'The Way' on DVD (CERT 12A): Out 31 October

We are delighted to have teamed up with Icon Film Distribution as their Official Faith Media Partner for the forthcoming release of 'The Way' on DVD on 31 October 2011!

This is the heart-warming father and son masterpiece from director Emilio Estevez, following an American man embarking on a breath-taking journey to complete the trek of his late son, who died while travelling the Pilgrim path across the Pyrenees.

Golden Globe Award® winner Martin Sheen (The West Wing) and real life son Emilio Estevez (Young Guns) star in this touching film which has so far taken an outstanding £600,000 at the box office. The DVD includes insightful interviews with the cast and a thought-provoking five minute film exploring how community can help with the big questions in life raised in 'The Way'.

This soulful film could prove an invaluable talking point for your church or home group, addressing questions of life and faith.

Synopsis

Martin Sheen, plays Tom, an American doctor who comes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the remains of his adult son, killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James.

Driven by his profound sadness and desire to understand his son better, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage, leaving his "California bubble life" behind.

Armed with his son's backpack and guidebook, Tom navigates the 800km historical pilgrimage from the French Pyrenees, to Santiago de Compostela in the north west of Spain, but soon discovers that he will not be alone on this journey.

While walking The Camino, Tom meets other pilgrims from around the world, all broken and looking for greater meaning in their lives: a Dutchman (Yorick van Wageningen) a Canadian (Deborah Kara Unger) and an Irish writer (James Nesbitt) who is suffering from a bout of "writer's block."

From the hardship experienced along 'The Way' this unlikely quartet of misfits create an everlasting bond and Tom begins to learn what it means to be a citizen of the world again, and discovers the difference between "The life we live and the life we choose."

'The Way' was filmed entirely in Spain and France along the actual Camino de Santiago.

Reactions to 'The Way'

"moving and incredibly uplifting"
MAIL ON SUNDAY ****

"Sheen dominates in a moving, soulful performance"
DAILY EXPRESS ****

"Refreshing...a walk worth pursuing"
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH ****

"Inspirational!"
THE INDEPENDENT

"I commend Mr Sheen and Mr Estevez for daring to create something that Hollywood ultimately rejects, a very down to earth, natural and unembellished story. But this is why the story and the pilgrimage itself works so well - true inspiration, true pain and suffering, true scenery etc is much more hard hitting and much more compelling."

Flora Thompson, Editorial, Methodist Recorder

"The Way made me cry three times; once out of sadness, then joy and finally out of sheer awe. This is a must see for all Christians and they should take their friends."

David Payne, Director of Catholic Evangelisation Services

"The Way is a joyful, uplifting and hugely enjoyable tribute to one of Europe's iconic journeys. It captures the Camino with integrity, and portrays brilliantly the gentle surgery, which the ancient pilgrim route performs on the human heart. Like the travellers in the film, the movie has a surface ambition, but its scope goes much wider and deeper. It is a film for everyone, which deserves to do well. It will certainly do good."

Austen Ivereigh, Coordinator, Catholic Voices

"I’d thought about taking part in the Camino de Santiago de Compostela as a friend of mine had completed it on two occasions. Watching this film, I felt as though I was really there, experiencing the beauty and the challenge of this unique pilgrimage. I loved the realism of the main characters and the inclusion of the true pilgrims; it took on an almost documentary style. I laughed and I cried and I deeply appreciated the restraint and the avoidance of ‘Hollywood’. I do hope they take up my suggestion of a sequel set in Ireland perhaps set at Croagh Patrick. I’d like to mention how excellent the soundtrack was and how it complemented the film."

Dana Scallon, Singer, Former MEP and Premier Christian Radio Presenter

"I really did enjoy the movie, it was moving and funny and the locations were just beautiful. Great cast too - a mix of familiar and unknowns (for me at least) that worked really well together."

Sophie Bradley, Media & PR Officer, CAFOD