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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Sunday, October 30, 2011

"The Way" and sometimes known as "The Road to Campostella"




Emilio Estevez’s latest film is “The Way,” an inspirational, poignant film, beautifully written and directed, and stars Martin Sheen (his father) as Tom, an ophthalmologist who lives a very cushy, insulated California life.  While playing golf, Tom receives a call that his son has been killed in the French Pyrenees while attempting the famous walk - The Camino de Santiago. Tom goes to Spain to claim his son’s body, (played by Estevez) but instead of returning home, decides to honor his memory by doing the trek, leaving his son’s ashes along the way. Estevez assembled a wonderful cast including Deborah Kara Unger, James Nesbitt, and a most delightful Yorick van Wageningen.



The Camino de Santiago de Compostela, also known in English as The Way of St James, is a collection of old pilgrimage routes which cover all Europe.
The entire pilgrimage from Le Puy, in south-central France, to Santiago, in northwestern Spain, is around a thousand miles (sixteen hundred kilometers) and takes about two and a half months.

It is a movie which has us talking and asking questions.

Have you walked the road to Campostella?
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59 comments:

  1. Julie@beingRUBYOctober 30, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    ooh.. this is a movie for me.. I have always wanted to do this walk.. it's still on my bucket list..

    I've also read a few books on this subject... one a Shirley MacLaine in a past life sort of thing.. can't remember now what I thought of it.. hehehe.. and another was one of Paulo Coelho's books.. the titles escape me at present..

    They say the trek is a journey of self discovery and spirituality.. It would certainly be a visual treat if nothing else..

    Have a great week and thanks for your always kind comments my way.. ciao ciao xxx Julie

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  2. flowers on my tableOctober 30, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    Hi Helen, I hadn't heard of this movie, but is sounds just' up my street'.No I haven't walked the road to Campostella, have you? It sounds like it would be something wonderful to do for yourself! Have a Happy Halloween Helen, with much love Linda x

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  3. Jane and Lance HattattOctober 31, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    Hello Helen:
    Alas, we have not walked 'The Way' but it is something which for us, as doubtless for you, has a huge, romantic appeal and if we were younger we are sure that, inspired by this post, we should be setting off on our way this very day. It is rather like going on a pilgrimage, something we have never done and which in an organized group we should loathe to do, which has a similar attraction.

    We have not seen the film but, be assured, it is now at the top of our 'must see' list.

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  4. SuzeOctober 31, 2011 at 3:58 AM

    I so desperately want to (walk the 'real' Way.)

    A friend and I are contemplating watching a film, this week. Perhaps this should be it.

    A beautiful post, Helen, thank you. The images, as always, are transporting and a luxury.

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  5. ☆sapphireOctober 31, 2011 at 4:39 AM

    Thanks so much for letting us know about the movie!! I'd like to see it very much. Ever since I read Paulo Coelho's book on the road, I have always wondered what the road is like. Your photos are all very beautiful!!

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  6. Val's alentejo blogOctober 31, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    I love this story Helen. Cant wait to see the film. It sounds so interesting. I love Martin sheen and Emilio.
    I made some of the walk in 1975.. my legs were nimbler then.. We had "te" ouside the church ..i remember it was a beautiful day.
    I am also close to roads here, that connect up. I gave a lift to a nun on her way to Compostela..she was on the walk.
    How lovely you wrote about it. Best wishes Helen

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  7. AnnaOctober 31, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    Helen, I never walked the "Road To Compostella" and I never heard of it, or maybe I did hear a French or Spanish man talking about something like what you mention, on Italian TV. I have never been on a Pilgrimage, no... For me to do that kind of thing, there would have to be an incredible incentive... something really good at the end of the road. Can you think of anything?

    The film sounds really interesting, though, and I love the images you posted!

    Thanks for another informative post, Helen!

    CIAO

    ANNA
    x

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  8. nooneOctober 31, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    I haven't heard of these movies but it looks like a good one to watch!!

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  9. UnknownOctober 31, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    Helen,

    Thank you for leaving a comment and now following Ideezine.blogspot.com I'm thrilled that comment on all blogs leave us with more than we expected when click by.

    Your post on this movie shows wonderful and inspiring as well. My family roots are in Spain my Mom spoke of the religious pilgrimage several times as we grew up.

    I will become a follower on your blog and add you to my blogroll to continue lots of conversations on great topics.

