Der Salzpfad

I knew nothing of the source material memoir (never even knew it existed), so that didn't color my experience. As a man in his early 60s, what I saw was an authentic relationship of a middle-aged couple embarking on a journey to put a crisis behind them, still deeply in love despite it all and there for each other, support each other and rest in one another. The screenplay might have felt meandering at times, but that's because it's not the three-act "Hero's Journey" we're used to. Moth and Ray are literally trying to find their way after their life is upended, and the characters they meet along that path are various aspects of life. If you're willing to let things unfold, highly recommended.

I' will confess that I was slightly underwhelmed by this film but nonetheless I still enjoyed it. Although the basis is based on real events there are no great surprises and this kind of thing has been seen before in other films in recent years such as A Walk In the Woods or The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.but

That being said, Jason Isaacs and Gillian Anderson are both excellent and hold the slight story together very well. Anderson has never looked less glamorous as she does here and is almost unrecognisable putting in an understated but believable performance. Isaac's similarly looked different to what we've seen him in before and shows us all that given a good script he is actually a surprisingly deep actor. The two of them work very well together and you really do feel their despair and believe their love for each other keeps them strangely optimistic, dignified and grateful for small mercies.

The film does sag a little bit in places and doesn't really expand much on what led to their bankruptcy. That said though the film is a small scale effort held together by some big performances. Perhaps not essential viewing but a rewarding one nonetheless.

Based on the true story of Moth (Jason Isaacs) and Ray (Gillian Anderson) Winn, who after losing their house in an unspecified court procedure, discover that Moth has an incurable illness. Homeless, they decide to walk from Minehead to Land's End. After many difficulties and adventures they arrive, but with a brand new existential mindset based around 'home' being not their old farmhouse, but wherever they happen to be.

It's a lovely story written from Ray's 600 pages of notes she wrote during their journey, and in a nutshell sends a message of never give up, always keep hope, recognise what you have instead of what you haven't.

Isaacs plays an excellent part, Anderson is good, but lacks the depth of acting needed to make the role great. There's some beautiful countryside and great editing and all in all I give it a solid 7.

My Review - The Salt Path- in cinemas now My Rating 8/10

It may sound odd to compare the teaming of superb British actors Jason Isaacs and Gillian Anderson in The Salt Path to Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn in the classic 1951 movie The African Queen however that's the quality of their performances.

I'm not saying The Salt Path is the same calibre movie as The African Queen or that the subject matter is similar it's the rapport and chemistry of its two main characters.

The Salt Path is beautifully directed by Marianne Elliott with a screenplay by Rebecca Lenkiewicz. It's based on the 2018 memoir of the same name by Raynor Winn.

Gillian Anderson can play any role ranging from the Grand Duchess Joanna in The Great , a superb Margaret Thatcher in The Crown to DSU Stella Gibson in The Fall.

In The Salt Path she plays Raynor Winn married to Moth Winn who lose their home a farm in Staffordshire after being sued by a friend who they had guaranteed a business.

A week after being evicted from their farm and now homeless Moth is diagnosed with a rare incurable painful life threatening disease named corticobasal degeneration.

Then to top of the bitter taste of poverty they are told when they consult social security that there is a two-year waiting list for non-emergency housing.

What can they do ? When Raynor suggests they just walk Moth replies "oh well we've got nothing better to do " So they set off on a long and arduous 630 mile walk known as The South West Coast Path with a guide book by Paddy Dillon.

On the walk they come to terms with the shame of homelessless and the scorn of some people they meet. Others offer sympathy and assistance. As they walk, Moth slowly grows in strength.

There's a hilarious scene when Moth is mistaken for the poet laureate, Simon Armitage, who is also walking the path somewhere, and treated with humour when he denies it.

Moth's declining health starts to improve as their walk proceeds and the love and dedication of their relationship is obviously a great reason for that as they both face being stripped of every material asset and just rely on hope and faith in each other.

I found The Salt Path a very moving and interesting experience that's beautifully filmed by cinematographer Hélène Louvart.

Well acted directed & filmed . Most enjoyable.. The scenery was beautiful. Could have been improved by informing where they had reached with the mileage they had walked was shown . An excellent cast well supported by the likes of Dennis Lill & Hermonie Norris Some humour too " Huh The Cake Police " . Could have been a bit clearer as to why they lost the farm .

The camera work was brilliant . Jason Isaccs & Gillian Anderson had a screen presence. Both really felt the parts surely some Oscar nominations must be on the cards for acting director screen & camera work . Never once got bored or looked at my watch.