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Man alive, I knew nothing about Dark Side of the Moon being connected (allegedly) either. I know this thread kind of took a turn but I’m enjoying it! It’s getting me out from under the rock I’ve apparently been living under.So.... all we need to do now is watch it with Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" for a soundtrack and the circle would be complete, no?!
Yes. Thank you for the reminder.Without wishing to detract from the heart of this thread, has anyone seen the original The Way? A genius of Camino documentary making.
You can find it on YouTube under its Spanish name.I, too, was unaware of this film so have googled and found this forum link with 14 comments. It sounds interesting, but being it's so old I'm not sure I can see it.
Within the Way Without | Camino de Santiago Forum
Amazing story. Thank you for sharing.I first watched this movie sometime after it’s release without knowing the spark it lit would have a profound outcome on my life. I first heard about the Camino in high school during a course on religious history (1975). However, it was the film that brought the idea of a pilgrimage into focus. I found the movie inspiring, and the portrayal of a grieving father on his quest compelling. Then in 2013 I was diagnosed with cancer and the surgery to remove it was extremely complicated and potentially lethal. I was told that meditation would help me remain calm and centered while waiting a month for the surgery. They suggested I envision my future in one year, ten years, twenty years etc. I began seeing myself walking the Camino in one year, walking again in ten years with my soon to be born grandson, and in twenty years with any future grandchildren. I survived the surgery and rising from the bed for the first time asked my daughter for a hand to “walk the Camino” to the bathroom. I explained my vision and friends and family quickly got onboard, each helping me “walk the Camino”. Every day I was able to walk just a bit further, to the front door, down the drive way, across the street, and around the block. Three months later I was in SJPP beginning a journey of 500 miles. That first Camino grounded me for what was to come. For nearly eight more years I fought to survive and overcome severe and debilitating illness. Yet, through it all, I still focused on my vision of walking the Camino with my grandson. Last May 2023 we found ourselves in SJPP in the very same Albergue I began in 10 years previous. The vision became reality. Now my 3 year old grandson is begging to walk the Camino. I smile as the elder grandson assures him that when he is 10 years old we will take him too. It was the movie that inspired me to first walk, and once you walk….well, you all know that leads to so much more. The movie is just a story, a story that lit a spark. I am grateful that Emilio and his father are storytellers who wove a story about one man’s heartbreak and transformation on the Camino, attempted to capture just a bit of the possibilities and feel of the walk, actually filmed it on one of the many routes, and then shared it with us. View attachment 164271
Loved itA recent post about a sequel to the the Way elicited many responses, and a few people thought a poll would be interesting. I agree, wondering what the silent people here think, not merely those of us who feel strongly enough to post their opinions.
So what's the current general feeling here on the Forum about this movie that's become iconic?
The poll is anonymous.
There is no need to post a message after you vote. But if you feel called to do so, please be kind. Opinions are opinions. None are right or wrong - they're just opinions. Kindly keep it to yourself if you feel other people are stupid or insufferable snobs (or whatever) for having them.
What a lovely story. Thank you for sharing.I don't think I could say the film on its own inspired me to want to walk the Camino, but it was certainly one of the things that added to the desire to. My love affair with the Camino was sparked probably before the film existed on our many road trips across NW Spain, and this led me to eventually find the film.
It has however had a massive impact on my wider circle of those close to me. The below would not have happened without this movie.
When my adopted father in-law (Lyndon) was diagnosed with the C, and we knew his time was limited, we would every Sunday go round to his house and project films on to the living room wall (they were old school with no TV). The first film we watched was The Way, and this then turned in to a weekly Camino obsession where along with watching The Way again we watched many other Camino related documentaries and films (I Will Push You etc). Often with some tapas type snacks and occasional guinness.
It had a big effect on my father in-law. There is something about the idea of the Camino that is redemptive, uplifting, inspiring and soothing in that it can give you sense that there is magic left in the world, and because of this hope that the end is not the end (in a religious or spiritual way and obviously of course not for everyone). For me, and others The Way captures this in varying degrees and lights a spark.
These afternoons and the Camino provided great comfort and interest to my father in-law, and often his grandson Harry (my godson) who was 12 at the time would join us as well as my adopted mother in-law (Dinah). These are some of my fondest memories, and these days brought us all closer, and it started with this film.
As the end was creeping ever closer me and my godson went and collected a selection of stones from Lyndons favourite beaches, he and Dinah chose two each. One would be for Cruz de Ferro, and as per the tradition represented any burden/regrets he still carried (which I can't imagine could be many), and the other was to go into the sea at Finisterre – in a way meaning they both got to do the Camino in some way. An idea inspired by the film.
Whilst I walked the Camino because of the loss of Flora my dog, I carried the stones to Cruz de Ferro (as well as one of my own). I didn't want to take them without my Godson been there, but I compromised and took the stones for Cruz de Ferro. One day Harry and myself will deliver the other stones of his grandparents to the waters of Finisterre (maybe after the Primitivo this summer).
