★ 7 / 10
There are times in life when we find
Brent Marchant
There are times in life when we find ourselves becoming inexplicably obsessed with embarking on certain tasks that we know we must complete, even if we’re not…
There are times in life when we find ourselves becoming inexplicably obsessed with embarking on certain tasks that we know we must complete, even if we’re not entirely sure why. One such venture is walking the 800-km path of El Camino de Santiago, a legendary pilgrimage route that extends from southwestern France across northern Spain to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, where the remains of the apostle St. James are said to be buried. Many have made this journey over the centuries in hopes of finding personal meaning, one of whom was Australian filmmaker Bill Bennett, who chronicled his trek in a best-selling memoir that provides the basis for this film, which he also wrote and directed. Technically speaking, “The Way, My Way” is probably best categorized as a docudrama with documentary-like elements. The filmmaker (portrayed here by actor and alter-ego Chris Haywood) first got the idea to walk the Camino while on vacation in Spain with his wife, Jenn (played by Bennett’s real-life wife, Jenniver Cluff), despite the fact that he had no idea why. He was not especially spiritually oriented at the time but nevertheless felt a need to make the journey, which he subsequently did on his own over the course of a 31-day odyssey. It was a venture punctuated with a variety of challenges, such as a flare-up of a bum knee injury that hampered his ability to walk, an ironic development given the fundamental nature of the undertaking. But, despite this setback, he was committed to seeing it through, and the experience was ultimately worth it. Over the course of his beautifully photographed travels, he encounters a diverse array of individuals with whom he engages in a series of profound exchanges, some of whom pass along meaningful messages to him and others to whom he relays insights that they sorely need to hear. He also comes upon revelations on his own, notions that provide him with greater clarity about himself and why he undertook this mission in the first place. While actors portray a few of the film’s characters (Laura Lakshmi, Pia Thunderbolt), many are actual pilgrims whom Bennett met along the way (Johnnie Walker Santiago, Balazs Orban, Laszlo Vas, Ivan Boffi, Giovanna Donzelli), re-creating their encounters and conversations with him. These seemingly chance meetings vary widely in terms of content, depth and length, with some effectively more insightful than others. Moreover, some of these exchanges might have proven more meaningful if they had been accompanied by more fully developed back stories, both for the protagonist and his fellow seekers. But, considering the essential nature of this work, it imparts more intuitive and profound perspectives than what one typically finds in most cinematic offerings these days. What’s perhaps most telling here, however, is the message embedded in the title – Bennett’s commitment to walking “the Way” on his terms, despite whatever advice others may have offered him, and that’s the whole point of engaging in a journey of self-discovery like this, an approach likely to generate the most impressive and powerful results attainable. We can learn much from experiences such as this, and we’d be wise to avail ourselves of such opportunities when they present themselves.
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★ 6 / 10
A pleasant meander through the Spanish countryside
steveinadelaide
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…
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.
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★ 7 / 10
An authentic story of growth
richinsydney
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…
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.
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AUDIENCE
· 50 ratings
6.4/10
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