The Way Back

I have a soft spot for Weir, but he’s off the mark here. Actually, I think that it wasn’t reasonable to even try to make a film like this, paradoxically, for the same (or rather, opposite) reason that made me doubt 127 Hours. Whereas in Boyle’s latest, there wasn’t enough story for a feature film, in The Way Back  there is too much and it feels like a bunch of haphazardly cut sections of the story of a much longer film. I can’t say I had fun, or that I feel like watching the extended (complete) version. After those 133 minutes, I felt almost as exhausted as if I had made that trek, which, as someone who likes comfort, is not something I can appreciate. (21/04/2011)

I can’t even begin to imagine what that group went through—starting as prisoners in Siberia, then escaping and struggling to survive the harsh Siberian wilderness, crossing the endless expanse of Russia into Mongolia, tackling the largest desert in the world, and finally climbing over the highest mountains on Earth to reach India. It’s hard to believe anyone could pull that off, but I guess miracles do happen. The Way Back tells this incredible story of survival, but it falls short in one crucial aspect: it doesn’t fully immerse you in the experience. The escape feels rushed, and the journey through the mountains could have been so much more visually stunning. That said, it’s still an incredibly powerful film, especially in the Siberian and desert scenes, which really pull you in. The authenticity is spot-on, the handling of languages is clever, and the performances are stellar—especially Colin Farrell as a Russian, which he pulls off brilliantly, despite being Irish. The Way Back isn’t a perfect film, but it does a solid job of bringing this true story to the screen. I just can’t shake the feeling that, despite its efforts, the filmmakers missed a real opportunity to make it exceptional. (09/05/2011)

Maybe a little watered down, but The Way Back is worth seeing if only for the wonderful landscapes. Top notch acting performances, Colin Farrell rules as the thief Valka and Saoirse Ronan is one of the most talented young actresses right now (and Irena reminds me of someone I know). Weir is usually a great director, but I think that this didn’t come off one hundred percent. But even so, it’s very high above average. And Dallowitz’s music is delightful. That sweater. Did your granny knit it for you? (08/04/2011)

Peter Weir light. The overall impression is not that powerful, but the film offers a lot of unforgettable details. You will enjoy getting to know different characters and the importance of the positive synergy of their natures and abilities for achieving a common goal – survival and freedom. The Way Back features a well-chosen cast, subtle and intelligent humor, and a slow pace with just a few dramatic moments. Do not expect big things. Watch and listen. You’ll be satisfied with having learned something, and the characters will remain in your memory. (01/05/2011)

Director Peter Weir already has a few masterpieces under his belt, but in this case, I really didn't get this film. It's too shallow, and the dialogues are informative so that even an American viewer unfamiliar with Soviet history can follow the plot. Moreover, the characters are black and white, and it's no coincidence that the only truly well-rounded character is the classic Russian criminal played excellently by Colin Farrell, who exudes genuine emotions, animality, and charisma. Unfortunately, the script does not prescribe him a more significant role, and he completely disappears halfway through the film. This subject matter directly called for a series adaptation in six to eight-hour episodes because there simply isn't enough room in this format for the development of characters and the viewer's acceptance of them. Despite the long runtime, many things are rushed through, and the viewer mostly follows a group of refugees walking through the taiga, desert, or high mountains without witnessing the small but characteristic moments, conflicts, and decisions for the survival of the characters. For example, the escape from the gulag is rushed, and many scenes are highly improbable. Escapes from the camps, for understandable reasons, took place during the hot Siberian summer, not in snowy blizzards and at -40°C... Overall impression: 55%. Despite good intentions, watching The Way Back is at times as descriptive and hastily done in its dramatic aspect as the suffering of the refugees themselves. (18/04/2011)