So yes, The Way touches people by the many ways it portrays and symbolises the Camino, but not all people. And that is the beauty of life, we are all different.
View attachment 164209
Excellent review. IMO The Way is no more than a film - to maintain interest it has got to have some ridiculous events about every 10 to 15 minutes. I enjoyed the camino but would have avoided these characters like the plague.I have watched this movie about four times. I saw it for the first time about four years after I joined this forum and two years before my wife and I managed to walk most of the Camino Frances. The movie increased my interest in spending more than a month walking this route. But here's what has made it hard for me to really like this film:
The main character is basically unlikeable
Almost nobody can put on another person's kit, especially footwear, and just walk for a month
The notion of a "Camino Family" is misleading, IMHO. It's hard to walk together for days on end with anyone due to each person's naturally different footspeed coupled with the length of each walking day. It's also naturally difficult to sustain a conversation with a stranger for more than a day or two
The Irishman's introduction is preposterous
The stolen backpack and the Roma plotting is also preposterous
People don't arrive at their destination and immediately sit down to drink and then drink to excess. They go to their bed, shower, and maybe wash some clothes. Then at dinner and into the evening people drink. Maybe a drink before dinner, also.
We arrived in SdC and had walked far enough. We walked to/from Fisterre on another Camino. Three people joining Tom to walk for a few more days is another notion of the film that seems, well, just the way Hollywood rolls.
Finally, the movie underscores Toms' transformation. But is transformation possible at Tom's age (or at my slightly older age)? Unlikely, although the movie's main character, as portrayed, certainly needs to do some major tweaking to his curmudgeon-like character. However, if you are looking or searching for a transformative experience, give the Camino a month of your time. It might work for you. And even if it doesn't, I think you'll enjoy yourself and gain some knowledge about yourself as well as the culture and people you experience along Your way.
I'm 99% sure, please correct me if I'm wrong, that it was the *character* Tom, not the *person*, Martin Sheen, who didn't learn any spanish or french.I have to say it was the film that inspired me to do my first camino. I do take the point about Martin Sheen not making the effort not to learn Spanish. When I arrive I Spain I couldn't speak a word of Spanish, but by the end of my camino I could get by comfortably, so no excuse.
Correct, direct quote from Martin Sheen: "I try to speak Spanish but I'm not to good at it"I'm 99% sure, please correct me if I'm wrong, that it was the *character* Tom, not the *person*, Martin Sheen, who didn't learn any spanish or french.
In other words he did make an effortCorrect, direct quote from Martin Sheen: "I try to speak Spanish but I'm not to good at it"
The OP was in reference to the character in any caseWell, he is half Spanish
IIRC, the Ugly American was the one who got his hands dirty working with the people, not the arrogant Ambassador, per the book.Many people have enjoyed the movie, and some have been inspired to do their own Camino. So that’s good.
I wanted to like it, but the two times I have viewed I found it literally unwatchable and could not finish it.
Particularly problematic for me was the arrogant way that Martin Sheen’s character couldn’t be bothered to learn even a few words of French or Spanish. The ‘Ugly American’ stereotype.
"Almost nobody can put on another person's kit, especially footwear, and just walk for a month"I have watched this movie about four times. I saw it for the first time about four years after I joined this forum and two years before my wife and I managed to walk most of the Camino Frances. The movie increased my interest in spending more than a month walking this route. But here's what has made it hard for me to really like this film:
The main character is basically unlikeable
Almost nobody can put on another person's kit, especially footwear, and just walk for a month
The notion of a "Camino Family" is misleading, IMHO. It's hard to walk together for days on end with anyone due to each person's naturally different footspeed coupled with the length of each walking day. It's also naturally difficult to sustain a conversation with a stranger for more than a day or two
The Irishman's introduction is preposterous
The stolen backpack and the Roma plotting is also preposterous
People don't arrive at their destination and immediately sit down to drink and then drink to excess. They go to their bed, shower, and maybe wash some clothes. Then at dinner and into the evening people drink. Maybe a drink before dinner, also.
We arrived in SdC and had walked far enough. We walked to/from Fisterre on another Camino. Three people joining Tom to walk for a few more days is another notion of the film that seems, well, just the way Hollywood rolls.
Finally, the movie underscores Toms' transformation. But is transformation possible at Tom's age (or at my slightly older age)? Unlikely, although the movie's main character, as portrayed, certainly needs to do some major tweaking to his curmudgeon-like character. However, if you are looking or searching for a transformative experience, give the Camino a month of your time. It might work for you. And even if it doesn't, I think you'll enjoy yourself and gain some knowledge about yourself as well as the culture and people you experience along Your way.
I watched the movie hundreds, maybe over a thousand, times. I vote 10. The movie is iconic by definition, and it has informed and compelled thousands, more likely hundreds of thousands of people to walk the Camino.A recent post about a sequel to the the Way elicited many responses, and a few people thought a poll would be interesting. I agree, wondering what the silent people here think, not merely those of us who feel strongly enough to post their opinions.
