A fisheries expert is approached by a consultant to help realize a sheik's vision of bringing the sport of fly-fishing to the desert and embarks on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible possible. (courtesy of Imdb.com)
Swedish film-maker Lasse Hallström (you may remember "Chocolat" or even his fantastic screen adaptation, which I eagerly recommend, of John Irving's famous novel "The Cider House Rules") directs this - at least that's my impression after watching the trailer - seemingly weird yet charming romantic drama, written by Simon Beaufoy - how fondly I remember his delightful "Slumdog Millionaire"!
I think I've told you how much I've always liked simple, good heartfelt stories in this day and age of movies fraught with frantic car chases, gratuitous violence, 3D special effects and stuff. And it seems to me that Hallström's film does just that, tell a story focusing on human feelings. Now, why do I sometimes get the impression that too often "modern audiences" find romance kind of prudish, you know, sloppily sentimental? Well, I'll tell you something loud and clear: I LOVE ROMANCE!! :-D
I sometimes wonder if the world wouldn't be a much better place if we had more of it ...
Anyway, judge by yourselves, this is the film's official trailer. I cannot help looking forward to it if only for the strong British cast - I'm really fond of Scott-Thomas and Blunt, not so much of McGregor, he he!
Then both Ewan and Emily. After suitably playing "Go Fish", they discuss the movie. They do have a sense of humour, don't they?
I think I've told you how much I've always liked simple, good heartfelt stories in this day and age of movies fraught with frantic car chases, gratuitous violence, 3D special effects and stuff. And it seems to me that Hallström's film does just that, tell a story focusing on human feelings. Now, why do I sometimes get the impression that too often "modern audiences" find romance kind of prudish, you know, sloppily sentimental? Well, I'll tell you something loud and clear: I LOVE ROMANCE!! :-D
I sometimes wonder if the world wouldn't be a much better place if we had more of it ...
Anyway, judge by yourselves, this is the film's official trailer. I cannot help looking forward to it if only for the strong British cast - I'm really fond of Scott-Thomas and Blunt, not so much of McGregor, he he!
Feel like reviewing the film? No problem, post your comments here!
And it seems it's my turn first. I’d told you I guessed “Salmon” would be delightful. Well, I’m afraid I have to rectify: it’s sheer joy, to me the “feel-good” romantic comedy of the year so far.
Simon Beaufoy’s script is brilliantly witty (as it was in the unforgettable Slumdog Millionaire), even if sometimes predictable, both the editing and directing make almost every scene flow and the performances are, all in all, fantastic, really accomplished. Not only do I love the on-screen chemistry between Blunt (I’m in love with her!) and McGregor (to me, one of his best roles to date) as well as the part played by the always effective Kristine Scott-Thomas - arguably, to my mind, one of the most underrated actresses of her generation – as the domineering PR chief, but even the salmon are up to the task, he he! Perhaps she overacts at times? But I like her a lot.
Well, I know many brainy critics (f**k them!) will find fault with many aspects of the movie, they might even accuse its director of being pretentious, blah blah, blah. Fair enough, but Hallström proves he can pull off some intelligent film-making by means of a simple, enjoyable story. The dialogues are lively as well as funny, the story well construed, the photography fits the scenes.
On the minus side, I suppose I didn't like the cliched generalisations about the Muslim world, though I reckon the fishing-obsessed sheik plays a likable enough character. Al things considered, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is an utterly entertaining flick which makes you leave the theatre with a beaming smile. Who could ask for more in this day and age of constant troubles! Call me foolishly sentimental, but I admit I even shed a tear or two at the end of the film. You know, I cannot help getting emotionally involved in this kind of romantic stories.
Will you allow me to embed a couple of funny TV interviews with the cast? Good stuff for listening comp skills after watching the film!
Firstly, this is Ewan on American TV, actually in Conan O'Brian's talk show:
Then both Ewan and Emily. After suitably playing "Go Fish", they discuss the movie. They do have a sense of humour, don't they?
Reading your review I almost cry ...! I cannot imagine what will happen when I watch the film.
ReplyDeleteThank heaven, there are still some people who like these lovely films.
I look forward to borrowing it
Indeed, it is an outstanding film. I loved it from the first minute.
ReplyDeleteTo my view, it has all the ingredients to be an absolutely enjoyable movie. Just to name a few things: a wonderful and touching story, a fantastic screenplay full of witty dialogues, great actors, stunning sceneries both in Scotland and in The Yemen, and a little bit romance. What more could you want?.
I totally agree with you. There is a special chemistry between the two protagonists, Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt. Moreover, I was very surprised by Kristine Scott-Thomas, who plays the Prime Minister's overzealous press secretary. I had never seen her in such a funny role!.
In brief, not only do I think this is an utterly recommended film for the sake of English, but also because it makes you feel very positive, and believe _at least for a while_, that with a little faith almost anything is possible.
So, don't miss it!!.
Belén.
Surprisingly I found the film full of light, faith and love.The story is quite predictable from the outset. The main characters, performed by Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Khristin Scott Thomas, are frankly amazing. The marvellous sceneries create a warm atmosphere that contribute in a formidable way to the development of the movie.
ReplyDeleteMy only suggestion is they should change the title to something more evocative.I suppose it would attract more viewers to see this fantastic romantic comedie.