The River Why

The majority of this movie was filmed on our family homestead in Western Oregon. The location is not mentioned, nor is the family, by request. However, this gives the story special meaning to the descendants or my Great Great Grandparents who homesteaded the valley.

It is interesting to see how people find meaning in life, events, and what is important in life. While this is not a story about our family, there are traits that replay in all people, and families.

If it does not help you understand yourself, it may help give you insight into those around you.

Obviously today the particular cabin in the movie is know to us as the River Why Cabin.

The River Why is based on a novel, written by David James Duncan. In a few words, it's about a young fisherman who leaves the city life to go and live in a house by the river and do/find/think about what he loves.

If one would like to find himself somewhere, that looks like a nice place to do it. Romance isn't missing, but it's more like an inspiration here (the way love should be, i guess).

The movie was filmed in some very beautiful locations in Portland, Oregon. It seemed like a documentary actually. A pleasant one. Had some good music and lots of nature sounds and thoughts about life. Zach Gillford was really good, so was Amber Heard. As far as William Hurt concerns, i think he's a brilliant actor and manages to bring up small parts in greater levels.

It was nice, quiet and inspiring. It flowed like a river.

"The River Why" was a life-changing book of philosophy and introspection for me. The book is subtly powerful and I highly recommend it. Such a book requires a journey that takes significant internal time. The book lets you wander comfortably for ages through beauty, ideas, love, and fish -- never realizing until it happens that these wonders are slowly and gradually coalescing into something tangible inside the reader.

There's no way for a movie to do the same thing. And so, of course, this film does not accomplish what the book does.

However, it is true to the book in its own way. For one who has read the book, the movie will take you back into it and help you reawaken that feeling inside. It does this by not trying to to it all, but rather, through music, scenery, and pace, reestablishing the feel.

For one who has not read the book, it's likely to be an enjoyable little glimpse into a tiny piece of a much larger river. Sit down and relax with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and let the movie happen.

I have lived in Portland, Oregon since 1981. Last night I viewed The River Why.

I have not read the book and, in fact, may do so having now seen the film. While I don't think this is a life changing experience, I did find the movie charming and loved the cinematography and the scenery of Oregon. The actors all do a good job and the film is thoughtful. The score is also well done. Watch the credits and you will hear a lovely version of "Fishing Blues".

I would definitely recommend a viewing of this heartwarming film. Again do not expect anything earthshaking here but an enjoyable time.

Gus Orviston (Zach Gilford) is born of an angling family. His father Henning (William Hurt) is a famous writer. His parents often argue over fishing. After one such fight, he leaves to fish on his own. He's taken with fish activist Eddy (Amber Heard). After discovering a dead body, he befriends incompetent fisherman Titus (Dallas Roberts).

The biggest problem with this movie is the lack of hurdles. It makes the story without drama. There is never any obstacles to his family life or the romantic life. There is only one on-screen parental fight before he leaves home. As for the romance, it's cute and sexy but without drama. I don't see any over-arching philosophy being espoused by his non-struggle. This is the lightest of coming-of-age romantic movie.