MovieChat Forums > The Way (2010) Discussion > The Way v. The Passion

The Way v. The Passion

posted 14 years ago by x_Amadaeus_x
6 replies | jump to latest

As a somewhat lapsed Catholic, I found this movie to be very sincere in a way that I could never see in movies such as The Passion. You see the character development of Martin Sheen's character in a way that you don't see in more didactic movies. It was refreshing to see a movie that respects religion while not shoving it down our throats. It made me recall driving a third the way across the US to bury my grandfather--in a long journey, the emotions one experience along the way define the story. Kudos to Emilio; he may have found a way to legitimize himself once again.

[–] Case36 14 years ago

Well whenever this movie comes out maybe I can compare the two of them and comment on it.

[–] LostSok0523 14 years ago

I agree with the OP. It was a spiritual movie without being a religious movie. Certainly it is a "Christian" movie, in that the pilgrimage is something Christians have been doing for centuries...but that orientation isn't the point, and it certainly not important to understanding or enjoying the movie.

And I definitely agree this movie is not didactic. The characters in this story are quietly flawed, and they needed to be quietly fixed, but it was their companionship and the shared experience of the journey...not "God"...that heals them in the end (if they are healed...I suspect, based on Sarah's final comment, that they remain who they were when they started. However, they understand their flaws, and accept them, and forgive themselves).

[–] Bastiaan09 14 years ago

I also believe the foundation of this movie was spiritual, except for one part *spoiler* about the women feeling guilty of her choice to abort her pregnancy. It could be me but i just thought to recognize a clear pro-life statement in that scene.

[–] Allswell007 13 years ago

Both films have their place and both are exceptional in their own way but neither are alike at all. The Passion is THE most powerful film experience of all-time. However, it's just that, an experience. It's not a tale or story at all. It's a film that shows what Jesus went through and the depths of His love and sacrifice for mankind. The Way is a story about spirituality and finding purpose and meaning in life. They link only when religion is applied properly and the teachings of Christ are matched with His actions. We strive to do the same.

[–] Danusha_Goska 13 years ago

I don't like the title of the thread.

I LOVE "The Passion" (even though Mel Gibson is a jerk)

and I LOVE "The Way" (hmmm... even though Martin's son Charlie is a jerk?)

Two good movies. No need to make them compete with each other.

[–] profebc 13 years ago

The "versus" concept does set up a false dichotomy. Just as the pilgrims in The Way travel the same directions toward one destination, a lot of good movies feature characters trying to transcend. It's a tale at least as old as The Epic of Gilgamesh.

Nevertheless, stories compete naturally for a place in our consciousness based on how well they resonate with our experience.

To me, The Way seems more like Into the Wild or 127 Hours, considering how travel helps the main character discover something; whereas Jesus in The Passion brings good news rather than discovering anything.