Ed's Review Dot Com

BBC Films, UK Film Council, Kudos Film and Television,

Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Amr Waked, Kristin Scott Thomas, Tom Mison, Catherine Steadman, Rachael Stirling, Tom Beard

A Sheik with a boatload of money and a hankering for fishing has a dream of building a dam, building the necessary streams and cages for salmon, and a desire to bring fishing to the desert despite everyone’s doubts and objections. He also dreams of bringing a peaceful pass time to a violent place, so he hires a British aide in Harriet (Emily Blunt) who approaches the British government for assistance. Timing is right because the Brits need some kind of good news out of the mideast, and so Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) is assigned to make it happen despite the odds. This is a story of trying to succeed against all odds.

This is one of those films that really has no chance at the box office. People want huge explosions, super powers, and the like. This is a slow story. But wow, is it beautiful! The cinematography is stunning in this film. The desert is really something to look at, and I can only imagine how wonderful it would have been to see in wide screen. But even on a small screen, it was beautiful. The story also is very good. Emily Blunt did a great job in her role, and Ewan McGregor was also very good. The two work together against all odds, and the chemistry between them is quite good as well. This is not a complex movie. In fact, it’s really simple. It’s a man’s dream to make his country better by bringing a peaceful pass time for people to learn. Unfortunately not everyone wants peace. Likewise, the government decides to exploit his dream, which is also not very pleasant. Angry at being forced into this farce, Dr. Jones soon learns that there is some magic left in life if you give it a chance.

This was very much a “feel good” film, very nice to watch, and highly recommended for a family night film. If you want to enjoy a fun evening, pop this one in, make some popcorn, and sit back and enjoy it! It’s one of those hidden gems that everyone missed at the box office that is well worth tracking down on video!

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog