Way Back Thesis

The Way Back Review Thesis Paper
The Way Back isa remarkable journey that everyone of all ages should be exposed to. The filmmakers basic technique of lack of an antagonist or narrator gives this remarkable journey by a band of escapees during the Soviet regime in the ’40s an odd POV style that draws you in. Starring Peter Weir guiding Colin Ferrell, Saoirse Ronan, Jim Sturgess, and Ed Harris, a powerful band of actors who don’t let their ego’s effect the group’s synergy. While the inevitable question of the veracity of the escape is still in doubt and hinders the film from overcoming the miracles that occur during their perilous 4,200-mile trek to freedom, the movie is a hit regardless. Despite this, the linear narrative that plays out has
enough humor and heart to stagger through the awe-inspiring scenery, resulting in an entertaining film about the will for survival.
Set in the 1940s, Janusz (Sturgess) is imprisoned in a Soviet gulag camp in Siberia after his tortured wife signs a confession that he is a spy against the Communist Party.
While at the camp, Janusz meets Khabarov (Mark Strong) who claims to know a way out. After gathering supplies, Janusz and six others — Mr. Smith (Harris), Valka (Ferrell), Zoran (Dragos Bucur), Voss (Gustaf Skarsgård), Tomasz (Alexandru Potocean), and Kazik (Sebastian Urzendowsky) — seize the moment in a blinding snowstorm and escape. As they head south for Mongolia in the hope of freedom, they meet Irena (Ronan) and reluctantly allow her to join them. In order to survive, they have to band together and urge each other to push on despite the lives lost along the
way.
Peter Weir and Keith R. Clarke wrote the script loosely based on The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom by Polish author Sławomir Rawicz. Unfortunately this is the part that is their downfall, only due to speculation of the books veracity. The reality of the book by Rawicz is under dispute from a number of sources, and whether it is a true story of someone’s journey is up in the air. If true, there is an astonishing tale that The Way Back follows that will mesmerize many.
Cinematographer Russell Boyd uses a more natural tone for the films scenes in The Way Back with outstanding results.
In addition, the scenery, ranging from blizzards in Siberia, barren deserts, and mountain landscapes filmed in Bulgaria, Morocco, and India give the film an epic scale. The seasonal shifts help give a sense of time to the arduous escape while also providing the hurdles they must overcome. My personal favorite aspect of the scene was the quality of the makeup and it’s convincing power it held over me. The makeup on the actors in the desert scenes is heartbreakingly detailed and you have to wonder how much of a toll the elements took on them in real life. While Janusz leads the group, everyone has their time and it all feels like a collaborative effort to serve the narrative instead of having heroic, individual moments. Because of this, The Way Back has a realistic feel not often captured on
film. According to film buff’s over at Rotten Tomatos, it received at score of 75%. “It isn't as emotionally involving as it should be, but this Peter Weir epic offers sweeping ambition and strong performances to go with its grand visual spectacle.” I do agree with this review, and believe they hit the nail on the head. The movie is lacking a bit more emotional dialog, and something to pull at our heartstrings. But the superb acting, cinematography, freakishly realistic makeup, and awe-inspiring scenery make up for what the dialog lacks in my judgment. On another note to the books veracity, I myself have read the novel and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The heart and soul, anguish, demoralization, and success is only something that could of come from real human emotion. Regardless if the speculations are true (with have not been confirmed in any manner, only rumors,) the movie is worth a go, even if you deem it fiction.
The fight for survival and the search for what will help us endure hardships are at the heart of The Way Back. The story is not just about the miles they crossed, but also the epiphanies and realizations of what is propelling them forward. While Janusz is fighting to get back to his wife from the outset, others discover their truth along the way. As a result, the film is successful as a brief meditation on what would drive someone to endure these hardships.