Most major religions have obligations that must be undertaken one or more times in a lifetime with journeys to given destinations. For Muslims it is Mekka, for Jews Jerusalem, and for Hindus a ritual bath in the river Ganges. Christians also have their destinations, which in recent decades have, in many instances, developed a following even among non-believers – Santiago de Compostela, for example. Believers seems to understand these pilgrimages clearly; but when the call comes, the question of faith can be various for many, and also the place. After all, it is the journey that can be the destination. This weekend‘s movies are dedicated to pilgrimages and searches for higher aims.
Walking the Camino: Six ways to Santiago
A Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela has become a popular journey for people of various backgrounds and persuasions, and also the reasons for completing it. This documentary brings into focus different views at the end and pitfalls that occur on the 500-mile-long trek.
The Way
Santiago de Compostela once again, this time from an entirely different perspective. An inspirational story of a father who journeys to France to collect the remains of his son, who died on the way to Santiago. His spontaneous decision to complete the journey in place of his son and dedicate it to him quite understandably leaves an important impact on the life of an established Californian doctor.
Eat, Pray, Love
Julia Roberts in a movie about the personal transformation of the main character – Liz Gilbert – who decides to give up her troubled life, burdened with an ongoing divorce, and give herself a holiday. A holiday that eventually grows into a life-changing experience.
Seven Years in Tibet
A film that needs no introduction, and yet worth watching for a second or third time. Based on the true story of a rare and longlasting friendship that was formed against a backdrop of revolution and war. A journey that started with a determination to conquer the highest slopes of the Himalayan mountain called Nanga Parba and led to and unusual meeting with the Dalai Lama and the deep internal transformation of the lead character, Heinrich Harrer.
Photo: Rotten Tomatoes
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