The Way Home

This is a gentle, simple film, based on true events, about honest people with kind hearts working together as a community. As such, it is not a "blockbuster". It does not have any special effects, violence, nudity, or action - other than some well orchestrated crowd scenes and use of a couple of helicopters. Therefore, it seems to have disappointed one or two reviewers. However, their disappointment speaks more to their unrealistic expectations of the film, rather than any failings of its creators to effectively tell their story - which they do with competence, heart, and production values appropriate to the material. Personally, I do NOT believe in God (or any other higher power), and I am usually irritated (at best) and enraged (at worst) by people with religious "faith" imposing their beliefs on all and sundry. However, I found nothing offensive or preachy in this film. The film depicts real people who DO have faith, and as far as I can tell it does so honestly, and with no agenda other than telling THEIR story. I didn't at any time feel that I was being subtly coerced into following their beliefs. Simply observing them interacting with each other in their own way. Yes, every one in it seemed to be a very good, kind-hearted person, and they no doubt attribute that to their faith. And in some respects so do I - not because I share their religious beliefs, but because I recognise their humanity, which is compatible with my own. I was moved by the kindness and selflessness of the people depicted, and the film successfully drew me in to share their fears, doubts, and ultimate relief. As a non-believer I don't begrudge them their joy. I personally think they got lucky - most people don't - and their good luck would naturally seem to them like the intervention of a benign and loving God. And maybe they're right about that. I can't disprove his existence. But my doubts about his existence are as strong as their (equally unprovable) faith. But none of that matters. In this instance, no one was harmed by the religion. A family was reunited, and during the time the boy was missing their "faith" kept them strong and gave them some comfort. And no doubt the kindness of the community was at least in part due to the religious connection between them all. So, the film kept me interested and invested throughout, I cared about the characters; I cared about the outcome; I was never bored; I was never distracted by irritation over the religious content. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it. For what it was. A pleasant little TV movie, well-made, well acted, and with a happy ending. Sometimes that's all I need.

My wife and I sat down on a Saturday night thinking that the film would be action, drama, or comedy. We didn't know that it was an experience in religion. Whether based on facts or not the story is not believable. Yes, it will pull you in as would any story about the loss of a child but this B rated, direct to DVD movie should be avoided. If you are a devout Christian you will love this amateurish production, maybe. This film is all about preaching god to you and trying to get you to believe in god. I am annoyed that this kind of film is allowed in the main-stream and that such a film can be put upon so many innocent viewers. I'm sure this is just the beginning of the video invasion of more of the same

I feel this could be an action packed comedy! Hand to face!

source: The Way Home