7 replies to this topic

[emesbee]

I only became aware of this movie when I spotted the DVD while christmas shopping. It is a Peter Weir film, and stars Ed Harris (one of my favourite actors), so I bought a copy. Just got around to watching it last night. Really enjoyed it, I thought it was pretty good, especially the early part of the film, which was set in a Soviet Gulag. If I do have a criticism though, it is that I thought they rushed the movie to its conclusion a bit too quickly, as the crossing of the Himalayas seemed to be a bit glossed over. I suspect that having invested so much in the early Gulag scenes they may have started running out of time/budget towards the end.

I thought Ed Harris' character was a bit understated, but that is what I like about him as an actor. He never overplays the character. He always seems to play a major supporting role in whatever film he is in, although he is not usually the lead character. It is probably one of his strengths as an actor.

Definitely a film worth watching.

[proftournesol]

Most likely the ending became 'rushed' in the editing room. Someone decided that it was going to be too long. If you're lucky there may be a Director's Cut

[LogicprObe]

Most likely the ending became 'rushed' in the editing room. Someone decided that it was going to be too long. If you're lucky there may be a Director's Cut

OK. I'll wait for that.

[:) al]

excellent move as well. really enjoyed watching. we grabbed it on blu-ray and the scenery is just splendid. I didnt think of the ending as rushed, but now you mention it could be case of budget or running out of funds as you suggest. overall worth watching still

[emesbee]

The surround soundtrack is quite good too. There is just the right amount of sound effects throught the rear channels at the right times, but its not overdone.

[triode12]

Saw the movie and read up on the story it was based on. Apparently the story isn't based on fact but is fictional.

http://en.wikipedia....ki/The_Way_Back

It is a good movie anyway.

[Peter the Greek]

I liked it, for some reason I didn't write a review for it.....probably give it 3 stars.

From memory, I got pretty jacked off after hearing it wasn't true

[emesbee]

Saw the movie and read up on the story it was based on. Apparently the story isn't based on fact but is fictional.

http://en.wikipedia....ki/The_Way_Back

It is a good movie anyway.

Yeah, I had my doubts about the truthfulness of the story. The DVD cover just says 'Inspired by Real Events'. (Well, Stalin did exist, and he did send people to the Gulags.) I still enjoyed the movie though.

Actually, another escape movie which really was based on a true story is 'Seven Years in Tibet', where an Austrian mountain climber (Heinrich Harrer) was interred in India at the outbreak of WWII, escaped across the Himalayas to Tibet, and became a friend and tutor to the 14th Dalai Llama (who was then a young boy). I read Harrer's book a long time ago, when I was still in high school, and found it fascinating. However, Harrer omits to mention the fact that he was a member of the Nazi party in his book, and I don't think that was mentioned in the film either.