI I probably watch it once a month. Forget the accuracy, I’m happy with her nostalgia.

Even after hiking, how much do you watch and “try” to remember?

 

[adam lapp]

BTW, message me for any questions about gear or albergue or anything. One thing I swear by is greasing your toes and heals prior to putting on socks and shoes. Never had a blister after my first Camino.

 

[mvanert]

Synopsis:

A few people meet and connect from St Jean to Burgos (1 hour mark is 6 days in on average). Fast forward to Cruz de ferro. Then fast forward to Santiago. No blisters. No rain. No bad experiences except an exaggerated one at an albergue in Tores de Rio.

Tribute: I’ll be honest, this movies is why I did my first Frances hike and the next 3 and my Portuguese hike. And why I’m planning a Norte and Primitivo hike. And have the map framed on my wall.

But after hiking the Camino Frances 4 times (and even before) I still love watching the movie to remind me of the incredible journey. FYI I probably watch it once a month. Forget the accuracy, I’m happy with her nostalgia.

Even after hiking, how much do you watch and “try” to remember?

Damn, me too, I thought I was the only one who watches it practically every month. There is no cure for some of us I'm afraid...

 

[K Turner]

I leave for my first CF in a week. I'm watching again this weekend!

 

[VNwalking]

Once was too much for me, I'm afraid: I found it cheesy and fake.
Sorry...I know some of you genuinely love this movie, so I don't mean this as a personal dig at all: it's merely my opinion of a Hollywood piece that I feel has created a mythology about the camino that doesn't reflect it's reality and depth. To be fair, no movie could.

But I am here on the Forum way too often: reading, following others' walks, and talking about the camino. That's my addictive activity of choice. And if I want to remember my own journey, I have plenty of photos - too many, in fact.

 

[nidarosa]

I have to admit to both - yes I watch the film a couple of times a year when the post-camino blues hits, but I also think it is forced and fake. In the UK there was a TV series called The Pilgrimage where a number of 'celebrities' went on the Francés for 12 days, taking in the scenic bits and supposedly walking from Ferreiros to Santiago, exactly 100 kms, to get their compostela. I watch it now and then with the sound off (one of the celebs is particularly annoying and even says on camera: I thought we'd just walk a bit and then all get into a minibus) just to see the stunning views on the walk from St Jean to Roncesvalles. And I watch YouTube videos ... and blogs ... and my favourite, this forum!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I would consider being tossed in jail a bad experience.

I watch The Way a few times a year when donating platlets at the Red Cross. You get hooked up to a machine for two hours with a needle in each arm so they have individual TV/DVD players and, at my donation center at least, a huge assortment of movies. I often grab The Way first (bright yellow cover makes this easy) and if I can't find something else suiting me by the time of my hookup that's what I watch. It takes as much time to watch as for them to suck out whatever they want from me. They tell me it is a very popular DVD.

 

[nickpellatt]

In the UK there was a TV series called The Pilgrimage where a number of 'celebrities' went on the Francés for 12 days, taking in the scenic bits and supposedly walking from Ferreiros to Santiago, exactly 100 kms, to get their compostela. I watch it now and then with the sound off (one of the celebs is particularly annoying and even says on camera: I thought we'd just walk a bit and then all get into a minibus) just to see the stunning views on the walk from St Jean to Roncesvalles.

The BBC have done two series of The Pilgrimage now. I've watched them, and I know 'everyone walks their own Camino', but when the voiceover says, "Today's the celebrities will walk their longest day, 13km", I kinda shudder.

 

[pelerine]

Synopsis:

A few people meet and connect from St Jean to Burgos (1 hour mark is 6 days in on average). Fast forward to Cruz de ferro. Then fast forward to Santiago. No blisters. No rain. No bad experiences except an exaggerated one at an albergue in Tores de Rio.

Tribute: I’ll be honest, this movies is why I did my first Frances hike and the next 3 and my Portuguese hike. And why I’m planning a Norte and Primitivo hike. And have the map framed on my wall.

