Mein Weg - 780 km zu mir

Yes, fundamentally, this is "just" a movie about a cranky older guy going on a (very challenging) walk to resolve his later-life crisis. And yet, he (for this effectively an autobiographical film) manages to make it funny throughout.

This is the story about overcoming the odds where the odds are that way FOR A REASON - everyone else treats him as crazy for attempting this at his age and with only about a year of preparation - and he effectively concedes they are right, but pushes on anyway. What could have easily been frustrating becomes amusing thanks to just enough ironic distance. Furthermore, the personal narratives of the (mostly) "true pilgrims" on the trail provide the requisite grounding and the right kind of contrast to the protagonist - practically the only one not to have a religion-related reason for attempting the Camino.

In all, this is yet one more example of how a good film can be made with minimal budget and fuss. If you are an aspiring filmmaker starting from zero, this is most likely a better source of inspiration than just about everything else from 2024.

This film is obviously divisive.

There are those who complain it didn't show the scenery, or had bad acting, or unlikeable lead. It's unfortunate none of those things is what the film was about. It could have focused on the scenery, showing every beautiful vista or building along the way. It could have used all actors rather than some actual pilgrims and real people along the way. It could have had a very likeable person as lead. And the movie would have failed its objective.

The reason the movie has an unlikeable lead is because that's who he was - a self-absorbed, arrogant, difficult person (did you miss one of the last scenes with him on the phone to his wife?).

The story focused almost exclusively on his character, and how he 'grew'. And I believe it did a pretty good job of that, even down to him questioning if he was ready to complete the journey when he was within spitting distance of the end.

He basically had an epiphany towards the end - thus meeting the objective of growth.

There were some parts that could have been done better. But overall a good movie.

I had seen this advertised for a while on Netflix and kept thinking this was not for me at all.

However once watching I discovered how much in common I had with the main character Bill, even though he is 30 years older than me. Flawed, stubborn and yet trying to find some purpose on his journey. I like when characters are not perfect. Because who really is?

I laughed several times out loud and I really enjoyed the scenery and learning a little about a trek I knew nothing about. It's a great advert for the region if nothing else.

Granted, this is not for everyone. But I loved the down to earth, simple and believable aspects of it.

Having read the above reviews, it seems most reviewers don't have a clue what the movie is about. I don't know what they were expecting but for me it summed up the camino experience almost exactly.

The journey of self-discovery, the casual conversations with strangers that often reveal things one would not dream about talking about to anyone back home, the on again/off again nature of the friendships that are formed, the often hard physical and mental stress and at the end, that while it has certainly helped you to know yourself better, it has not resulted in any 'Road to Damascus' like revelations.

I was particularly impressed by the fact that many of the characters played themselves, they were not actors but the actual people the main character met on his camino and agreed to appear in the movie. ( for those who don't know the movie is based on the book of the same name about the author/ filmmakers own experiences on the camino)

I thought it was excellent and I certainly recommend it to anyone with an interest in the camino, or who just wants to see a good film about the human condition.

The Way, My Way sets out to capture the transformative power of the Camino de Santiago, the famed pilgrimage route across northern Spain. We follow a disgruntled man named Bill, who laces up his boots and embarks on the 800-kilometre journey, seeking some nebulous sense of purpose. Along the way, he encounters a colourful cast of characters, all with their own reasons for hitting the dusty trail.

The film's heart lies in its exploration of self-discovery. Bill starts off as a real grouch, constantly griping about blisters and questioning everyone's motives. But there's a vulnerability beneath his gruff exterior, which the film slowly reveals. However, the growth we witness feels uneven. Bill's epiphany at the end, while heartwarming, lands a little flat. It would've benefited from a stronger build-up and a deeper dive into his internal struggles.

The performances are a mixed bag. The supporting cast, a blend of actors and real-life pilgrims, shines. They bring a genuine warmth and camaraderie to the film, especially in scenes where weary travellers bond over shared meals and aching legs. However, the lead actor portraying Bill struggles to fully inhabit the character. There are moments where his frustration and self-doubt resonate, but he doesn't quite capture Bill's full arc of transformation.

Visually, The Way, My Way is a pleasant travelogue. Lush green hillsides and quaint Spanish villages provide a picturesque backdrop for the journey. The cinematography does a good job of capturing the vastness of the landscape, making you feel the enormity of the undertaking. The use of natural light is particularly effective, bathing the film in a warm, almost spiritual glow.

The score is a tasteful blend that underscores the film's themes of introspection and renewal without being overly sentimental. The editing is efficient, keeping the pace brisk as Bill traverses the various stages of the Camino.

The Way, My Way aspires to be a profound exploration of personal growth set against a stunning backdrop. While it succeeds in capturing the beauty of the Camino and the camaraderie that blossoms on the trail, the uneven storytelling and lead performance hold it back from reaching its full potential. If you're looking for a lighthearted travelogue with a touch of introspection, this might be your cup of tea. But those seeking a deeply moving character study might want to revisit another film about the Camino pilgrimage, perhaps The Way starring Martin Sheen.

The Way, My Way is a pleasant meander through the Spanish countryside, but it doesn't quite reach the emotional heights it strives for.