Mending the Line

Stephen Camelio brings us a beautiful story about an Afghan vet who finds solace, understanding and truth through a Vietnam veteran.

Beautifully directed by the great Joshua Caldwell (Layover, Immortals, American Tragedy), the story is a brilliant idea, and one that I relate with on a very personal level (which would be Vietnam).

As far as casting, you can never go wrong when you manage to get Brian Cox involved in a project. Kudos to Scott Macleod for insisting on Cox for this pivotal role. I mean, come on! Brian Cox is so special in everything he does. He's always brilliant. But team him up with the wonderful, heart-breaking Sinqua Walls (as the young Colter) and you have gold. The two of them are so different, so far apart, but pure magic when they come together, which happens through none other than PATRICIA HEATON (as Dr. Burke).

Okay, we know Heaton from her uncanny ability for comedic genius, but in this serious drama, she will blow you away. I didn't even know it was her until halfway through the film. I'm telling you, she is that good.

Perry Mattfeld, who we all know from IN THE DARK, is terrific, mostly due to her restraint. Mattfeld is known for her bold, outspoken characters, but in this drama, she holds back, which only increases her dramatic effect. The woman is genius.

Overall, it's a really lovely story and film that I( will likely watch again and again.

As someone who works in this space, we're thrilled to see this story being told the right way. It was important to see their attention to detail regarding both the military/ veteran space as well as fly fishing. Props to the entire team.

The cinematography was incredible whether it was Montana or on the battle field. Definitely a tough watch for some, but it's the reality. Heavy drinking, frustrations with the VA, loss of identity and purpose.

It's the tough reality the world needs to see to appreciate what our soldiers deal with when they return home. It's not pretty. We need more honest films like this.

John Colter (Sinqua Walls) is a Marine wounded in Afghanistan. He's suffering from PTSD although he doesn't acknowledge it in hopes of returning to the battlefield. Dr. Burke (Patricia Heaton) recommends him to Ike Fletcher (Brian Cox), an old Marine who uses fly fishing to help his own issues. Librarian Lucy (Perry Mattfeld) volunteers at the VA who also suffered loss.

This movie is sincere. It tries to be truthful. It has its touching moments. It takes the straight forward path. The movie is about veterans with PTSD and fly fishing. It's not doing anything else. The actors are good. It's got Brian Cox. It is enough.

I scanned through the reviews and maybe I am missing some of them but I don't see how the average fell below seven. This movie was in my mind and heart a 10+ but I only gave it a nine because the movie had special meaning to me which hit home but may not move others in the same way. So I was trying to be objective rather than subjective.

Brian Cox and Wes Studi, as always, bring incredible talent to the screen. And I have always believed that great actors bring out the best in unknown actors.

Consequently, the acting was superb and credit must also go to the diirector. A good director pulls the best out of any actor, seasoned or new. And this goal was accomplished.

Passing on this movie is a mistake. You can only be enlightened, entertained and, yes, saddened by what our military protectors go through but heartened by what the simple act of flyfishing can do for the soul.

I just saw this movie a few hours ago and was very moved by it. It's the first "10" I have given any movie. It is a story of redemption, healing, and hope from the viewpoint of 2 Combat Vets, one from Vietnam and one from Afghanistan, and one civilian who lost a loved one.

The main story is that of the Afghan Vet, and there are flashbacks to see what he experienced in Afghanistan.

"More books have been written about fly fishing than any other sport", is one of the lines. Throughout the movie, passages are read from these book that concern fly fishing and how it relates to life.

Perfectly cast and against the backdrop of a Montana river.