But after hiking the Camino Frances 4 times (and even before) I still love watching the movie to remind me of the incredible journey. FYI I probably watch it once a month. Forget the accuracy, I’m happy with her nostalgia.

Even after hiking, how much do you watch and “try” to remember?

I love the documentary “I’ll push you” and the French “La Mecque - St Jacques”...

 

[easygoing]

Synopsis:

A few people meet and connect from St Jean to Burgos (1 hour mark is 6 days in on average). Fast forward to Cruz de ferro. Then fast forward to Santiago. No blisters. No rain. No bad experiences except an exaggerated one at an albergue in Tores de Rio.

Tribute: I’ll be honest, this movies is why I did my first Frances hike and the next 3 and my Portuguese hike. And why I’m planning a Norte and Primitivo hike. And have the map framed on my wall.

But after hiking the Camino Frances 4 times (and even before) I still love watching the movie to remind me of the incredible journey. FYI I probably watch it once a month. Forget the accuracy, I’m happy with her nostalgia.

Even after hiking, how much do you watch and “try” to remember?

My name is Sharon and I am a camino addict. I also watch The Way every month or so to watch the scenery as much as the story. My husband liked to exclaim they are walking the wrong way in one or more scenes and I always say "it's a movie, the light was probably better that way". But I love the movie and except for the jail part, the fun and comradely found in town is similar to my 8 Camino's. I have met many groups that met on the Camino and walk together. This only happened to us once, usually we meet another couple and stay in the same place several times and then don't see each other again until Santiago.
I also read and comment on the Camino forum. Does that make me a double addict?
I don't care, it's a healthy addiction and at 74 who cares what anyone else thinks .
FYI, we just returned from walking July 2 and leave again for Spain August 22. Hummm

 

[NualaOC]

Watching The Way is downright dangerous. We watched it again a couple of weeks ago and somehow ended up finding (and then booking) the cheapest flights we've ever seen ..... €19.99 from Dublin to Madrid and €39.00 from Santiago to Dublin in October. The movie should carry a warning for us repeat offenders, especially those of us who still have to work for a living

And yes, we do of course know that it's Hollywood and not true to life etc. etc. etc., but it's nice 'gentle' viewing with a glass of Rioja. It's also fun to laugh at the bits that are totally unrealistic.

 

[Mournes]

I love the documentary “I’ll push you” and the French “La Mecque - St Jacques”...

I hope that you get the opportunity to see the documentary ,The Camino Voyage.It follows a group of Irish pilgrims who built their own boat and row to Santiago ,no mean feat.The journey takes them along the west coast of
France and the northern coast of Spain i.e the Camino del Norte which I have walked several times.It is beautifully filmed .It is subtitled because the pilgrims are native Irish speakers and that adds to the poignancy of the documentary.I found it a very emotional experience.I saw it earlier this year ,here in Belfast N Ireland.

 

[kelleymac]

I watch the Way about once a year, when I am thinking about a certain place on the Frances, and want a view of it again. (Though, it's often not in movie.) I was in Burgos for two days in April before I walked to Leon, and was curious to see how they showed Burgos and if there was any of the Maseta in the movie. --

 

[pelerine]

I hope that you get the opportunity to see the documentary ,The Camino Voyage.It follows a group of Irish pilgrims who built their own boat and row to Santiago ,no mean feat.The journey takes them along the west coast of
France and the northern coast of Spain i.e the Camino del Norte which I have walked several times.It is beautifully filmed .It is subtitled because the pilgrims are native Irish speakers and that adds to the poignancy of the documentary.I found it a very emotional experience.I saw it earlier this year ,here in Belfast N Ireland.

Sounds most interesting. Thank you for the recommendation. I have just been to the website and found that one can see the movie in selected cinemas. No mention of buying it. Will try to contact them....

 

[jdpiguet]

I love the documentary “I’ll push you” and the French “La Mecque - St Jacques”...

Yes, one more for "St-Jacques La Mecque"!
I must admit that I even convert it from DVD to file in order to be able to watch it on my phone...
But not when I am walking!
Buen Camino, Jacques-D.

