Strangers on the Earth is a mesmerizing 2016 documentary that follows the incredible story of pilgrims journeying along the Camino de Santiago, a well-trodden ancient trail that stretches over 500 miles from the French border to the city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This epic trek has been traversed by people from all walks of life for over a thousand years.
The film is directed by Tristan Cook, who chronicles the epic adventure of six hikers from different parts of the world who have come to walk the Camino for their own unique reasons. Each individual is compelled by a desire to transcend their everyday lives, to challenge themselves physically and mentally and to explore their innermost selves in a place of immense natural beauty and deep cultural significance.
Strangers on the Earth is a stunningly cinematic documentary that captures the essence of the Camino de Santiago in all its glory. The film is a visual feast that showcases the beautiful landscapes of northern Spain, from the rolling hills of Basque Country to the rugged mountains of Galicia. Along the way, we see the hikers negotiate steep terrain, meander through quaint villages, and cross stunning ancient bridges. We also see them battle the elements, contend with fatigue and injury, and experience moments of pure exhilaration and joy.
The documentary is anchored by the remarkable people at the heart of its story. We meet Denise, a spirited American widow who has come to the Camino to find solace and rediscover her love of life. We also encounter Alex, a young Israeli man whose journey is spurred on by his need to come to terms with his father's untimely death. Rachel, a young woman from the UK, is looking for a fresh start after a difficult break-up, while Misa, a Japanese writer, is on a mission to explore the Camino through the eyes of a foreigner.
The documentary also introduces us to Dane Johansen, an American cellist who has embarked on a unique pilgrimage of his own. He has carried his cello the entire length of the Camino and stops each day to give performances in ancient churches and courtyards along the way. His music is hauntingly beautiful and is woven throughout the film, adding depth and emotion to an already intense and gripping story.
What makes Strangers on the Earth so special is the way it delves deep into the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of the Camino. The film presents a range of ideas and beliefs about the nature of faith, the meaning of life, and the human search for purpose and fulfillment. We hear from pilgrims who come from all over the world and from all religious and cultural backgrounds. They share their deeply personal stories of struggle, triumph, and transformation in ways that are both moving and thought-provoking.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is its exploration of the many connections that exist between the Camino and music. The soundtrack of the film is a patchwork of melodies and rhythms that come from different corners of the world. We hear everything from ancient Basque folk songs to contemporary Israeli lullabies. Each piece is carefully chosen to complement the mood and tone of the story, but also to highlight the universality of music and its power to unite people across different cultures and languages.
At its core, Strangers on the Earth is a film that celebrates the human spirit in all its complexity and beauty. It is a documentary that will elicit laughter and tears, and leave you with a deep sense of wonder and awe. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or someone who has never left your hometown, this film will take you on a journey you will never forget.
Strangers On The Earth is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 54.
