A River Runs Through It

A River Runs Through It (1992)

  • 83% of critics liked it
    (40 reviews)

  • 79% of users liked it
    (64,496 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 stars as… More

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PG, 2 hr. 3 min.
Directed By
Robert Redford
Written By
Norman Maclean, Richard Friedenberg
Genres
Drama
In Theaters
Oct 9, 1992 Wide
On DVD
Nov 23, 1999
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

  • Variety Staff, Variety

    A skilled, careful adaptation of a much-admired story.

  • Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

    This may work for you if you settle at the outset for a nostalgic, all-American mood piece.

  • 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.

  • Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

    Redford's movie is too little show and too much tell.

  • Hal Hinson, Washington Post

    In its determination to emphasize character and thoughtful content over formulas and facile sensationalism, it's a movie that's proudly out of step with Hollywood trends.

Read all 18 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

  • Spencer M


    Absolutely breathtaking cinematography more than makes up for a less-than riveting storyline. A young Brad Pitt shines as well.

  • moon r


    Robert Redford directs and narrates this American poem about the life of one family in early 20th century Montana. Touching and evocative, surely this is one of Redford's better films, a bittersweet toast to life itself. The casting choice of C.Sheffer, in my opinion, is where… More

  • Corey W


    I can't see whats not to like about this film. Sure, we've seen it a million times but "A River Runs Through It" works like no other. The beatiful direction and visual of Montana in the early 1900's is done wonderfully. The acting, in my own opinon, was very… More

  • Conner R


    It was a mildly interesting movie that had about one decent performance. Brad Pitt made a great effort and seemed to be the only one that tried. Other than that, it has no personality or proper direction. I feel that if the script was a bit better then it would've been more… More

  • Jason O


    Awesome movie that's very reminiscent of another of Pitt's films that would come later, "Legends of the Fall."

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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