A few days ago, I talked about three films nominated for Best Picture in the Oscars. I recently saw a movie that caught my attention, but almost too late. Released in 2011, Emilio Estevez’s “The Way” tells the story of the Prodigal Son, but with the roles reversed. It begins with Tom (played by Estevez’ real life father, Martin Sheen), an optometrist who is sedate in his middle class lifestyle until he is confronted with the death of son on the Camino de Santiago. Tom flies to France to collect his son’s remains but, on a whim, decides to finish the walk for his son (along with the son’s cremated remains). Along the road, he collects an odd set of fellow travelers who challenge and, eventually, comfort him. While the plot meanders (just like the long journey on the way), the characters are sharply delineated with crisp dialogue and fine acting. The moral of the story mirrors the spiritual life; we are never meant to stop on our journey; if we do, we won’t grow. Just like the Prodigal Son who went out, only to return home to his father wiser and more humble, “The Way” presents a father who has to go on the road to find himself, a little wiser and a little more humble.
The Way is available on video and on Netflix in a streaming format. I highly recommend this fine film.
What movies or media have caught your attention lately? Add to the conversation.