The Way Back

So apparently this is based on a novel of a true story. thought there are rumours flying everywhere about the fact that the story might not actually be true, and has been embellished for dramatic purposes. either way this is an epic Peter Weir film and it looks great.

it is also a great vehicle for Jim Sturgess who plays Janusz one of a group of Polish soldiers who escape a Siberian prisoner of war camp and then decide to walk to India, with no provisions. those who are more geographically aware will realise this is just shy of approximately 6000 km (3500 miles). basically its a long bloody way.

Peter Weir makes some brave and bold decisions during the film, he skips over plot points that other directors would make set pieces. the most obvious of these is the initial escape, we see the initial idea and then before we know it they are outside, we see nothing. whilst it was a little jolting to begin with it actually makes a refreshing difference, the film is more about the actual journey they make and Weir does not get caught up with the sentimental elements too much. when he does they are poignant striking and not overdone which is a relief.

a problem i have with the film is the end. after what is an epic tale of survival over a gruelling terrain. all delicately told, the end just feels out of place and awkward, SPOLIER ALERT Janusz walks back into his old house about twenty years later as an old man and lo and behold there is his wife just sitting there and they have a hug. it didnt need it, and to know that he survived was enough.

one other issue is the age old problems in Hollywood films. in that they are pretty much all polish. but they all speak to each other in english. in dodgy polish accents. odd.

Weir has told an epic sprawling tale with deft and articulate talent though.

4 stars