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Emilio Estevez Talks THE WAY Themes: ‘The Movie Is About Connecting’

Emilio Estevez Talks THE WAY Themes: ‘The Movie Is About Connecting’

By Movieguide® Contributor

Emilio Estevez recently spoke about the re-release of his movie THE WAY and how it continues to inspire audiences.

THE WAY was originally released in 2011. It stars Estevez — who also served as the movie’s director and writer — and his father, Martin Sheen.

A portion of the Movieguide® review read:

THE WAY is a beautifully crafted movie with a clear and entertaining plot line the whole way. Clearly a character driven movie, the movie has some wonderful actors who play their characters extremely well, leaving the audience truly believing the Dutch man should be concerned about his weight and the writer is merely all contrived words. THE WAY truly highlights the beautiful scenery of the Camino de Santiago through France and Spain.

THE WAY is a story about transformation with a Christian worldview. Though the movie is somewhat subtle in reflecting its Christian attitude, it does show a cold heart turned to love. There is, however, some foul language and depicted marijuana and drug use, so caution is advised for older children.

Estevez partnered with Fathom Events to re-release THE WAY in theaters on May 16. 

“It sort of took on a life of its own,” Estevez said of the movie’s original release date during an interview with Movieguide®. “But then the movie disappeared and sort of went to movie jail and I had them rescue it.”

He went on to say that, even over a decade later, he still receives letters from viewers talking “about how important the movie was…how it changed people’s lives.”

“Coming back out, I think the movie has a different relevance and I think it’s resonating with people, especially post-COVID,” Estevez explained. “People are just like, ‘Hey, man, I want to reconnect with family [and] faith. [I want to] reconnect with the things that I was so isolated from.’ And the movie kind of serves as an opportunity to do that.”

When asked what faith-based message he wants audiences to take away from THE WAY, Estevez replied, “That we don’t live alone. We live in a community, and that is what I think the movie…offers. It offers us an opportunity to reconnect with community again.”

“The movie is about connecting,” he continued. “It’s also about connecting with people who you disagree with….I think, at the end of the day, what the film is really all about is…living your life in a way that is contributive. You’re making a conscious decision to be out in the world.”

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.