Good day readers and welcome to all first timers and welcome BACK to all returning visitors. As I continue to seek ways to expand this website and review more and more films, my vacation last week to Los Angeles and getting to spend an INSANE amount of time with my Twitter accounts yielded yet another unique and wonderful offer for exactly that. AND it also opened the door to another GENRE of film that I must admit, I had not initially considered until this request came forward. Therefore, without further introduction, I give you the documentary film that just celebrated its release on DVD, Blu-Ray, and VOD, “Walking The Camino: Six Ways To Santiago”.
SEE THE TRAILER HERE 
Beautifully brought to life by first time director Lydia Smith, we are whisked away to the scenic country of Spain where a 1200 year old tradition is kept alive and well to this day….walking the 500 mile pilgrimage road, Camino De Frances, beginning at the Western French town of St. Jean Pied Du Port to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, ultimately (and traditionally) reaching its absolute conclusion in the coastal town of Finesterre, 80 km West of Santiago. This journey follows six strangers as they embark on a life-changing, life-challenging, and life-affirming quest: Tomas Moreno of Portugal, Annie O’Neil of the U.S., Tatiana Jacquot-De Gouvion Saint Cyr from France along with her young son Cyrian and carefree brother Alexis, Wayne Emde of Canada along with a friend Jack, Anne-Marie “Misa” Misser from Denmark, and Samantha “Sam” Gilbert of Brazil/UK (find them all HERE). Each have their own personal reasons for choosing to take on what many would see as an impossible, or, at minimum, daunting task…to trek the full 500 mile length, as the physical and mental hardships that can accompany it are nothing to take lightly. However, as each of them face the road head-on, a transformation begins to occur, as they discover and notice everything in fresh, new ways. From the simple beauty of nature all around them, to the bonds formed with fellow walkers and each other over the course of the 30+ day timeframe, to individual times of silence, meditation, thoughts on faith or even discovering it for the first time in a real way, or to the letting go of (and not giving in TO) the pains and frustrations, both spiritual and physical, that each has somehow had for so long, the adventurous spirit that first brought them to this journey rises to the surface. Battling through rain, burning sun, hills, valleys, blisters, aches, and sometimes the thoughts of not being able to complete the pilgrimage, all six fight on down a road where even the next step is not always known, the path can yield unexpected dividends, and an entirely new perspective on what it is to BE human and to LIVE and LOVE life in a rich, fulfilling way awakens the mind to a wondrous reality and a reminder of the things we TRULY need, and the things we CAN leave behind.
Folks, this is a story that is true in every sense, a reflection of the deepest desire of us, as people, to find that too often elusive sense of ABSOLUTE freedom in spirit and heart that I feel we long for every day. I am always inspired by this type of film, BECAUSE it’s real, BECAUSE it’s not a made up world we’re traveling to. We are taken into each of these individual’s lives as they are honestly making themselves transparent and vulnerable to not only us as viewers, but to themselves as they find out about what’s REALLY going on inside. This is especially apparent as we get to hear each pilgrim narrate their own personal journey along the Camino. The elaborations about not just their inner seeking, but the taking in of the languages the encounter, the culture and history of the Spanish countryside and towns along the way, as well as acts of kindness they experience, and what it all shows about themselves and the lessons that are learned and applied. This IS the human experience and it makes us as the viewer not only be there with them to FEEL what they are, but also could even bring US to a place of introspection too. One priest comments that “some start as tourists, but end up pilgrims”. The mix of individuals for this film was also perfect in itself, as the diversity of experience assisted in driving home the points they each made about where they were coming FROM in doing the walk and ultimately where they all ended up after it. The film is just gorgeously shot…the vistas, mountains, fields, villages, cities, the people, and the Camino itself, all get portrayed in such a clear state of reality, and come to life vibrantly. From the scenes at the pilgrim hostels along the Camino, known as “albergues”, to the hospitaleras that also provide needed food, basic supplies, and shelter to the streets of cities such as Leon and Pamplona, to the highest place on the road, La Cruz De Ferro (“The Iron Cross”), the stunning camerawork puts the viewer right in the heart of it all. Add to this a subtle yet powerful, Spanish guitar driven soundtrack that in itself can lull you into a sense of peace in the beauty you are witnessing via the Spanish landscape, this delivers a FULL experience and is something that I personally believe will touch the hearts of anyone who watches it. As one pilgrim put it, referring to actually walking along the Camino, “there’s a spiritual, a musical rhythm to it”, while another expresses the thought “You start out one way, and then it changes you as you go on, it becomes spiritual.” After watching this documentary, I believe it whole heartedly. In the traditional salutation along the road, “Buen Camino!”
Please “FOLLOW” the film on their Twitter Account, “LIKE” their Facebook Page, and VISIT their Website. Also, please consider purchasing this adventure on DVD/BLR-RAY at the website here and here OR via the following means: Amazon Instant Video or via iTunes and Video On Demand.
As always, this is all for YOUR consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
