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Salmon Fishing in the Yemen Review

Movies.com Critics

2.5

Dave White Profile

Full of Omega 3. Read full review

3.0

Grae Drake Profile

Kicking Bass and Taking Names Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 3.0
    58

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Mixed or average reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 50

    out of 100

    Village Voice

    Mostly sacrifices the political satire and epistolary structure of Paul Torday's source novel in favor of cute, if strained, rom-com shenanigans.

    Read Full Review

  • 50

    out of 100

    Variety

    Like one of those kitchen machines that can turn nearly any ingredient into ice cream, Lasse Hallstrom has sweetened the satire right out of Paul Torday's side-splitting political sendup Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.

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  • 50

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter

    The movie has a hard time wrapping up its love story without feeling forced, however game the cast. Viewers won't be able to say they weren't given what they came for, but they might feel unsatisfied all the same.

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  • 60

    out of 100

    The New York Times Stephen Holden

    Unlike those in the book, who speak through e-mails, diaries, letters and interviews, the characters here leave the impression of giving harmless nibbles instead of flesh wounds. Defanged and pushed into the background, the satire vanishes, and you are left with an agreeable romantic comedy.

    Read Full Review

  • 63

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    This perhaps sounds like a hilarious movie. So it could be, in the hands of the masters of classic British comedy. Unfortunately, the director is the Swede Lasse ("Chocolat"), who sees it as a heart-warming romance and doesn't take advantage of the rich eccentricity in the story.

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  • 70

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Betsy Sharkey

    The film has a grand cast, with Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor, Kristin Scott Thomas and Amr Waked at the center of this very clever tale of modern eco-issues intertwined with old-style political intrigues and New Age romance.

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  • 75

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman

    You can have a reasonably nice time at Salmon Fishing in the Yemen if you accept that it's the tidiest movie imaginable to ever say that falling in love is like swimming upstream.

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  • 75

    out of 100

    USA Today Scott Bowles

    The side story about Muslim extremists is a little ham-handed for a film that otherwise exercises such restraint.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    ReelViews James Berardinelli

    It's not a stretch to say the movie works in large part because of the charm and sparkle of the three leads: Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, and Kristin Scott Thomas.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Salmon Fishing in the Yemen reviews at Metacritic.com

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 13+

Quirky romance mixes politics, charm; fine for teens.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is a quirky romance with a mish-mash of themes that includes love, international relations, faith, war, marital infidelity, and fishing. Overall the movie has a genteel feel, and though there's some salty language (including "ass," "bastard, and one use of "f--k"), it's not excessive. Expect some kissing and a couple of love scenes that imply sex, though there's no graphic nudity. There's also some social drinking and smoking, and use of a gun by an attempted assassin.

  • Families can talk about Salmon Fishing in the Yemen's messages. What do you think it wants audiences to take away from watching? Does all entertainment need to have a message?
  • What makes Harriet's and Fred's romance different or similar to that of other movie couples? Did either of them do anything wrong? Why did they hesitate?

The good stuff
  • message true3

    Messages: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen's messages are about the importance of peace, patience, tolerance, humility, and faith.

  • rolemodels true3

    Role models: Alfred and Harriet are as different, in both personality and disposition, as two people can be. But in working toward a common goal, they discover much to appreciate in each other. They're both clear about not wanting to be hurtful of others and are quite respectful of their complicated individual situations.

What to watch for
  • violence false2

    Violence: An assassin attempts to kill one of the characters with a gun; later, a dam is destroyed.

  • sex false2

    Sex: A woman takes off her pants and joins her boyfriend in bed (they're mostly shown cuddling). Earlier, they're seen kissing. Another couple is shown just finishing having sex (no nudity).

  • language false3

    Language: "F--k" is shown typed on a computer, with asterisks in place of most of the letters; later, a mother says the word while speaking to her teenage son. Also occasional use of words including "bloody hell," "bastard," "ass," "damn," "oh my God, " "goddamn," and "bollocks."

  • consumerism false1

    Consumerism: Mention of Target and the names of a few fishing magazines.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false2

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some social drinking. One character smokes cigarettes.

Fan Reviews provided by

5

It's a Hit! by Optimism
The Sunday matinee we attended was near-full, even tho SALMON FISHING was also being shown at the same time in a second theater across the lobby. A HIT! Why? Because it's adorable: literate and charming, and creative, and quite perfect, all 'round. Super fun An original (!) movie. Refreshing and delightful.

4

Loved it better than the book by 36003657
I loved the book and was delighted to learn that a movie was made of it. I could hardly wait to have it come my town and scanned theaters in nearby towns to see if they already show it. Well, it finally arrived here and I must say that this is one movie that is actually better than the book. I enjoyed it tremendously.

4

Liked this movie alot by nancyfurm
This movie was a pleasant surprise. I found it a sweet love story. I enjoyed all of the characters and thought the writing was really good. I would definitely recommend it.

5

Salmon Fishing in Yemen by jacqpk
By far the best movie I have seen in a long while. Good story, great pace, excellent casting and acting, and beautiful scenery. A must see!!!!!

5

Cast your vote for salmon fishing! by PVKathy
This is a charming and wise movie that has an unusual setting and unusual plot with dialogue that goes beyond the trite. Well written and well acted, this film is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The large theater was nearly filled and everyone left happy.

3

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen by meckstut
A so-so Friday night film with an attractive cast and a simple, predictable formulaic story line that you have seen many times before -- even the "Dr. Jones" references bring back you know who.. I was expecting more from the film based on its title, I thought it would be metaphorical about overcoming difficulties or daring to dream impossible dreams but it was quite literal and simplistic. The film is very shallow, everyone is just a little too perfect (even the villains).However, Kristin Scott Thomas is hilarious and steals every scenes she is in and Emily Blunt looks great in her London "investment manager" professional girl outfits.

4

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen by oldbikerdude
A well acted film with a nice story. Visually very appealing. I have recommended this film to my friends.

4

Fly Fishing in Yemen by arvard
I enjoyed this movie very much. The scenes were beautiful and the British humor wa a lot of fun. It got a little slow in places, but I would recommend it anyway.

4

One of the few times the movies eclipses the book by nickdoesmovies
This movies is a romantic satire, and the comic bite manages to eliminate any and all sappiness that might be associated with a traditional love story. This moving is engaging, beautiful to watch, funny, and a little thought provoking. The acting is marvelous - its well cast with an excellent screenplay. For anyone who ever wanted the nerdy fisherman to be the hero - this is your movie. Go

4

Really enjoyed the performances by trixiesutton
What a creative idea for a movie. It was a bit of a fantasy but the characters lift it into something really special. My husband and i enjoyed it thoroughly and had the nicest romantic dinner afterwards! Great date movie.

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