Salmon Fishing in the Yemen Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fish doctor and a consultant go to Yemen to put salmon in the desert because a sheik likes fishing and the British Prime Minister wants good press.

🍿 Salmon Fishing in the Yemen: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Unlikely Proposal

Dr. Alfred Jones, a reserved fisheries expert, is approached by Harriet Chetwode-Talbot, representing a wealthy Sheikh Muhammed. The Sheikh envisions bringing salmon fishing to the Yemen desert, a seemingly impossible project. Alfred dismisses the idea as absurd, citing scientific impossibilities.

Political Maneuvering

The British Prime Minister’s press secretary, Patricia Maxwell, sees the project as a PR opportunity to improve Anglo-Arab relations amidst negative news. Alfred is pressured to take the project seriously, despite his reservations. The Sheikh’s substantial funding makes the project a reality.

Journey of Faith and Fish

Alfred and Harriet embark on the challenging task of making the Sheikh’s dream a reality. They face logistical hurdles, environmental concerns, and cultural differences. Alfred begins to admire the Sheikh’s vision and Harriet’s determination, leading him to question his own rigid beliefs.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor): A fisheries expert initially skeptical of the salmon fishing project who eventually embraces the sheikh’s vision and finds love.
• Harriet (Emily Blunt): A determined consultant who represents the sheikh and develops a close relationship with Dr. Jones.
• Sheikh Muhammed (Amr Waked): A wealthy and visionary sheikh who dreams of bringing salmon fishing to the desert to enrich his people’s lives.
• Patricia Maxwell (Kristin Scott Thomas): The Prime Minister’s press secretary who seizes the salmon fishing project as a PR opportunity for Anglo-Yemeni relations.
• Capt. Robert Mayers (Tom Mison): Harriet’s boyfriend, a soldier deployed to Afghanistan, whose fate impacts her relationship with Dr. Jones.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Alfred Jones: “I don’t know anyone that goes to church anymore. On Sundays we go to Tesco’s.” – Dr. Jones makes this observation when discussing faith and modern life.
• Sheikh Muhammed: “If I succeed, more people will believe in the possibilities. If I fail, it will only prove what everyone knew already: that one cannot catch faith with a fishing rod.” – Sheikh Muhammed speaks about the wider implications of his salmon fishing project in the Yemen.
• Sheikh Muhammed: “There is something about the way a line cuts through water…it’s like a door opening.” – Sheikh Muhammed speaks about the attraction to fishing as a kind of gateway to spiritual or personal fulfillment.
• Patricia Maxwell: “We need a good news story from the Middle East that doesn’t involve explosions.” – Patricia Maxwell explains the government’s interest in the salmon project as a PR opportunity.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50 million
• Domestic Gross: $9 million
• Worldwide Gross: $34.6 million

💥 Salmon Fishing in the Yemen Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed this movie. It’s not something I’d usually pick, but the premise was so bizarre I had to see it. Ewan McGregor is great as the stuffy scientist, and Emily Blunt is just lovely. The scenes in Scotland were beautiful, and the sheik was surprisingly inspiring. It’s a feel-good movie with a bit of substance.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about cultural exchange”
  • “Those who appreciate films with a touch of political satire”
  • “Individuals who enjoy character-driven narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of violence and terrorism”
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Mature themes related to marriage and relationships”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A charming, if slightly far-fetched, tale of faith, perseverance, and the unexpected connections that can blossom in the most unlikely of circumstances. McGregor and Blunt have an easy chemistry.
• Rolling Stone: “Though a bit meandering, the film offers genuine moments of humor and heart, elevated by strong performances, especially from Kristin Scott Thomas. The fish-out-of-water story provides a pleasant escape.
• Entertainment Weekly: “A whimsical and lighthearted film that manages to balance romance, political satire, and a genuine sense of hope. While it occasionally veers into sentimentality, the performances keep it grounded.

Audience Reactions

The unlikely premise and the blending of romance, comedy, and drama.: Viewers appreciated the movie’s charm, wit, and the positive message about faith and perseverance.

Kristin Scott Thomas’ performance as the acerbic press secretary, Patricia Maxwell.: Her character provided many of the film’s laugh-out-loud moments and was a definite scene-stealer.

Overall Consensus: A quirky and heartwarming film with strong performances and a positive message, though some found the plot a bit far-fetched.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ewan McGregor had to learn how to fly fish for his role as Dr. Alfred “Fred” Jones.”
• “The film uses Morocco as a stand-in for Yemen for filming locations.”
• “References to the supermarket chain Tesco were dubbed over and replaced with Target for the American theatrical release.”

🖥️ How to Watch Salmon Fishing in the Yemen?

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on cable or satellite providers. For those who prefer owning a physical copy, the DVD and Blu-ray are generally available through major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, you might like these similar films:

• Local Hero (1983): Both films feature a clash of cultures and a whimsical story about pursuing an unlikely project in a remote location.
• A River Runs Through It (1992): Both films celebrate the art of fly fishing as more than just a hobby, but almost a spiritual experience, and focus on relationships.
• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011): Shares a similar British charm and quirky characters, focusing on a group of people finding themselves in an unexpected location.
• Shirley Valentine (1989): Shares the theme of self-discovery, love and finding oneself in an unexpected place. It shows the struggles a protagonist faces to embrace a new and unfamiliar culture.

🛒 Salmon Fishing in the Yemen Related Products

• Salmon Fishing in the Yemen [Blu-ray]: Own the movie and watch it anytime! Great to view the beautiful scenery of Scotland and Morocco.
• Fly Fishing for Dummies: Learn the basics of fly fishing and become a fly-fishing expert.
• Fly Fishing Flies Kit: Includes assorted sizes and colors. Perfect to catch trout, salmon, bass and other fish.
• Yemen Flag: Show support for the setting of this amazing movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Mairi’s Wedding” – performed by Mike Kearney & Austen George

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ewan McGregor On “Salmon Fishing In The Yemen” | CONAN on TBS

Ever wondered about that quirky title, “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”? Ewan McGregor breaks it down on Conan, and honestly, his explanation is way funnier than I expected. You gotta hear this!

Rich Arab Wants To Go Fishing, Ordered A Salmon Lake To Be Created In The Desert For $70,000,000

Want a quick rundown of what “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” is *actually* about? This video breaks down the crazy idea of building a salmon lake in the desert. It’s wild to think this was a movie plot, but kind of awesome too!

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