The Way Back

After watching a movie with your children or students, we encourage parents and teachers to look for education opportunities to teach with movies. Here are a few discussion topics that can help with lesson plans or teaching in the home.

Mr. Smith often tells Janusz that he is too kind, and that his kindness will kill him. What is Mr. Smith really trying to say? Is it possible to be too good-hearted? How does Janusz’s compassion affect the dynamics of their small group?

Janusz fears if he never has the opportunity to forgive his wife, she will be haunted by her false confession forever. What do we learn about Janusz’s personality when he explains this concern? Why is forgiveness such an important aspect of human relationships? How might you help someone else by offering your forgiveness? How could this process benefit you as well?

This movie is based on a book written by Gulag prisoner Slavomir Rawicz titled The Long Walk. While many historians have praised the book’s accurate and detailed portrayals of life in the Soviet camps, a recent BBC documentary calls the reality of the story into question.