2011 * PG-13 * 1h 47m When I see a film with a goofy title like "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" I almost always jump on it. And nine times out of ten, I'm richly rewarded. This movie is no exception. I have no idea why I'd never heard of t before, especially considering the all-star roster of actors in it.
Here's the story. When things start to go badly in Afghanistan for the English, they need a feel good story to distract the increasingly war-weary public. The Prime Minister's press secratary Patricia Maxwell (Dame Kristin Scott Thomas) latches onto an obscure story about a ultra-rich Yemeni, Sheik Muhammed (Amr Waked) who wants to introduce salmon to a dammed up river in his country. She gets a fishery expert Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) involved in the project. He knows the project is absolutely absurd, yet he's forced to head up the mission, Dame Thomas is hilarious--she's an intelligent, foul-mouthed woman who's always conniving to get what she wants.
Harriet (Emily Blunt) is tasked with assisting the good doctor, and it's no surprise that even though he's married, and she has a boyfriend, a romance is in the offing. The story is well written and takes a number of unexpected plot twists and turns. I thought this was a delightful, slightly offbeat rom/com that had a lot of soul. Everyone turned in a great performance, and ultimately created a warm-hearted film well worth your time.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy.com and Hoopla.com. Also on Paramount+ and to rent on Prime Video.
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