It is a true story about two brothers Norman and Paul who have had the perfect experience in their lives when they grew up in Montana with different personalities. Over time, these people began to embody one hobby through their only common land, which is the hobby of fishing on the Big Blackfoot River. During that period of their lives, it seems that they will enter the cycle of life unless there is a fate-hunting that leads to an event that may change the course of things for Norman and his family.
Although heart-throb Pitt steals the film to some extent, veteran actor Skerritt scores highly with his outstanding and heartfelt portrait of the watchful father.
Redford and his writer, Richard Friedenberg, understand that most of the events in any life are accidential or arbitrary, especially the crucial ones, and we can exercise little conscious control over our destinies.
There is too much taste, discretion and detachment in Redford's rendition of MacLean's sprawling family saga, but the scenery and Brad Pitt are nice to look at due to Philippe Rousselot's gorgeous Oscar-winning cinematography.
Here are two things I never thought I'd say: I like a movie about fly fishing, and Robert Redford has directed one of the most ambitious, accomplished films of the year.
Rolling Stone
May 12, 2001
Redford's movie is too little show and too much tell.
ColeSmithey.com
December 04, 2006
A great movie to watch with the family at Christmas.
Movie Metropolis
July 14, 2009
Sherritt has been in a lot of movies, but the role of Rev. Maclean seems like one he was born to play. He owns it, the way that Pitt and Sheffer own theirs, and as a result it takes no time at all to believe this group as a family and become involved.
