A River Runs Through It (1992)
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83% of critics liked it
(40 reviews) -
78% of users liked it
(66,101 ratings)
Robert Redford's lyrical direction sets the tone for this evocative adaptation of author Norman MacLean's memoir of his idyllic Montana youth. The MacLean family is presided over by the strict but encouraging Rev. MacLean (Tom Skerritt) and his loving wife (Brenda Blethyn). Craig Sheffer… More Robert Redford's lyrical direction sets the tone for this evocative adaptation of author Norman MacLean's memoir of his idyllic Montana youth. The MacLean family is presided over by the strict but encouraging Rev. MacLean (Tom Skerritt) and his loving wife (Brenda Blethyn). Craig Sheffer stars as the young Norman, the older son in his family, who takes his school work and writing a bit too seriously for Paul (Brad Pitt), the impetuous younger son, to take much stock in. Paul would rather have a good time, drink and play cards than get involved with academic study. Where Norman wants to be a college literature professor, Paul would prefer to stay in Montana all his life and wrangle some kind of job writing for a local newspaper. But, ironically, Paul is the better fly fisherman and in this way attains a sense of perfection. The film also details the MacLean boys' involvement with a colorful group of town's people -- including a young Indian woman Paul decides to date and the defiant Jessie (Emily Lloyd), whom Norman later marries. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Directed By
- Robert Redford
- Written By
- Norman Maclean, Richard Friedenberg
- Genres
- Drama
PG,
- In Theaters
- Oct 9, 1992 Wide
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Variety Staff, Variety
A skilled, careful adaptation of a much-admired story.
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Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
This may work for you if you settle at the outset for a nostalgic, all-American mood piece.
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, Time Out
Leave your preconceptions about fishing at the door: you'll be caught hook, line and sinker.
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Caryn James, New York Times
Here are two things I never thought I'd say: I like a movie about fly fishing, and Robert Redford has directed one of the most ambitious, accomplished films of the year.
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Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Redford's movie is too little show and too much tell.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Cast
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Craig Sheffer
as Norman Maclean
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Brad Pitt
as Paul Maclean
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Tom Skerritt
as Reverend MacLean
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Brenda Blethyn
as Mrs. Maclean
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Emily Lloyd
as Jessie Burns
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Edie McClurg
as Mrs. Burns
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Stephen Shellen
as Neal Burns
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Nicole Burdette
as Mabel
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Susan Traylor
as Rawhide
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Joseph Gordon-Levitt
as Young Norman
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Vann Gravage
as Young Paul
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Chuck Adamson
as Harry the Editor
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Philip A. Braun
as Dealer at Lolo
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Rob Cox
as Conroy
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David Creamer
as Ken Burns
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Michael Cudlitz
as Chub
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Byron Dingman
as Speakeasy Patron
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Macintyre Dixon
as Police Sergeant
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Jim Dunkin
as Speakeasy Bartender
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Hawk Forssell
as Bouncer at Speakeasy
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D. Gorton
as Pavilion Announcer
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William Hootkins
as Murphy
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Don Jeffery
as Black Jack
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Cecily Johnson
as Speakeasy Patron
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Prudence Johnson
as Pavilion Singer
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Rex Kendall
as Reporter
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Margot Kiser
as Sal
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Martina Kreidl
as Secretary at Newspaper
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Jack Kroll
as Reporter
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Tracy Mayfield
as Bouncer at Lolo
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Anne Merrem
as Hooker at Lolo
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Fred Oakland
as Mr. Burns
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Lincoln Quesenberry
as Drunk in Alley
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Madonna Reubens
as Aunt Sally
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Arnold Richardson
as Old Norman
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Kathy Scharler
as Waitress at Speakeasy
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Jess Schwidde
as Mrs. Sweeney
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Caleb Shiff
as Young John
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Buck Simmonds
as Humph
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Jacob Snyder
as Piano Player
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Noah Snyder
as Copy Boy at Newspaper
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Chuck Tweed
as Drunk in Jail
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Robert Redford
as Narration
