Synopsis
A River Runs Through It is a cinematographically stunning true story of Norman Maclean. The story follows Norman and his brother Paul through the experiences of life and growing up, and how their love of fly fishing keeps them together despite varying life circumstances in the untamed west of Montana in the 1920s.
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Cast
- Craig ShefferNorman Maclean
- Brad PittPaul Maclean
- Tom SkerrittRev. Maclean
- Brenda BlethynMrs. Maclean
- Edie McClurgMrs. Burns
- Stephen ShellenNeal Burns
- Vann GravageYoung Paul
- Susan TraylorRawhide
- Nicole BurdetteMabel
- Emily LloydJessie Burns
Recommendations
- 90
Variety
A skilled, careful adaptation of a much-admired story, A River Runs Through It is a convincing trip back in time to a virtually vanished American West, as well as a nicely observed family study. - 88
Chicago Sun-Times
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. - 88
ReelViews
This is a beautifully-shot film, and director Robert Redford (who also provides the voice-over narration) has paid painstaking attention to detail. - 78
Austin Chronicle
A pure cinematic distillation of Maclean's words, it is by turns austere and vibrant, disconsolate and joyful. - 70
Washington Post
It is a serious and, at times, moving film, and it deserves serious analysis. - 70
Washington Post
The words - taken directly from the book - are beautifully cast, but they encapsulate the emotions too conveniently. - 60
Chicago Reader
An admirable if frequently soporific 1992 adaptation of Norman Maclean's account of life in Missoula, Montana. - 60
Empire
From Phillippe Rousselot’s exquisite cinematography, with the stunning scenery of Montana as a backdrop, to Redford’s assured direction, this is utterly alluring, and manages to make fly-fishing seem not just romantic, but thrilling.
