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The Way Back poster

The Way Back (2010)

“Their escape was just the beginning.”

7.0/10 · 1,819 votes 2h 13m pg-13 AdventureDramaHistory

#69 of 247 films from 2010 #594 of 1617 in adventure

Directed by Peter Weir · Written by Peter Weir, Keith R. Clarke, Slavomir Rawicz

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

A small band of multicultural convicts stages a daring escape from a WWII-era Siberian gulag, and embarks on a treacherous journey across five countries in a desperate race for freedom and survival.

Cast

Ed Harrisas Mr. Smith
Jim Sturgessas Janusz Wieszczek
Saoirse Ronanas Irena Zielińska
Mark Strongas Andrei Khabarov
Colin Farrellas Valka
Gustaf Skarsgårdas Andrejs Voss
Dejan Angelovas Andrei
Dragoș Bucuras Zoran
Sally Brunskias Janusz's Wife, 1939
Alexandru Potoceanas Tomasz Horodinsky
Sebastian Urzendowskyas Kazik
Zahari Baharovas Interrogator
Ihor Hniezdilovas Bohdan
Stanislav Pishtalovas Commandant

Facts

Release dateNovember 22, 2010
Runtime133 min (2h 13m) — longer as the 2010 average of 104 min
GenresAdventure, Drama, History
LanguageEN
Budget$30,000,000
Box office$24,172,201 (0.8× budget)
IMDbtt1023114

More from Peter Weir

Dead Poets SocietyDead Poets Society1989 · ★ 8.3 · 2h 9m The Truman ShowThe Truman Show1998 · ★ 8.2 · 1h 43m Picnic at Hanging RockPicnic at Hanging Rock1975 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 47m Master and Commander: The Far Side of the WorldMaster and Commander: The Far Side of the World2003 · ★ 7.2 · 2h 18m GallipoliGallipoli1981 · ★ 7.1 · 1h 52m WitnessWitness1985 · ★ 7.1 · 1h 52m The Mosquito CoastThe Mosquito Coast1986 · ★ 6.3 · 1h 59m Green CardGreen Card1990 · ★ 6.1 · 1h 48m

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Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of WarTae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War2004 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 28m The Count of Monte CristoThe Count of Monte Cristo2002 · ★ 7.7 · 2h 11m The World's Fastest IndianThe World's Fastest Indian2005 · ★ 7.7 · 2h 7m HeroHero2002 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 39m The ImpossibleThe Impossible2012 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 53m War HorseWar Horse2011 · ★ 7.3 · 2h 26m Red Cliff IIRed Cliff II2009 · ★ 7.3 · 2h 21m The PhysicianThe Physician2013 · ★ 7.3 · 2h 35m

Questions

How long is The Way Back?
The Way Back runs 133 minutes (2h 13m).
Is The Way Back worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7/10 across 1,819 votes, which places it #69 of 247 films released in 2010 in this index (top 72%) and #594 among 1617 adventure titles.
Who directed The Way Back?
The Way Back was directed by Peter Weir. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Dead Poets Society (1989), The Truman Show (1998), Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975).
Who stars in The Way Back?
Ed Harris as Mr. Smith; Jim Sturgess as Janusz Wieszczek; Saoirse Ronan as Irena Zielińska; Mark Strong as Andrei Khabarov; Colin Farrell as Valka; Gustaf Skarsgård as Andrejs Voss.
What is The Way Back rated?
It carries a pg-13 certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Way Back?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/37233.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.