- Film Review
- Reviewed By Stella Papamichael
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3 out of 5
Fans of Paul Torday's bestselling novel may find Ewan McGregor a curious choice for the part of fisheries scientist Dr Alfred Jones, an officious man who mocks the plans of a wealthy Arab (Amr Waked) to create a salmon run in the Yemeni desert. McGregor also gets nary a chance to flash his trademark smile at Emily Blunt, who plays an executive assistant to the sheikh, but the two still enjoy a cosy rapport that becomes more meaningful despite his character's lack of faith in the harebrained project. Once the rose-tinted specs eventually come on, though, McGregor is given the opportunity to play the romantic hero, and he does a creditable and endearing job of it. Lasse Hallström's film isn't wholly convincing, but the Chocolat director has an affinity with off-kilter love stories, while Kristin Scott Thomas gives it some bite with a funny turn as the Prime Minister's spin doctor. The result is a sweet, warm and witty romance that satisfyingly washes over you.
Plot Summary
A British fisheries expert is recruited by an Arab sheik, who believes the sport of salmon fishing can enrich the lives of his people - if only there were fish to catch. The scientist is soon undertaking an ambitious scheme to introduce salmon to the desert, and finds his own government have an interest in the project. Comedy drama based on Paul Torday's novel, with Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Kristin Scott Thomas.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Dr Alfred "Fred" Jones
- Ewan McGregor
- Harriet Chetwode-Talbot
- Emily Blunt
- Patricia Maxwell
- Kristin Scott Thomas
- Sheikh Muhammed
- Amr Waked
- Captain Robert Mayers
- Tom Mison
- Mary Jones
- Rachael Stirling
- Ashley
- Catherine Steadman
- Tom Price-Williams
- Clive Wood
- Peter Maxwell
- Tom Beard
- Betty
- Jill Baker
Crew
- Director
- Lasse Hallström
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