Review of The Way Back (2011) by Jay L — 10 May 2011

"Mother nature is your jailer, and she has no mercy.".

Acclaimed Director Peter Weir (The Truman Show, Master & Commander) is back with this ultra-realistic and ultimately true story. Once again Weir doesn't disappoint with his keen directorial eye and profuse attention to detail. The Way Back is one hell of an epic adventure that's one step after the other of disturbing realism and astounding craftmanship. It's the intensely effective retelling of the true story of a group of prisoners that escaped from a communist prison in 1940's Soviet Union. It's an astonishingly vivid, highly compelling, historically accurate and beautifully shot masterpiece. A marvelous portrayal of the strenth of the enduring human sprit, the physical hardship and the emotional psychology of a truly epic journey. A trek across some of the most unforgiving terrain that this planet has to offer. From the hostile Siberian wilderness, through the desert regions of central Asia and through the impossibilties of the Himalaya Mountains this movie details it all with eye-popping realism. Tough to watch in spots, but hard to take your eyes of off, The Way Back is the ultimate escape film. A riveting piece of cinematic brilliance from start to finish.

Excellent acting from the entire cast, everyone involves poured their hearts into their performances. Jim Sturgess is brilliant throughout, the best work of his career in my opinion. Ed Harris is back at it in this excellent performance. Soairse Ronan is fantastic as well, she is a true new age talent. Colin Farrell does a great job as well. A triumphantly engaging film with an utterly convincing cast of pure 100% talent.