Monday, May 2, 2011

The Way Back (2010)

The Way Back (2010)
The Way Back (2010)

Genre: Drama
Director: Peter Weir
Starring: Jim Sturgess, Colin Farrell, Ed Harris, Saoirse Ronan, Mark Strong, Dragoş Bucur, Gustaf Skarsgård
Duration: 133 min.
Rating: 7.8/10

Summary:
An epic story of survival, solidarity and indomitable human will.  A small band of multicultural convicts stages a daring escape from a World War II-era Siberian gulag, and embarks on a treacherous journey across five countries in a desperate race for freedom and survival.


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The Way Back is a film by Australian director Peter Weir (Picnic at Hanging Rock), based on a novel by Slawomir Rawicz.  It tells the remarkable story of a group of prisoners who escape from a Siberian Gulag during WWII and walk 4000 miles to freedom.

It is wonderfully filmed, with some really epic scenery and locations, and the grueling weather conditions from frozen tundra to scorching deserts are captured perfectly.  The diverse cast is excellent with great performances from Colin Farrell, Ed Harris, the amazing young actress Saoirse Ronan, and my favorite Romanian actor Dragoş Bucur as the wisecracking funny man.

All in all this is one of the best releases of 2010.  However, the ending is a bit of a let down and doesn't quite deliver the emotional impact that it could have with better story development.        

The Way Back (2010)

The Way Back (2010)

The Way Back (2010)

The Way Back (2010)

The Way Back (2010)

The Way Back (2010)

The Way Back (2010)

The Way Back (2010)
 

14 comments:

The Angry Vegetarian said...

I want you to know I'll check this out based mainly on your recommendation. I'm not a fan of Collin Farrel by any means, but with Ed Harris and your comments on it I'll definitely watch it. As much as I love films I shouldn't be as childish as I am with avoiding movies just because of someone I don't like.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

I'm not especially a fan of his either, but I never realized he was so universally hated.

Chris said...

I quite enjoyed The Way Back, visually stunning, although I think I agree with rottentomatoes that the characters could have been more likeable, they didn't get under my skin and stay with me like some other similar movies have done.
Having said that, the film kept my attention, was a little overlong maybe.

Guy Movie Blogger said...

I loved this one. It didn't feel nearly as long as the running time suggests, and I agree about the ending, it was kind of... well... felt sort of rushed. Still one of the best this year though!

Lesya said...

It looks interesting, but I'm always reluctant to see a film in which Farrel stars. However, I'm curious about Ronan's performance in this one.

Jack L said...

I thought this one was really good as well.
I was surprised at how convincing Farrell's performance was.

Also, Saoirse Ronan really impressed me here, which makes me look forward to watching Hanna even more...

Beasts in Human Skin said...

I plan on checking this out just because I'm an Ed Harris fan.

Matt S. said...

This is a film that has been on my list for awhile now. Farrell and Harris are great actors in my opinion, and I have heard that this is one of Farrell's best, so I thought I should check it out, Good to see the positive review, nice work!

Moviemonstrosity said...

ed harris? colin farell? i'm in

Hermann Rorschach said...

Yeah, this was good, and I thought it was done well. I think I was just ragging on Farell too. How can he be a part of this AND the remake to Fright Night? WTH, Colin?

Adalmin said...

Colin Farrell? A good performance? I think this movie might need to be preserved as a symbol of utmost rarity then :P

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah I wish they showed more of the final part of the trek through the mountains, but I can see why they didn't because it could have been a bit too tedious.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Farrell's role is only a supporting one and is surprisingly good. I love Ronan and while she doesn't exactly steal the show here, she is still excellent.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah, It's amazing what she's already accomplished so young. I hope it doesn't lead to burning out early.

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