Watch A River Runs Through It

A River Runs Through It is a 1992 American drama film directed by Robert Redford, starring Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, and Tom Skerritt. The movie is based on a semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Norman Maclean. The story is set in early 1900s Montana and follows the life of two brothers, Norman (Sheffer) and Paul (Pitt), who grew up in a Presbyterian family with their father (Skerritt), who was a strict but loving minister. The brothers share a passion for fly fishing, but they have different personalities and outlooks on life. Norman is more reserved and academically inclined, while Paul is more impulsive and lives for the moment.

The movie is narrated by an adult Norman, who reflects on his memories of growing up with his brother and their shared love of fishing. The opening scene shows the two brothers as children, fishing with their father in the Blackfoot River. From this moment on, the river becomes a recurring symbol throughout the movie, representing the journey of life and the different paths that people take.

As the brothers grow up, they both face challenges and difficulties. Norman becomes a successful writer and professor, but he is hesitant to settle down and commit to a relationship. Paul, on the other hand, becomes involved with gambling and other risky behavior, which puts a strain on his relationship with his family and his girlfriend, Jessie.

Despite their differences, the brothers continue to bond over their love of fly fishing. One of the most iconic scenes in the movie shows Paul and Norman fly fishing together in a mountain stream, set to the hauntingly beautiful score by Mark Isham. As they fish, they talk about life and the future, and Paul shares his dream of owning a ranch and living a simple life.

As the movie progresses, the brothers' lives take different paths. Norman falls in love with a local girl named Jessie and struggles to balance his career with his desire to settle down and start a family. Paul, meanwhile, becomes more and more reckless, getting into fights and taking dangerous risks. Eventually, his behavior catches up with him, and the movie climaxes with a tragic event that changes the lives of everyone involved.

Overall, A River Runs Through It is a beautifully crafted movie that explores themes of family, nature, and the human condition. The cinematography by Philippe Rousselot is breathtaking, capturing the rugged beauty of Montana's landscapes and the serenity of its rivers and streams. The acting is uniformly excellent, with Sheffer and Pitt giving standout performances as the two brothers. Skerritt also shines as the stern but compassionate father, who tries to guide his sons through the challenges of life.

The movie is not without its flaws, however. Some reviewers have criticized it for being overly sentimental and nostalgic, and for romanticizing a bygone era of America that may not have actually existed. Others have accused it of perpetuating negative stereotypes about Native Americans, who are largely absent from the story despite the fact that they would have been a significant presence in Montana during the time period portrayed.

Despite these criticisms, A River Runs Through It remains a beloved classic of American cinema, touching the hearts of viewers with its poignant tale of two brothers and their shared passion for fishing. Whether you are an avid angler or simply appreciate a good story, this movie is sure to leave an impression on you long after the credits roll.

A River Runs Through It is a 1992 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 68.