The Way Back

133 minutes

Inspired by Slavomir Rawicz's acclaimed novel, “The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom” as well as other real life accounts, six time Oscar®-nominated director Peter Weir's (Witness, Master And Commander and Dead Poet's Society) The Way Back is a remarkable adventure story chronicling the escape of a small group of multi-national prisoners from a Siberian gulag in 1940 and their epic life affirming journey over thousands of miles across five hostile countries.

92% on the CINEMETER

83% - Dec 19, 2010

Difficult to watch in the beginning, but so glad I hung in there. Excellent film I would recommend to anyone. Cinematography was superb!
Washington, DC Member

Beautiful story of human survival and loyalty as well as the desire for human freedom. I'm exhausted!
Washington, DC Member

Gripping story, well told. I liked the fact that Peter Weir didn't go for the obvious-- i.e. sex with the girl, cannibalism, etc.
Washington, DC Member

STL

95% - Jan 9, 2011

I was daunted at first by the length but was soon totally involved. I really loved it. The way the young girl affected the men is lovely.
St. Louis Member

A well done, modern day epic that is a tribute to mankind's spirit of surviving and need for freedom.
St. Louis Member

A book I'd never make time to read, at least before now! A film I'm so glad I didn't miss. Excellent and iconic insight into humanity.
St. Louis Member

91% - Dec 19, 2010

I appreciated the humor of the script even amid the struggles. Although it was exhausting to watch it was also exhilarating.
San Francisco Member

Non-sentimental writing, excellent cinematography and acting. A David Lean movie on an independent budget is remarkable.
San Francisco Member

Weir was more successful in having us understand the experience of the characters than he was in having us care about them.
San Francisco Member

96% - Dec 19, 2010

Excellent film with phenomenal ensemble of actors, breathtaking cinematography and pacing. The great escape film of 2010.
Greater New Haven Member

Beautiful movie where the goodness of man triumphs in so many ways. Fantastic story excellently done. Gripping and redeeming.
Greater New Haven Member

I loved the close up shots of hand throughout the film, as well as the amazing sweeping scenes of the desert and mountains.
Greater New Haven Member

MIL

92% - Jan 9, 2011

Beautiful scenery and music, but I thought it would never end!
Milwaukee Member

Excellent imagery and cinematography. Generally inspiring--very challenging test of humans, enduring all environments.
Milwaukee Member

What a great film and increidble to think that it is based on real events. All of the characters are fully drawn and believable. Acting was superb.
Milwaukee Member

BOS

95% - Dec 19, 2010

Very intense and difficult to watch but excellent and beautiful. Exquisite scenery, Gulag well-done. Excellent!
Boston Member

Visually stunning--clear protraits. Amazing on many levels. Tough slog, but worth it--a beautiful film. A testimony to the will to survive an the ultimate triumph of humnity and collaboration. Compelling. Rivetting. Cinematography was great.
Boston Member

I'm glad I saw this movie, but it definitely was emotionally and physically draining. The scenic beauty compensated for the difficulty of the film.
Boston Member

BOCA

86% - Jan 9, 2011

Good acting and very powerful.
Boca Raton Member

The power of forgiveness, the spirit to endure and survive, and the importance of freedom for the soul.
Boca Raton Member

A brilliant cinematic background with superb acting and special effects!
Boca Raton Member

ATL

94% - Jan 9, 2011

A beautiful film showcasing both the cruelty of humanity and the perseverance of the human spirit. For such a long film, I was not bored for a minute. A riveting and engaging story that made me feel like I was going through the arduous journey too. Great acting, directing, writng and cinematography.
Atlanta Member

It shows raw human emotion in the most severe settings on earth. An excellent, thought provoking film.
Atlanta Member

Amazing story of survival of the human spirit and the human body in the face of nature's extremes, political extremes, and humanity's extremes. Very disappointing to learn about the falseness of the book.
Atlanta Member

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