The Way, My Way

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.

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.

The beginning of the movie really made me feel it wasn't a good movie so I didn't want to watch but I actually held on to it. And it turned out to be a brilliant movie. Blimey, it's an underrated movie. So Bill wants to walk almost 800kms to Camino. What is his journey like? He gets to know different people from different countries, he gets to know why people choose to walk 800 kms to Camino. They sometimes live under the same roof, drinking together , getting to know each other, and exchanging ideas or life experiences. It's also a journey of cultural refreshments. In addition to this, for Bill and other walkers, the journey strengthens their mental and physical conditions, and helps them overcome different challenges/difficulties. That's sth that a journey is all about. Getting to your destination is not the point, enjoying what your journey has to offer, you don't give up easily, is the point. For Bill, he has seen a lot of places, he has met a lot of different "pilgrims", he enjoys the journey, but most importantly, it's a path to his own redemption.

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.

I wanted to watch this film because my teenage son was thinking of doing a gap year and maybe walking the Camino?

To start with I did not even realise it was an Australian film and was impressed that it was (while still having a great international flavour).

I watched the film again because I liked it. The cinematography is spectacular and the scenery is beautiful. I am so impressed that most of the "actors" were the the real people who walked the track and did not even speak English as a first language!

The film tackles serious issues too such as dealing with grief, guilt, forgiveness, suicide, marital conflict and childhood sexual assault in a way that allows people to speak for themselves.