Their escape was just the beginning
by C P
I’ve always been a fan of movies where man triumphs over nature. I feel that watching movies like these prepares me for in case I’m on a plane that crashes in some remote area and I need to survive off the land while I make it to civilization. The Way Back is one of those movies that will teach you…not to ever travel back in time (specifically the 1940s) and go to Russia or Germany. If for some reason you do, rest assured that a lot of your group is going to die but you might just make it!
Based on true events, The Way Back begins in 1940 when seven prisoners try to escape from the brutal Siberian gulag. They must trek through 4,500 miles of thick forest, deathly freezing snow and blistering hot deserts as outlaws with bounties on their heads (lucky Boba Fett doesn’t exist yet because this would have been a very short movie indeed). With little food and supplies and mistrust among the group, they journey seeking freedom while trying to withstand nature at its most extreme. Their bonds are tested when a young girl asks to join them on their epic quest. This film is definitely a shining example of the will of the human spirit and the limits of our bodies.
Highlights
– Star studded cast – Ed Harris (Apollo 13), Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe) Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan (Atonement, Hanna) and Colin Farrell (Alexander, In Bruges)
– The first escape scene in the forest is extremely intense. By far my favorite.
– Fantastic location shooting, you really have a chance to see beautiful scenery
Special Features
Trailer –
It’s the trailer. I feel it’s pretty pointless to put trailers on DVDs and Blu-rays as special features because anyone has the ability to see it online. Put something there that I’m not going to find on YouTube or any other video hosting service.
The Journey of the Journey
This is a behind-the-scenes featurette talking about the making of the movie, the original true story and interviews with the actors. If you enjoyed the movie, then you will most likely enjoy this featurette.
Overview
This movie is definitely awe-inspiring (if you are inspired by mankind triumph over adversity of nature and other man). The camerawork is great, the sound fantastic and the cast was spectacular (yes, even Colin Farrell). I will say, however, that it feels a lot longer than it really is (133 minutes). If it were shortened slightly to maybe 90 minutes, it would be perfect and anyone could watch it. If you like National Geographic, Bear Grylls and movies based on true stories, this is the movie you NEED to see. If not, your grandparents will probably like it cause they were alive during this time. Perhaps you can watch it with your grandma and she will make you cookies.
ComicsOnline gives The Way Back 4 thousand miles out of 5!
Buy The Way Back on Blu-ray today!
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