 

[Chris Gi]

I love the documentary “I’ll push you” and the French “La Mecque - St Jacques”...

I’ll Push You is a great documentary to watch. So much more inspirational than The Way.

 

[tomnorth]

I’ve watched “The Way” more times than I can count. I’ve also listened to the soundtrack while driving even more times.

 

[KinkyOne]

... and the French “La Mecque - St Jacques”...

It was the movie where I first heard about Camino. Just love it.

Saint-Jacques... La Mecque (2005) ⭐ 6.3 | Comedy, Drama

1h 50m

www.imdb.com

 

[The Kolbist]

I watch "Footprints: The path of your Life" probably at least twice a month. However, it's only in Netflix. There's prolly a chance most have not heard of this documentary. For me it's the "Real Pilgrimage Camino movie".

 

[MichaelF4]

Any fan of the film and of the Camino in general should plan on making a stop at El Molino just outside of Hornillos del Camino just after Burgos. It's a beautiful old mill turned into a country inn and its connection to the film is a story that could have come straight from Hollywood.

 

[pelerine]

I hope that you get the opportunity to see the documentary ,The Camino Voyage.It follows a group of Irish pilgrims who built their own boat and row to Santiago ,no mean feat.The journey takes them along the west coast of
France and the northern coast of Spain i.e the Camino del Norte which I have walked several times.It is beautifully filmed .It is subtitled because the pilgrims are native Irish speakers and that adds to the poignancy of the documentary.I found it a very emotional experience.I saw it earlier this year ,here in Belfast N Ireland.

I had started writing this and it disappeared - where to I do not know...
Anyway, I have just received an answer from the makers of the Camino Voyage: "THE CAMINO VOYAGE will be available on VOD and DVD from November 1st, 2019." Voila! How about that!!!

 

[Mournes]

I had started writing this and it disappeared - where to I do not know...
Anyway, I have just received an answer from the makers of the Camino Voyage: "THE CAMINO VOYAGE will be available on VOD and DVD from November 1st, 2019." Voila! How about that!!!

Magnifique.

 

[Telelama]

Have you seen the version on YouTube that is 8 minutes longer? I feel like it was the original edited version, but I don't know that for fact. It helps fill-out a few story lines, makes a few lines make more sense. For example, his son Dan comes back to visit him when he's dumping the last of the ashes in the ocean at Muxia.

 

[VNwalking]

€19.99 from Dublin to Madrid and €39.00 from Santiago to Dublin in October.

Nuala, you've just made many of us here cry. And the rest have rushed off to find just where those tickets can be had..
Just...WOW.
(So. Where will you go??)

Anyway, I have just received an answer from the makers of the Camino Voyage: "THE CAMINO VOYAGE will be available on VOD and DVD from November 1st, 2019." Voila! How about that!!!

Wonderful!

 

[Walking Lover]

Synopsis:

A few people meet and connect from St Jean to Burgos (1 hour mark is 6 days in on average). Fast forward to Cruz de ferro. Then fast forward to Santiago. No blisters. No rain. No bad experiences except an exaggerated one at an albergue in Tores de Rio.

Tribute: I’ll be honest, this movies is why I did my first Frances hike and the next 3 and my Portuguese hike. And why I’m planning a Norte and Primitivo hike. And have the map framed on my wall.

But after hiking the Camino Frances 4 times (and even before) I still love watching the movie to remind me of the incredible journey. FYI I probably watch it once a month. Forget the accuracy, I’m happy with her nostalgia.

Even after hiking, how much do you watch and “try” to remember?

Me, too.

 

[Bob P]

I saw it before.
I've only watched it once since my journey. I tell prospective pilgrims that although I thought the movie was nice,,, my Camino was even better!
The memories are worth watching again.
I cried a dozen times watching it afterwards and that would NEVER have happened before my trip.
So yes, I still think it's a good introduction.

