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.

It is hard to point out certain aspects of life. You live a passion but you do not explain it, but how do you talk about it without demising it. Passion is the essence of life and we can only fulfill it when we feel it. You do not always know what you are passionate about. When life starts to expect something from you and it seems tied to you in particular then you understand the real need. We all expect love from our world but we cannot predict from where. When a gravitational pull comes into play you feel its attraction. Loving someone as they truly are is true love and when really expressed it is invisible. In the 'The river why' it is so pleasantly narrated and it makes you wish it was so easy. Unfortunately it is not always like that but the fulfillment in loving is worth the wait.

I thought this was a good movie, in fact I saw most of it this afternoon and am watching it again in 20 minutes. I love fishing.

I like parts of A River Runs Through It and didn't like others. Although A River Runs Through It was one of the single most films that brought fly fishing to so many people, I was left wanting more. I was already a fly fisherman before the movie, so I wanted more fishing scenes.

The River Why was the type of movie I've wanted to see for decades. I'm 50 and still enjoyed the movie. I've lived in Oregon near Portland since 94 and this move was able to explain to my family back east why I now call Oregon my home. The cinematography was excellent and I give it two thumbs up.

First: I loved the book and still do. Read Duncan's novel, please.

Second: I've lived and fished in NW Oregon (and in NE Idaho, also a location for some of the filming) and agree with those who sing praise for the beautiful cinematic qualities of much of the film.

Third: Rarely do great books become great movies. This is true here. Still, given this reality, the film is good enough to watch, enjoy, ponder, discuss and watch again.

Fourth: I commend the review by Hollywood Jesus (listed among critics above) which convinced me both to go see it last night and to encourage you to do the same ---

"For me happiness would never be found anywhere but on the banks of a river." After a fight with his father pushes him to far, Gus (Gilford) decides to leave everything and just fish. While living in a cabin and fishing 16 hours a day he runs into Eddy (Heard) on the river and begins to rethink his life choices. I'll start by saying that this is a very good movie, but very girly. Think "River Runs Through It" but much more of a love story. The scenery is great, but unless you are a hardcore fisherman it will be tough to get through the long sequences of fishing and fly tying that are scattered throughout. The acting is great, and William Hurt does a great job even though he is only in it for a little while. This is a movie worth watching, but don't expect anything too exciting. Overall, a good movie with great acting that is much more of a love story then "River Runs Through It". I give it a B.

*Also try - River Runs Through It