    Bette @ Ideezine

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  10. Mrs. ExeterOctober 31, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Our village in France is on the Compostelle - there are so many branches crossing France. We have walked some of the quieter paths away from the roads - it would be wonderful to follow it all the way through Spain. The film sounds wonderful - I will look out for it.

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  11. flowers on my tableOctober 31, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    Hello Helen, many thanks for your visit, and lovely comments. Yes, Lois is out 'trick or treating' as we speak, dressed halfway between a witch and a vampire! No doubt salivating at the amount of goodies she has collected! Yes Lamb shanks would be a favourite of mine, and I must say this recipe was particularly good. I have just been visiting Anna and am feeling rather hungry now after all that talk of food! I will say goodnight and God bless, lovely Helen. Love Linda x

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  12. ShellyOctober 31, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    I definitely plan to see this movie. My husband and I took a 10 day trip with friends (and a priest who celebrated Mass every day for us in some of the old churches on the way) and still say that this was the best trip of our lives. "Spanish Steps" was the tour group we used. They were great. We walked 100 km. starting in Leon and then ending up in Santiago. You can find "Spanish Steps" online and I highly recommend them. I'm looking foward to this movie. Thanks, Helen, for letting me know where it is. Shelly

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  13. Heather RobinsonOctober 31, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Helen, one of the main roads to Compostelle starts from...Arles! And yes, we do see pilgrims with their walking sticks and scallop shells from time to time. Remi has covered part of the route for the former National Geographic Adventure and I wouldn't be surprised if we ended up giving it a go at some point...

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  14. RDA Pony TalesOctober 31, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    Hello Helen
    I have not heard of this film but I shall look out for it showing in our local cinema. From what you describe, I know that I would enjoy watching it.
    I have not walked the road to Campostella. I am not sure I could manage all those miles on foot, perhaps I could ride the trek on Spotty though :)
    Thank you so much for your kind comments on my post Helen. And as always, they are very much appreciated. Hugs, Abby

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  15. RDA Pony TalesOctober 31, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    Sorry Helen, I forgot to send xx's from me and Spotty boy :)

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  16. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    Julie@being RUBY

    Hi Julie
    I know your adventurous spirit will love "The Way".
    Like you I had read Paulo Coelho's the Pilgrimage and a Canadian woman named Sue Kenny who completed the entire walk, solo, in the depth of Winter.
    I, too would love to do this walk, in silence.
    Have a wonderful week
    Helen xx

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  17. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Flowers on my table, Hello Linda
    - I know you will love "The Way". I laughed, cried and sniffed some more.The music is also very beautiful.
    It is the kind of movie which stays and one find themselves remembering parts long afterwards.

    Helen x

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  18. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    Jane and Lance Hattatt

    Hello my dearest friends

    I know you will truly enjoy "The Way". When the scenery is exquisite for us that equals another movie star.
    I have always had "el camino" in the back of my mind and would love to walk it in silence.

    Wishing you a great week
    Helen xx

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  19. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Hello Suze

    I am sure you are walking "the real way". We must always strive to stay on path.

    I do believe you will really enjoy the movie as the acting is excellent and also some great music.
    Thank you for your kind words
    Helen xx

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  20. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    Sapphire, Hello and thank you for your kind comments.

    I am sure you will get much enjoyment from the movie, as you are familiar through Paulo Coelho's writing (I love his work)

    Would love your hear your thoughts when viewed

    Helen xx

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  21. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    Valerie Tilston Rosa da Silva

    Hello Valerie, I am most impressed to hear that you did part of this walk. Congratulations. How interesting that the paths also include Portugal.

    I will look forward to hear your review of the movie

    My best

    Helenxx

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  22. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    Hello Anna
    What's cooking?
    I do think you will enjoy the movie, spectacular scenery, good acting and good music and there is some great images of food, lamb shank in particular.

    I have not done the walk but it has always captured my attention since reading Paulo Coelho, the Pilgrimage.
    Hope you have a delightful week

    Helen

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  23. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:32 PM

    Pop Champagne

    I hope you get to see "The Way"

    It is indeed a very interesting movie

    Thank you for stopping by and commenting

    Helen xx

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  24. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    Ideezine, Hello Beth

    Oh you will find the movie so interesting, particularly having Spanish heritage. There is also a wonderful scene with the gypsies and the music of the Gypsy Kings plays and such dancing.

    Thank you for being my new follower and thank you for commenting

    Helen xx

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  25. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Mrs. Exeter

    Thank you for commenting. How exciting that your beautiful village in France is on the "camino" Such incredible scenery and you are blessed to live in such a place.There must be some very special walks close by.