 

[trecile]

I've watched it twice. The first time before I went on my first Camino, because I wanted to get a feeling of what the Camino is like.
I watched it the second time a few months after returning from my first Camino. I kept yelling at the screen "why are you wearing jeans? Your laundry will never dry!"

I've watched I'll Push You a couple of times. A real tear jerker, and I like the message of the movie - that we are all part of a community - we need each other, and it's a gift to others to allow them to help.

 

[CAJohn]

I haven’t yet watched it. Not sure why not.

 

[NualaOC]

Nuala, you've just made many of us here cry. And the rest have rushed off to find just where those tickets can be had..
Just...WOW.
(So. Where will you go??)

Thanks @VNwalking! We'll walk from León to Santiago. I promised the Camino Mendocino folk that I'd continue my walk to Santiago and record Guadalajara as my starting point at the Pilgrim Office. I didn't expect to be able to do it this year, but carpe diem and all that!

 

[NorthernLight]

I watched it the second time a few months after returning from my first Camino. I kept yelling at the screen "why are you wearing jeans? Your laundry will never dry!"

Apropos of not much, I recently heard a discussion on the radio about denim and fine fabric care ... and basically they said you should never wash jeans, and rarely wash high quality clothing. The washing breaks down the fabric. It should be spot washed for stains, brushed and occassionly put in the freezer to kill any vermin (i.e. bacteria).

Perhaps jeans would save on laundry on the camino....

 

[VNwalking]

I promised the Camino Mendocino folk that I'd continue my walk to Santiago and record Guadalajara as my starting point at the Pilgrim Office. I didn't expect to be able to do it this year, but carpe diem and all that!

Off topic, but Woo hooooo, Nuala!

 

[Doug Delfeld]

It brings me to tears.
I went to a screening in 2010 of a movie???
Didn’t know anything about. At the end of the movie the lights went up and there in the first row were Martin Sheen and Emilio Estovez.
They were promoting The Way and they did a Q&A for 1/2 and hour. It took us 3 years to get it together and in2013 we did our first of four Caminos. The last being the Portuguese.
I watch the way , one my phone, when ever a feel too Caught up life.
I thought “I’ll Push You” was so inspirational I volunteered to help push in their next adventure.
All in all for me, The Way was a wake up call to life. After so many years,74, of climbing the ladder of life, the Camino has become my way of chilling out and reconnecting with God and people in a common unity of helping each other through the daily challenges of the Camino-life.
Thank you God for your beautiful creation.

 

[Phoenix]

I like to think of The Way movie as a primer for those who know nothing about Camino. I'll recommend it to someone who is curious/intrigued by the thought of Camino, along with the caveat that it's definitely a simplified Hollywood version that captures the essence of the Camino rather than being an accurate depiction.

 

[Anthony18]

BTW, message me for any questions about gear or albergue or anything. One thing I swear by is greasing your toes and heals prior to putting on socks and shoes. Never had a blister after my first Camino.

Same for me. I used some foot moisturizer followed by Vaseline. Worked like a charm. Also, never walked too fast.

 

[longwalker60]

Synopsis:

A few people meet and connect from St Jean to Burgos (1 hour mark is 6 days in on average). Fast forward to Cruz de ferro. Then fast forward to Santiago. No blisters. No rain. No bad experiences except an exaggerated one at an albergue in Tores de Rio.

Tribute: I’ll be honest, this movies is why I did my first Frances hike and the next 3 and my Portuguese hike. And why I’m planning a Norte and Primitivo hike. And have the map framed on my wall.

But after hiking the Camino Frances 4 times (and even before) I still love watching the movie to remind me of the incredible journey. FYI I probably watch it once a month. Forget the accuracy, I’m happy with her nostalgia.

Even after hiking, how much do you watch and “try” to remember?
[
Like you, the movie motivated me to do the walk, love the move and the sound track is great also. I highly recommend purchasing it. One thing, the movie hit home to me, was the friendship and the fellowship. We are all on the journey and journey never ends. Wish I could go back tomorrow!

