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Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt, Brenda Blethyn, Emily Lloyd ... see more see more... , Edie McClurg , Stephen Shellen , Nicole Burdette , Susan Traylor , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Vann Gravage , Chuck Adamson , Philip A. Braun , Rob Cox , David Creamer , Michael Cudlitz , Byron Dingman , Macintyre Dixon , Jim Dunkin , Hawk Forssell , D. Gorton , William Hootkins , Don Jeffery , Cecily Johnson , Prudence Johnson , Rex Kendall , Margot Kiser , Martina Kreidl , Jack Kroll , Tracy Mayfield , Anne Merrem , Fred Oakland , Lincoln Quesenberry , Madonna Reubens , Arnold Richardson , Kathy Scharler , Jess Schwidde , Caleb Shiff , Buck Simmonds , Jacob Snyder , Noah Snyder , Chuck Tweed , Robert Redford

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 enc... read more read more...ouraging 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

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79% liked it

65,016 ratings

Critics

83% liked it

40 critics

PG, 2 hr. 3 min.

Directed by: Robert Redford

Release Date: October 9, 1992

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DVD Release Date: November 23, 1999

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Stats: 2,577 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (2,577)

  • Redlats
    May 22, 2012
    Redlats
    This movie is about the youth and young adulthood of two brothers - set in the mountains of Montana - with fly fishing as a major component. Robert Redford is the narrator (and director). Worth watching.
  • fb100002891058690
    November 7, 2011
    fb100002891058690
    Absolutely breathtaking cinematography more than makes up for a less-than riveting storyline. A young Brad Pitt shines as well.
  • moonrivers
    June 14, 2011
    moonrivers
    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 ... read morethis work unfortunately falters. He seems to be wondering through the length of the film: "what am I doing in this here movie with Brad Pitt?!?"
  • Screeny
    July 18, 2010
    Screeny
    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 well-done. Once again... read more I am surprised to say that another movie starring Brad Pitt has entered the list of my favorite films. I've never really noticed it before, but about 75 percent of my favorite movies star Pitt. But, does that make him my favorite actor? I'm quite unsure. I mean, "Fight Club" is my third most favorite film out there. "Se7en", I believe is number six. "Sleepers" is at number ten [altough I may push it up to the late teens]. "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" is up there and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and "Burn After Reading" are in there too. I believe theres more that aren't coming to mind. Brad Pitt is just one fine actor. I've never noticed before how many of his movies were favorites of mine.

    Well, in this movie he plays Paul, the younger brother of Norman. Paul is the younger brother of Norman. Paul is the brother who likes to live life like no tommorow. He the type of character who isn't afraid to die. Hes a character who just doesn't give a fuck what people think. There is one scene in this movie where Paul brings an Asian girl into a bar [where she is not allowed----takes place during WW1]. Paul is the cool character. Brad Pitt does one great job in the supporting role.

    The movie pretty much just tells the tale of two close brothers whose lives change over the course of time.

    The movie has beatiful shots of rivers as the characters in the movie fly-fish. To me, I loved this movie. Some find it boring, but me, no. I found this to be a beatifully told tale of the true story of the two Maclean brothers.

    Great acting, great direction, great visual photography. Thats enough for me to give this movie a solid five stars.
  • ythelastman89
    November 25, 2009
    ythelastman89
    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 inter... read moreesting.
  • stormyweather980
    September 14, 2009
    stormyweather980
    Awesome movie that's very reminiscent of another of Pitt's films that would come later, "Legends of the Fall."
  • puffchunk
    February 8, 2009
    puffchunk
    Brad Pitt pretty much plays the same exact character in every movie. And in just about every movie he is "the wild spirit who goes out with a bang", and such follows suit in this film. Still, it is very likable.
  • thmtsang
    January 23, 2009
    thmtsang
    This one makes me cry. Movie about two different brothers who love fly fishing with their dad. Beautiful scenery. Very sad ending.
  • jjnxn
    December 9, 2007
    jjnxn
    deliberatedly paced but beautiful to look at and for those with patience very moving
  • Julie
    July 16, 2007
    Julie
    This movie is like a lazy afternoon. Wonderful old-fashioned story telling.

View All A River Runs Through It Reviews

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff
November 8, 2007
Variety Staff, Variety

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

Jonathan Rosenbaum
November 8, 2007
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

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

Caryn James
May 20, 2003
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. Full Review

Peter Travers
May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

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

Hal Hinson
January 1, 2000
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. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Redford and his writer, Richard Friedenberg, understand that most of the events in any life are accidential or arbitrary, especially the crucial ones, and we can exercise little conscious control over... Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

This has the feel of something genuine: sweet, touching, and sentimental. Full Review

Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

It doesn't hurt matters that the story's set in one of the world's most beautiful corners -- rendered in pre-twilight glows by cinematographer Philippe Rousselot. Full Review

Nell Minow
December 21, 2010
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media

Moving, powerful movie of two brothers. Full Review

James Plath
July 14, 2009
James Plath, Movie Metropolis

Sherritt has been in a lot of movies, but the role of Rev. Maclean seems like one he was born to play. He owns it, the way that Pitt and Sheffer own theirs, and as a result it takes no time at all to ... Full Review

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    • Norman Maclean: And I knew just as surely, just as clearly, that life is not a work of art, and that the moment could not last.
    • Reverend MacLean: For it is true we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted. And so it those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them - we can love completely without complete understanding.
    • Reverend MacLean: Each one of here today will at one time in our lives look upon a loved one who is in need and ask the same question: We are willing help, Lord, but what, if anything, is needed? For it is true we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted. And so it those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them - we can love completely without complete understanding.
    • Narration: Like many fly fishermen in western Montana where the summer days are almost Arctic in length, I often do not start fishing until the cool of the evening. Then in the Arctic half-light of the canyon, all existence fades to a being with my soul and memories and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River and a four-count rhythm and the hope that a fish will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.
    • Narration: My father was very sure about certain matters pertaining to the universe. To him, all good things - trout as well as eternal salvation - came by grace; and grace comes by art; and art does not come easy.
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A River Runs Through It Trivia

  • Name the actor that has stared in all these movies: A River Runs Through It Ocean's 11 The Mexican Sleepers   Answer »
  • In the movie A River Runs Through It, what college did Norman attend?  Answer »
  • Which one of the following does not star both Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt?  Answer »
  • Where does Norman get a teaching job when he leaves home in A River Runs Through It?  Answer »
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