Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

"When things get tricky in my life, I talk to my fish."


When I was in the theater waiting for my first screening of The Artist they showed a a preview for Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. That is one of the great things about going to see lesser known films is that you get to see trailers for more independent films and film festival selections. The trailer for this film was a good one and I really wanted to see it. Unfortunately, it was only in select theaters for a short time.

A rich sheik has dream of bringing the sport of salmon fishing into Yemen. His assistant, played by Emily Blunt, is tasked with the responsibility to make this a reality. She asks for the expertise of Dr. Alfred Jones, played by Ewan McGregor. He works for the British government in the department of fisheries. He is a sad man who is stuck in his life with a slow job and a wife who ignores him at best. His only joy in life is his fish pond.

With the help of the sheiks millions, the Prime Ministers PR person they begin the task of the impossible. They must first find away to keep the water cool and oxygenated. The second task is finding fish to make the run. The sheik is a wise man who offers advice and helps Alfred with his problems. Relationships rise and fall and tempers flare.

The scenes are beautiful. The shots of the rivers and the country are great. This film was based on the novel by the same name. A simple plot, but it is the story of the two leads that make up the rest. The tough relationships they are each in and the confidence they place in each other to control the one thing they both care about. I was amazed it was not seen in more theaters with the two leads being so popular. I hope more people get a chance to see this film.

7 out of 10