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Monday, July 16, 2012

[6.75/10] Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2012)


Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2012)

Brief review: Adapted from Paul Torday's novel of the same name, "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" is yet another 'winner' from "Chocolat" director Lasse Hallström. Balancing drama and comedy well in a film is undoubtedly a hard thing to do, and many filmmakers in the past have struggled to produce successful movies that fit into this hybrid of a genre. That's not the case with Swedish director Lasse Hallström, who manages to pull it off quite effortlessly and naturally in "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen", and he deserves credit for that. Thanks to his flair and skills and Simon Beaufoy's clever, well-adapted script, this movie has as much heart-wrenching moments in it as it has laughs. Yes, it gets a bit too sentimental at times, and its romantic bits often aren't as emotionally powerful as they should, but "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" is still an intelligent piece of cinema that fully benefits from its strong source material. Furthermore, Hallström's subtle direction, combined with Terry Stacey's super-smooth cinematography that features many breathtaking landscape shots, make this film as pretty as a postcard. To put such a talented cast in one movie is a winning move, and director Hallström takes full advantage of the their acting skills. All the actors involved work brilliantly together, with Blunt and McGregor sharing a believable on screen chemistry, and Kristin Scott Thomas bringing the laughs.

Overall summary: Although not always as enjoyable and emotionally-engaging as it's supposed to be, "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" is still a warm, charming, beautifully-crafted and wonderfully-acted dramedy with heart, soul, brains and pretty sophisticated sense of humor.

10 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Not my usual fare. Didn't know it was a book though.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Alex, it certainly isn't your cup of tea, but I think your wife might like it. It's NOT corny at all.

S. L. Hennessy said...

I really wanted to see this in theaters but kept missing it. I can't wait for the DVD.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

S. L. Hennessy, it's out on DVD today, so go get it. :)

farawayeyes said...

Thank you, thank you thank you. I've been such a slug the past four months and have not been here often. I absolutely adore 'Chocolat'. Living where I do (Caribbean) I would have completely missed this one, without your review. At the top of the list.

Unknown said...

I'm a huge fan of Hallstrom's work and so I cannot wait to see this. Plus I love Ewan and Emily so this will be a double treat for me.

Wonderful review, made me want to go and get this film right now. :)

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

farawayeyes, if I have to be honest, I missed you and your comments. Glad to see you back. At one point, I was thinking I did something wrong..

Catch it on DVD, it's out now. You'll love it!:)

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Mel, me too. I think he's a very sophisticated director and he knows is stuff. Emily and Ewan were both wonderful in this one, which ain't surprising. ;)

Ah, thanks hon. :)

Michele (TheGirlWhoLovesHorror) said...

Nebs! Here's a blog award for you!
http://thegirlwholoveshorror.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-liebster-award-or-insanely-long-and.html

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Michele, I recently received the same award from Kaijinu, but thanks anyway. I appreciate it. ;)