A River Runs Through It Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A minister’s sons learn to fish, one goes to college, the other gambles, and the river somehow connects them all in a beautifully shot but ultimately sad story.

🍿 A River Runs Through It: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Childhood in Montana

Set in the 1920s in rural Montana, the film introduces brothers Norman and Paul Maclean, sons of a Presbyterian minister. Their father instills in them a strict upbringing based on religion and a love for fly fishing. The boys learn to fish with meticulous precision, a skill that becomes a central theme in their lives.

Norman’s Departure and Return

As the boys grow older, Norman leaves Montana to attend Dartmouth College, while Paul remains at home. After six years away, Norman returns, finding Paul working as a journalist but also involved in a life of gambling and drinking. The film explores their reunion and the differing paths they’ve chosen.

Summer of Reckoning

The summer unfolds with Norman courting Jessie Burns and contemplating a teaching position in Chicago. Paul’s reckless behavior intensifies, straining his relationships with his family. Despite their efforts to help him, Paul continues down a self-destructive path, ultimately leading to a tragic end.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Norman Maclean (Craig Sheffer): The elder Maclean brother, a level-headed intellectual who pursues a career in teaching and grapples with understanding his rebellious brother.
• Paul Maclean (Brad Pitt): The charismatic and rebellious younger brother, a talented fly fisherman and journalist who struggles with addiction and self-destructive tendencies.
• Rev. Maclean (Tom Skerritt): The Maclean brothers’ stern but loving father, a Presbyterian minister who teaches his sons about religion, discipline, and the art of fly fishing.
• Mrs. Maclean (Brenda Blethyn): The supportive and quietly strong mother of Norman and Paul, who provides a gentle counterbalance to her husband’s strictness.
• Jessie Burns (Emily Lloyd): Norman’s girlfriend, a free-spirited and independent woman who navigates her own path in life and offers Norman a different perspective.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rev. Maclean: “It is those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them – we can love completely without complete understanding.” – Rev. Maclean reflects on the difficulty of truly knowing and helping those closest to you, yet emphasizing the importance of unconditional love.
• Old Norman Maclean (Narrator): “All things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” – Reflecting on how the experiences of life are woven together.
• Old Norman Maclean (Narrator): “I am haunted by waters.” – The final line of the film, expressing the enduring impact of the river and the memories associated with it.
• Paul Maclean: “It’s sort of like what they say. The world isn’t supposed to be squar.” – Paul expressed his individualistic, rebellious spirit and philosophical outlook in contrast to the more structured views of his family.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $43,440,294
• Worldwide Gross: $43,440,294

💥 A River Runs Through It Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘A River Runs Through It’ for the first time and being completely mesmerized by the scenery. It felt like stepping into a painting. The story of the two brothers, Norman and Paul, really resonated with me. I always felt a mix of admiration and sadness for Paul’s character. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, making you think about family, choices, and the things that truly matter. The fishing scenes are so poetic and almost spiritual.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate beautiful cinematography”
  • “Individuals interested in stories about family dynamics and brotherhood”
  • “Those who enjoy films with a reflective and melancholic tone”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Alcohol abuse”
  • “Gambling”
  • “Violence (bar fight resulting in death)”
  • “Some mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Redford crafts a visually stunning and emotionally resonant tale of brotherhood and loss, capturing the essence of Maclean’s memoir with breathtaking cinematography. The performances are nuanced, and the film’s pacing allows for a deep immersion into its themes.
• The New York Times: “While sometimes sentimental, ‘A River Runs Through It’ succeeds in portraying the complexities of family relationships against the backdrop of Montana’s natural beauty. Pitt delivers a standout performance as the rebellious brother, and the film’s exploration of faith and tradition is compelling.
• RogerEbert.com: “Redford’s film is undoubtedly beautiful to look at, but it lacks narrative drive and emotional depth. The characters feel underdeveloped, and the story meanders without a clear purpose. Despite strong performances, ‘A River Runs Through It’ ultimately falls short of its potential.

Audience Reactions

The stunning visuals and cinematography are breathtaking and truly capture the beauty of Montana.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s gorgeous scenery and the immersive experience of watching the characters fish.

Brad Pitt’s performance is unforgettable, and he perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of Paul.: Many highlight Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Paul Maclean as a standout performance that adds depth to the film.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning film that explores themes of family, faith, and loss, though some find its pacing slow and narrative lacking depth.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 1993

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert Redford initially wanted to cast Robert De Niro as Rev. Maclean, but De Niro turned down the role.”
• “Brad Pitt trained rigorously for his fly-fishing scenes, practicing on the roof of a building in Los Angeles since he couldn’t get to a river easily.”

🖥️ How to Watch A River Runs Through It?

As of October 2024, ‘A River Runs Through It’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability, as streaming options may vary by region. You can typically find purchase options on these same platforms if you prefer to own a digital copy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A River Runs Through It, you might like these similar films:

• Legends of the Fall (1994): Another visually stunning period drama set in Montana, exploring themes of family, brotherhood, and the impact of the wild landscape on human lives; also starring Brad Pitt.
• The Tree of Life (2011): A film that explores themes of family, faith, and the complexities of brotherly relationships through a reflective and visually poetic narrative.
• Ordinary People (1980): Deals with family dysfunctions and the challenges of communication and understanding within a seemingly normal family, directed by Robert Redford.
• A Good Man Goes to War (1994): Deals with returning veteran facing life post war, and the impact of time passing.

🛒 A River Runs Through It Related Products

• A River Runs Through It (Blu-ray): Experience the cinematic beauty in high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Includes special features and behind-the-scenes content for a deeper dive into the film.
• A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean (Paperback): Read the acclaimed autobiographical novel that inspired the film. Explore the deeper themes and nuances of Maclean’s writing and gain a new perspective on the story.
• Fly Fishing Starter Kit: A complete fly fishing kit for beginners, inspired by the film. Includes rod, reel, line, flies, and a beginner’s guide to get you started.
• A River Runs Through It Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for framing and displaying your love for the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

A River Runs Through It features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Mark Isham
• “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” – performed by Traditional
• “The Sheik of Araby” – performed by Harry B. Smith, Ted Snyder, and Francis Wheeler

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

WATCH: Brad Pitt repeats the one movie line that’s stayed with him

Ever wondered which movie lines stick with actors years later? Brad Pitt shares a line from ‘A River Runs Through It’ that he still remembers. It’s cool to see how even small moments in movies can have a big impact on the people who made them!

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