So what's the current general feeling here on the Forum about this movie that's become iconic?
The poll is anonymous.
There is no need to post a message after you vote. But if you feel called to do so, please be kind. Opinions are opinions. None are right or wrong - they're just opinions. Kindly keep it to yourself if you feel other people are stupid or insufferable snobs (or whatever) for having them.
No, it doesn't!I plan to watch, The Way, this weekend for my 58th birthday as I plan to Camino on my 60th. I heard the movie was not filmed on location, except for a couple of places. Does this detract from the authenticity of the film?
Another satisfied customer.What an amazing story. I am watching The Way now. Just stopped for a pause.
I watch it so I can say to whomever is watching it with me that I once interviewed James NesbittA recent post about a sequel to the the Way elicited many responses, and a few people thought a poll would be interesting. I agree, wondering what the silent people here think, not merely those of us who feel strongly enough to post their opinions.
So what's the current general feeling here on the Forum about this movie that's become iconic?
The poll is anonymous.
There is no need to post a message after you vote. But if you feel called to do so, please be kind. Opinions are opinions. None are right or wrong - they're just opinions. Kindly keep it to yourself if you feel other people are stupid or insufferable snobs (or whatever) for having them.
I have no idea who that is. And couldn't care less. Ask me about Visigothic architecture, or geology along the way, or different routes and tracks from A to B, though, and I'll be interested.James Nesbitt
Among many.Another satisfied customer.
Welcome here, VmK. This place is like a very big virtual albergue. We often disagree, but there is more cordiality than not.Of course, I had my reservation that this only happens in the movie and might not be in real. Well, I am very new to this forum and in fact just a day old. I have already experienced the Camino spirit of others responding to my question and sharing their experience.
I would say it’s the other way around.I plan to watch, The Way, this weekend for my 58th birthday as I plan to Camino on my 60th. I heard the movie was not filmed on location, except for a couple of places. Does this detract from the authenticity of the film?
I love it, I bought it and have shown it to many people often igniting a sincere interest in walking at least part of the Camino. The best thing for me about having bought the DVD is the alternate audio with Emilio Estevez, Martin Sheen and others with stories about the filming, actors and locations. Thumbs up for me!A recent post about a sequel to the the Way elicited many responses, and a few people thought a poll would be interesting. I agree, wondering what the silent people here think, not merely those of us who feel strongly enough to post their opinions.
So what's the current general feeling here on the Forum about this movie that's become iconic?
The poll is anonymous.
There is no need to post a message after you vote. But if you feel called to do so, please be kind. Opinions are opinions. None are right or wrong - they're just opinions. Kindly keep it to yourself if you feel other people are stupid or insufferable snobs (or whatever) for having them.
As they might say in another context: 'Don't forget to vote!'I love it,
Here's a list of the film's locations. I know that there is a thread (or threads) where some unknown locations were hunted down by members using photos. Perhaps it was later posts in this thread though. There are a couple of versions of the film so timings listed may not match the version of the film you have.I plan to watch, The Way, this weekend for my 58th birthday as I plan to Camino on my 60th. I heard the movie was not filmed on location, except for a couple of places. Does this detract from the authenticity of the film?
Very true. The average Camino walk for the average pilgrim would make a dreadfully boring movie to someone with no knowledge of the Camino. Just check out 99.99% of the youtube videos on the Camino. Not very entertaining or even informative at all. Usually scored with some over dramatic music, and filled with cheesy, wannabe philosophical ramblings on. I find it difficult to find one I am interested in watching. There's a few, and those are ones made by a lone pilgrim, no background music. Just walking and what they're experiencing.I didn’t respond to the Poll because I felt different about the movie after I walked it.
I really liked the movie initially and it partially inspired me walk the CF. I also read several books including Walk in a Relaxed Manner which enhanced my desire to walk it.
However, after I walked the CF I realized the movie only showed a small section of the Camino and provided more drama than most of us experience (thankfully) as we walk. In fairness, movies need to make money.
Prior to our first camino (but after seeing The Way) we saw that movie in a theater with the producer there for an introduction and a question answering session after. Before the movie began she asked for a show of hands as to who wanted to go. Ours went up but being in the front we didn't see how many others did. After the showing she asked again and reported "Not as many" but she added that it varied from city to city.My wife and I watched the movie "Six ways to Santiago" about six different people doing their own independent CF. It was only 20 minutes into the movie when I turned to my wife and said "I have to do that"
Amen.dreadfully boring movie to someone with no knowledge of the Camino. Just check out 99.99% of the youtube videos on the Camino
That may be partly why I was not specially inspired or moved by the movie. While I found the film quite entertaining it did not tell me anything about the Camino which I had not already found out through my reading, through conversations with other pilgrims, or by walking the Camino Frances twice myself.Years ago when few people were walking, a camino memoir made sense. But not now, with many thousands of people walking each year. We're not at all special, people! Not anymore.
I agree, the thread was definitely worth the read!Thank you everyone for all your wonderful stories.
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