Friday, April 20, 2012

Michelle Breland--The Way


The Way is about a pilgrimage--a journey that is made for moral or spiritual experience. However, at first the main character, Thomas, does not appear to be walking the Camino de Santiago for such reasons. In the beginning of the film, he lived a profound existence as an American doctor who liked his polo t-shirts, golf, and work. His initial intension was to walk the trail for his son who died trying to walk it. Thomas’s time was so focused on spreading his son’s ashes, they he was not fully experiencing his surroundings. Over time it morphed into an experience for himself. Walking the Camino for oneself is a pertinent component in having a successful pilgrimage. Thomas’s life became less profane and more sacred after being in nature, having few earthy possessions at hand, and making true connections with other human beings. I found the film to be very beautiful and honest about the human condition. I really connected to the story through Thomas’s relationships with his fellow pilgrims. Throughout the entire film I was just waiting for him to confide and friend the people around him because I knew that it would enrich his life and his experience on the Camino. I personally find that great friendships make life more colorful and worth every step of the journey of life. 

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