'Salmon Fishing in the Yemen' Theatrical Trailer

The title of the upcoming Salmon Fishing in the Yemen doesn’t inspire thoughts of a can’t-wait-to-see film, but if the trailer is any indication of the entire film, then Lasse Hallström (Chocolat) has created one of the year’s best.  With a cast that includes luminaries Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt  (The Adjustment Bureau) and Kristin Scott Thomas (Nowhere Boy), we see the outlines for a remarkable tale of hope, faith and love. 

Salmon Fishing has already received outstanding reviews from those fortunate enough to see the advanced screening at last September’s Toronto Fill Festival (TIFF).   

The rest of us will have to wait until its planned wide release in March.  In the meantime, CBS Films and Lionsgate have just released the trailer to whet our appetites.

In the trailer, we are introduced to Fred Jones (McGregor), an uptight government fisheries expert who is lured into swimming “against the stream” (salmon pun intended) in order for a Sheikh (Amr Waked) to realize his dream of one day fly-fishing in his arid country.  Initially thinking the project absurd, the Prime Minister’s press secretary (Scott Thomas), implores him, in the name of good will, to at least try to make it happen.  Jones begins to believe as well once he meets the lovely Harriet Chetwode-Talbot (Blunt), and the Sheikh himself. 

It appears that Hallström has crafted a superb tale from the Simon Beaufoy adaptation of Paul Torday’s novel.  McGregor and Blunt radiate near-perfect chemistry together, with Scott Thomas and Waked delivering first rate performances in support.  For everyone who cries out for something besides the latest (wretched) Sandler comedies, you would be wise to catch this gem.