BrianSez's Review

Summary - Good 3.0

A dramatic survival story amidst panoramic and equally dramatic scenery. The Way Back tells a tale of several men who escape the brutality of a Siberian gulag in the early 40’s to trudge their way through vast expanses of differing landscapes: a fierce Siberian winter, forests, tundra, desert, Himilayas, Great Wall of China – you get the idea. The movie drags on a little bit too long – but it certainly gives you an appreciation for the distance travelled! Also briefly infused was a bit of information on the politics of the era that brought so many varieties of “state enemies” who were either imprisoned or forced away from their homes for many years until the wall came down.

Acting - Good 3.0

The cast in general were all very good – but nobody in particular stands out. Jim Sturgess is the main character that holds the band together., Colin Farrell does better than expected as a the Russian thug Valka , and then there is Ed Harris who for some inexplicable reason is the only American to be put in this situation. He does decently as well as the older and more cynical person in the bunch. A good amount of time was spent with young Saoirse Ronan – who does a fairly good job as a Polish refugee.

Film - Good 3.0

Peter Weir’s follow-up to Master & Commander tries to draw upon the dramatics of scenery and personality just like his sea-faring tale. The Way Back drags it on for too long though and sometimes you feel impatient to get to the next scene. That said, the scenery was fantastic and the story holds your interest.

Edge - Risqué 1.7

Fairly tame, but some gory scenes of obtaining food in the wild….

Reality - Glib 1.9

I really don’t think the trip that was portrayed was possible. But it sure made for some interesting viewing!

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