The Way Back

Dir: Peter Weir

2011

****

I thought 2011's The Way Back was somewhat of a return to form for director Peter Weir, although return probably isn't the best term to use. It's extremely frustrating to read of all the misfired projects and films that will now never be made by the great director, through no fault of his own. The Way Back is an amazing story of human strength. It's fair to say that many directors could have done as equally a good a job of it but many have reacted negatively to Weir's adaptation, which I don't really understand. Basically Steven Spielberg could have made it with a mega budget, horrible actors, bad script and it would probably have made more money. I would suggest that Weir's admirable cliche avoidance and concentration on only the truly important aspects of the story has lead people to this conclusion. People still need to be spoon fed I guess. Personally, I think he has done a remarkable job. There are countless films about journeys and escape but this one felt fresh with never a dull moment and without resorting to unnecessary action sequences or love stories. The script and acting was perfect, the character development was as good as you'd expect from Weir and the scenery was beautifully shot. I'm not sure how a film like this avoids the praise it deserves and other less accomplished films get all the hype? Another feather in the cap of a great director.