Monday, April 30, 2012
Swimming Upstream with a Winner; Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
What a surprise! A refreshing humorous drama about love, environmental issues, faith, sticky politics and a ``reel`` catch of a unique story!
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen; Casting a new Faith?
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen 
Directed by: Lasse Hallstrom
Written by: Simon Beaufov, (screenplay), Paul Torday
(novel)
Released: March 2012
Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy
Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy
Synopsis:
A sheik (Amr Waked) with unlimited
financial resources has a vision to
create a salmon fishing mecca in a
Middle Eastern desert and hires a reluctant fisheries expert Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) to
realize his dream. He embarks on an upstream journey of faith, and fish, amidst
a budding romance between the fisheries expert and a financial
consultant.(Emily Blunt)
Trailer
Sheikh Muhammed believes his passion for the peaceful sport of salmon fly fishing can truly enrich the
lives of his people in many ways and is steadfastly determined to bring the pastime to his homeland in the Yemen. His British financial consultant, Harriet (Emily Blunt) is cast into figuring out the logistics of this far-fetched but intriguing task, and needs to make it a reality for the Sheik. The major stumbling block is convincing the professional fish expert, Dr. Jones to come on board with the project. When he learns of the request, he regards the idea of salmon fish surviving in the desert as ludicrous.
However, the project takes a positive turn when the British Prime Minister's overzealous press secretary, Patricia Maxwell (Scott Thomas) latches onto the whole idea as a "good will" political story worth high profile recognition in support of her boss. She pressures the group to believe in the project for all the right reasons.
What is notable is the gamble of the director to present a drama about a sensitive political situation. Yet... it works and does so beautifully. Like a surprising olive branch extended from the Middle East to Britain, a refreshing optimistic romantic comedy emerges with pensive moments in store when you least expect them. The film presents moments of insight, environmental issues, political drama, and complicated romance, combining to offer an entertaining, unusual story.
Blunt who has a new boyfriend recently deployed to Afghanistan delivers her over ambitious job tasks in a professional mode, while snidely mocking her very awkward scientist partner. Yet she also offers a tenderness, and understanding for the scientist that is warm, and enduring. Dr. Jones, a reluctant goofy nerd, unfortunately saddled with a lack-lustre marriage, stumbles into this unlikely assignment offering adventure to his life. He delivers the realistic science and environmental platform for the film whilst also hinting of a possible attraction. His serious, dry personality is in stark contrast to Harriet`s bubbly innocence. The eccentric Sheik is very convincing, portraying someone very aware, with both with his intuition and wit. A humourous, feel good film Salmon Fishing in the Yemen flows gracefully, while also unpredictably as a catch of fish. Best film of 2012 so far!
However, the project takes a positive turn when the British Prime Minister's overzealous press secretary, Patricia Maxwell (Scott Thomas) latches onto the whole idea as a "good will" political story worth high profile recognition in support of her boss. She pressures the group to believe in the project for all the right reasons.
What is notable is the gamble of the director to present a drama about a sensitive political situation. Yet... it works and does so beautifully. Like a surprising olive branch extended from the Middle East to Britain, a refreshing optimistic romantic comedy emerges with pensive moments in store when you least expect them. The film presents moments of insight, environmental issues, political drama, and complicated romance, combining to offer an entertaining, unusual story.
Blunt who has a new boyfriend recently deployed to Afghanistan delivers her over ambitious job tasks in a professional mode, while snidely mocking her very awkward scientist partner. Yet she also offers a tenderness, and understanding for the scientist that is warm, and enduring. Dr. Jones, a reluctant goofy nerd, unfortunately saddled with a lack-lustre marriage, stumbles into this unlikely assignment offering adventure to his life. He delivers the realistic science and environmental platform for the film whilst also hinting of a possible attraction. His serious, dry personality is in stark contrast to Harriet`s bubbly innocence. The eccentric Sheik is very convincing, portraying someone very aware, with both with his intuition and wit. A humourous, feel good film Salmon Fishing in the Yemen flows gracefully, while also unpredictably as a catch of fish. Best film of 2012 so far!
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