FILM REVIEW: The Way Back

YOHEI VERDICT: 8 out of 10

Mostly hill-trekking on The Way Back 

I know I nudge closer to hell each time I praise an Australian (very rare), but sometimes it just needs to be done.  Not for the first time, Peter Weir, has put together a film against the backdrop of war that captures the demands set against the human condition so well, you as a viewer feel the turmoil almost more than you imagine the characters might themselves.

The Way Back, is a survivalist film that, like all good films of this genre, highlights the bond formed between (mostly men for Weir), in times of extreme adversity.  They are films not often made, as typically the nature of the survival makes them difficult to shoot.  But Weir climbs into such challenges and aided by the National Geographic production arm, brings an amazing array of backdrops and scenery to the screen.  In reality there was no choice as the true life journey involved a trek across some 4000 miles for those that did survive.

Special praise must also be given to the fully committed cast including star turns by veteran untouchable Ed Harris, and the increasingly solid Colin Farrell.  The picture as a whole, well good for many awards.