 

[La Brique Jaune]

Hi to All,

I watched the "the way" so many time, I miss the Camino. There is an another movie call "Tres en el Camino". The second explain more how the pilgrims feel :disappointment ,dolor... This one too I watched so many times and and why not to continue ?. And is in Spanish...so a good way the learn the language.

For me "the way" brings me to the Camino and the other will brings me back.

 

[La Brique Jaune]

And just after watching "The Way" I started to research on the web about the Camino, and found this forum, without knowing it I was preparing my Camino for 3 years after, I watched Star wars many time but theses movies never changed my life.

 

[Lisa HS]

I like to think of The Way movie as a primer for those who know nothing about Camino. I'll recommend it to someone who is curious/intrigued by the thought of Camino, along with the caveat that it's definitely a simplified Hollywood version that captures the essence of the Camino rather than being an accurate depiction.

I love the movie, and that's exactly how I use it Phoenix. And, I add the additional caveat that two unrealistic parts of the movie are the no one ever has blisters or gets rained on. Also, not everyone ends up with a "Camino family". Other than that it's a pretty good representation of what the Camino feels like. BTW, another wonderful, inspirational movie is Phil's Camino. http://philscamino.com

 

[Hawkeye]

Watching the movie the first time four years ago planted the seed in my head, and I finally did the Senda Littoral out of Porto last year. Trying to make a movie that reflects everyone's differing experiences/views/opinions of the Camino is impossible. I am thankful for the movie because it educated me on the Camino when I otherwise would not have known it existed.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I love the documentary “I’ll push you” and the French “La Mecque - St Jacques”...

I loved, loved, loved "I'll Push You"!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

It was the movie where I first heard about Camino. Just love it.

Saint-Jacques... La Mecque (2005) ⭐ 6.3 | Comedy, Drama

1h 50m

www.imdb.com

Thanks, Kinky...can't wait to look this one up!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I stumbled on "The Way" by accident in 2014 and loved the movie. It also propelled the idea to consider walking the camino as I knew I would be taking early retirement the following year. It doesn't bother me if parts are unrealistic or cheesy as it's not claiming to be a factual account or a documentary; it's entertainment, so I have no reason to be critical...I just enjoy watching, along with the awesome accompanying music.
I purchased my own copy and have lent it to friends and family so they can get an idea of what the Camino is about, but always make sure my dvd is returned.
I only watch "The Way" once a year, but each time it is a special experience for me!

 

[Hilarious]

Any fan of the film and of the Camino in general should plan on making a stop at El Molino just outside of Hornillos del Camino just after Burgos. It's a beautiful old mill turned into a country inn and its connection to the film is a story that could have come straight from Hollywood.

Hi MichaelF4. I start my first Camino on 19 September from SJPdP. We have booked a couple of places that we particularly wanted to stay at from recommendations we had. Molino Galosches is one of them.

 

[Herndon]

Insomniac...as I was getting ready to change careers after over thirty years I planned on taking several months to reset and figure out what I wanted to do next...I would frequently awake in the middle of the night and eventually give up on sleeping and turn on the TV...flipping channels numerous times I came upon The Way...of course being a rationally minded individual, I chalked it up to randomness and probability....not really...just booked tickets this afternoon for Lisbon...plan on a two week stroll from Lisbon to Porto end of next month...and I am sure I will watch the movie at least one time before I leave....

 

[Lindsay53]

I found the movie when I was doing my camino research, and watched it before I left. Interesting and entertaining, but unrealistic and does not really capture the spirit of the camino as I found it. The whole 'camino family' thing I found very overdone. I will watch it again some time though.

 

[MoniRose]

My first red flag? They are wearing denim. But I love the movie and it was my inspiration for my first Camino.

 

[jethro bodine]

Synopsis:

A few people meet and connect from St Jean to Burgos (1 hour mark is 6 days in on average). Fast forward to Cruz de ferro. Then fast forward to Santiago. No blisters. No rain. No bad experiences except an exaggerated one at an albergue in Tores de Rio.

