Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011)

User Review

• 

  TheMovieDiorama

  7 / 10

  Salmon Fishing in the Yemen rapidly swims upstream. Never underestimate a quirky British romcom, even if its title sounds ludicrously bizarre. Immediately strange questions appear in your mind like fish out of water. "Is there actually water in Yemen?" or "Does anyone know how to fish in Yemen?". Fortunately, your questions will be briefly answered in this charming tale. A fisheries expert is recruited to theorise the potential of shipping salmon to the Yemen at the behest of a rich sheikh. Whilst undergoing the project, the scientist starts to fall in love with an advising businesswoman. This well intentioned adaptation flows past the typical romantic clichés to create a calm chilled drama that feels succinctly sweet and tender. A screenplay that is able to capture the faith-based metaphor of making the impossible possible, it surprisingly feels like a relatable story albeit a reserved one. The dialogue balances humour and heartfelt emotion to bring the characters to life as they interact with each other swimmingly. McGregor's clumsy behaviour compliments Blunt's elegant humanity to create a juxtaposing, yet emotionally investing, relationship. It's not the most developed romance, and sure it could've had some more time to soak up all that Yemeni water, but the rapid pacing ensures the quirky story is at the forefront without resulting to melodrama. Fantastic central performances, with Blunt being the stronger contender as she conveys a cluster of emotions. Major credit to Scott Thomas who was effortlessly hilarious with her deadpan delivery, she needs to be in more comedies. The big criticism I have is with the ending, I don't buy into it. Felt far too forced where in reality there is no way she would've made that decision, let's face it. Also would've liked more exploration towards the individuals who oppose the project, would've made for better narrative conflict. In saying that though, Salmon Fishing is a quaint romcom that, whilst remains reserved, is sure to put a smile on your face without being fishy.

  Like?

  0 member like this review.