    Have a joyful week
    Helen xx

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  26. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    Flowers on my Table

    Hello again, Linda

    Thanks for visiting and no doubt Lois looked scary! I must pop over to Anna's site.

    Have a great week
    Helenxx

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  27. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    Hi Shelly

    How exciting that you walked "the way" for ten days and to have daily mass must have been very special. I can imagine it must have presented a challenge to find an altar, in remote areas.

    I hope you do a post and show images of your walk Shelly. It is always such a thrill for me to know someone who has walked el camino

    My best
    Helen xx

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  28. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    Lost in Arles

    Hello Heather

    Oh that is so exciting that some of the trail in in your area. I am sure Remi must have some incredible images from his National Geographic coverage.
    I will be so keen to hear if you undertake to walk.

    Hope you manage to see the movie, which is well acted.

    Helen xx

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  29. helen tilstonOctober 31, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    My Spotty Pony

    Hello Abby

    I can just see Spotty Pony trekking through the Basque Region of Spain and bringing so much joy to pilgrams and non pilgrams alike. Spotty would "walk the walk".
    I hope you manage to catch the movie Abby, it is uplifting.

    My best
    Helen xx

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  30. 24 CornersOctober 31, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    I had no idea that this is what the movie is about, it does sound very moving and inspirational, and I'm sure the scenery is as beautiful as it is interesting. It is now a must see...thank you.
    xo J~

    (Love that you were sung to tonight) :)

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  31. helen tilstonNovember 1, 2011 at 4:22 AM

    24 Corners
    Good Morning and a big welcome.

    I feel you will like the movie very much. It really invites dialogue.
    The scenery is unbelievable and apparently in these remote villages the food is spectacular.In reading a review I read that Emilio Estevez's film crew said to one restaurant owner, we will feature your restaurant and make you famous all over the world, to which he responded, I don't need this, "we are already famous"
    Yes, being serenaded by Nicki, my 4 yr old friend, singing Yellow Submarine to me was very, very special.

    Helenxx

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  32. Lisa GordonNovember 1, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    This sounds like a wonderful film Helen.
    Thank you for sharing it here.
    As always, it is such a pleasure to view your beautiful photographs.
    Sending you wishes for a wonderful evening!

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  33. SuzeNovember 1, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    Hello, again, Helen. I have just read more about the film and am definitely planning to see it. Have just suggested it to the friend. We shall see if she has an interest, too.

    Thank you so much for posting about it. I will let you know what I think once it has been viewed.

    Have a beautiful day.

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  34. MarjaNovember 2, 2011 at 1:28 AM

    Sounds like an interesting movie Thanks for sharing. I hear about the road in Paulo Coelho's book

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  35. Emilie's daughterNovember 2, 2011 at 5:07 AM

    This sounds like a very valuable movie - I guess sadness and happiness comes together.
    I have been walking just a small distance on the camino... but... I must say it is very crowded. Here in Switzerland and in Germany there is a very famous book called "Ich bin dann mal weg" written by Hape Kerkeling. He has walked the camino and writes about it. BTW: There is also the possibility to do it by bike. Thanks for the beautiful pictures, Helen!

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  36. helen tilstonNovember 2, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    Hello Lisa

    Thank you for your kind words and compliments. It is always a pleasure to hear from you.

    Wishing you a joyful week

    Helen xx

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  37. helen tilstonNovember 2, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    Hello again, Suze

    I know you will not be disappointed with this movie and one feels almost like they have walked the road when leaving the theatre

    I will be anxious for your review

    Helen xx

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  38. helen tilstonNovember 2, 2011 at 6:39 AM

    Hello Marja

    Thank you for visiting.

    I loved Paulo Coelho's book and experience on the camino. He touches the heart and I believe this walk turned his life completely around.

    Helenxx

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  39. helen tilstonNovember 2, 2011 at 6:42 AM

    Emilie's Daughter

    How interesting that you have walked part of the trail. No doubt there must be some wonderful walks in your area.
    I will look for the book by Hape Kerkeling (I need the Eng translation)
    It is always lovely to hear of books.
    Thank you

    Helen xx

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  40. Castles Crowns and CottagesNovember 2, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    Dearest Helen,

    My husband and I plan on making THE PILGRIMAGE one day..what wonderful photos that INSPIRE the journey! AND...I GOT THE CALENDAR AND THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! It is fabulous, and heaven knows I NEED A CALENDAR!!