Tribute: I’ll be honest, this movies is why I did my first Frances hike and the next 3 and my Portuguese hike. And why I’m planning a Norte and Primitivo hike. And have the map framed on my wall.

But after hiking the Camino Frances 4 times (and even before) I still love watching the movie to remind me of the incredible journey. FYI I probably watch it once a month. Forget the accuracy, I’m happy with her nostalgia.

Even after hiking, how much do you watch and “try” to remember?

Synopsis:

A few people meet and connect from St Jean to Burgos (1 hour mark is 6 days in on average). Fast forward to Cruz de ferro. Then fast forward to Santiago. No blisters. No rain. No bad experiences except an exaggerated one at an albergue in Tores de Rio.

Tribute: I’ll be honest, this movies is why I did my first Frances hike and the next 3 and my Portuguese hike. And why I’m planning a Norte and Primitivo hike. And have the map framed on my wall.

But after hiking the Camino Frances 4 times (and even before) I still love watching the movie to remind me of the incredible journey. FYI I probably watch it once a month. Forget the accuracy, I’m happy with her nostalgia.

Even after hiking, how much do you watch and “try” to remember?

Love to see fans of "The Way". I have in my possession the "El Ramon" stamp. If interested, contact me at (scottmack222@gmail.com) to see how to obtain a stamp.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

I wish people would stop referring to "The Way" as a "Hollywood" movie, It was very much an independent and personal production. Hollywood had no interest in it being made.

 

[The Kolbist]

I wish people would stop referring to "The Way" as a "Hollywood" movie, It was very much an independent and personal production. Hollywood had no interest in it being made.

I believe it was labeled as "Hollywood" because the script is worthy of hollywood label, it was very entertaining, there's some sort of exaggeration, some of the stuff are not real or uncamino-like, Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez are top-tier Hollywood stars but other than that, you are right, Hollywood usually would not touch or support any movie that is even slightly or even remotely related to the Christian religion.

 

[pjacobi]

For a more realistic view of the Camino, watch "Six Ways to Santiago"

Home - Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago

Previous Next Over 2000 airings on PBS stations with 1.2 million viewers. 90% on Rotten Tomatoes ★★★★★ 5/5 Buy or Rent Compra o Alquila

caminodocumentary.org

-Paul

 

[Marla in CA]

I would consider being tossed in jail a bad experience.

I watch The Way a few times a year when donating platlets at the Red Cross. You get hooked up to a machine for two hours with a needle in each arm so they have individual TV/DVD players and, at my donation center at least, a huge assortment of movies. I often grab The Way first (bright yellow cover makes this easy) and if I can't find something else suiting me by the time of my hookup that's what I watch. It takes as much time to watch as for them to suck out whatever they want from me. They tell me it is a very popular DVD.

I am donating platelets at the Red Cross tomorrow! I donate frequently, and yes, they have many movies, and even relatively new ones. BUt they don't have The Way, or else I would watch that. But that is okay, I have watched it 3 times this past year.....

 

[Marla in CA]

My first red flag? They are wearing denim. But I love the movie and it was my inspiration for my first Camino.

Mine too @MoniRose. Saw it 4 or 5 years ago when my friends told me about it while they were on the Camino. Leaving in less than 3 weeks for my first Camino!!

 

[bbates225]

Synopsis:

A few people meet and connect from St Jean to Burgos (1 hour mark is 6 days in on average). Fast forward to Cruz de ferro. Then fast forward to Santiago. No blisters. No rain. No bad experiences except an exaggerated one at an albergue in Tores de Rio.

Tribute: I’ll be honest, this movies is why I did my first Frances hike and the next 3 and my Portuguese hike. And why I’m planning a Norte and Primitivo hike. And have the map framed on my wall.

But after hiking the Camino Frances 4 times (and even before) I still love watching the movie to remind me of the incredible journey. FYI I probably watch it once a month. Forget the accuracy, I’m happy with her nostalgia.

Even after hiking, how much do you watch and “try” to remember?

I did my first Camino in 2017 because of The Way... loved it. Watched it so many times I could quote it. Still love it, still watch it.