    I am so glad you got the tags. Enjoy, and thank you for the business!!!! Anita

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  41. ~Lavender Dreamer~November 2, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    I've never even imagined this walk... but I would be interested in seeing this movie. I dream of traveling but I usually imagine Italy when I dream! I need to broaden my dreams! ♥

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  42. A Super DilettanteNovember 3, 2011 at 5:16 AM

    It sounds wonderful movie, my dear Helen. I've always loved the actor, Martin Sheen's performance ever since I saw his film from his younger days called "The Subject was roses"...it was such a great film. But very few people know about it. With love, ASD x

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  43. A Super DilettanteNovember 3, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    PS. My dear Helen, I have moved to a new web address so that you know I haven't disappeared (as quite a few people have emailed me).

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  44. JessieNovember 3, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    This sounds like my kind of movie. I have always like movies that are thought provoking. Thanks for the introduction.

    Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog earlier. You are so sweet!

    P/S: I am hosting a fabulous giveaway. So come by and enter for a chance to win a stylish hanging kit if you like. :)

    Jessie
    www.mixandchic.com

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  45. flowers on my tableNovember 3, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    Hi Helen. many thanks for your lovely remarks, yes the houses on water are wonderful, I think so too! Have a jolly weekend, love Linda x

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  46. Mary Ann PickettNovember 3, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    I've been through the Pyrenees on a train as a student...and remember freezing. Sounds like a great movie.

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  47. A Bit of the BlarneyNovember 4, 2011 at 3:25 AM

    I'm more interested in the movie now than I was before. No I've not been a pilgrim there. It would be worthwhile adventure! Thank you! Thank you too for you visit! Wishing you well! Cathy

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  48. NicoleNovember 4, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    thanks so much for stopping by our bloggy corner! so nice to meetchya!

    xoxo

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  49. annie@mostlovelythingsNovember 4, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    I had heard of this movie...but did not realize the full story until now. Makes me want to know more about it!

    annie

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  50. helen tilstonNovember 4, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    Crowns Castles and Cottages

    Dearest Anita

    How exciting that you and your husband plan on walking the road to Santiago. I would love to hear all about it.
    So happy you are putting my calendar to good use.

    I love your art work.

    Helen xx

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  51. helen tilstonNovember 4, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    Lavender Dreamer

    Italy is a beautiful country and so rich in scenery it would take a lifetime to discover all the beautiful places.
    I love reading of your trips which you take in the USA. I know you will enjoy the movie

    My best
    Helenxx

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  52. helen tilstonNovember 4, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    A Super Dilettante

    Hello my friend,
    You are so right, I was not aware of this movie "The Subject Was Roses" I will certainly put it on my list. You are always a fountain of information which I love receiving.
    My best
    Helenxx

    PS Thank you for letting me know your new blogging address. I would have been so worried if I could not find you. HKT

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  53. helen tilstonNovember 4, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    Hello Jessie

    I know you would love the movie.The scenery is wonderful

    Thanks for stopping by

    Helen xxx

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  54. helen tilstonNovember 4, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    Casual.Casual. Home

    Thank you for stopping by.

    It is curious how temperature and weather are embedded in our memories particularly when visiting a new place.

    My best
    Helen x

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  55. helen tilstonNovember 4, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    GrandMa K

    Thank you for visiting and being my new follower, you're most welcome to my blog and I look forward to your future stops.

    I feel you will enjoy the movie and the message.

    My best
    Helen xx

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  56. helen tilstonNovember 4, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    Hello Nicole

    Thank you for stopping by and welcome to my blog and thank you for being my new follower.
    I shall look forward to knowing you

    Helenxx

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  57. helen tilstonNovember 4, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    Hello Annie

    I thank you for stopping by.

    I feel you will really enjoy the movie.The scenery is spectacular and all the actors are brilliant.

    My best
    Helen xx

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  58. Castles Crowns and CottagesNovember 5, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    My dear and lovely Helen,

    THANK YOU for such kind and amazing words this morning. May the beauty of each star that shines give you the hope that each one of us is connected through the faith that LOVE is the stuff that stars are made of....be well, and WOW am I busy with my Etsy! I hope you are enjoying your tags....Anita

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  59. Val's alentejo blogNovember 6, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Dear Helen,
    I was thrilled today, when flicking the channels on tv, not knowing what would be on.. To my delight..it was showing "The Way"... i was so excited.
    I was about to go back to my art. I am glad i watched the film.. its superb. It touched my heart.
    I will watch it again.
    Kind regards Val

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