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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Nell Minow

In A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT, Norman and Paul Maclean are raised by a Presbyterian minister father (Tom Skerritt) who taught them their schoolwork, religion, and fly fishing as though they were all one subject. All were strict and thorough. Norman (Craig Sheffer), though more sober, loved the wild streak in Paul (Brad Pitt) that made him "tougher than any man alive" but feared that it would destroy him. And it did. While Norman becomes a professor of English literature and falls in love with Jessie Burns (Emily Lloyd), Paul becomes a reporter and gets into trouble drinking and gambling. Norman is called by the police to get Paul out of jail, and ultimately, he's called again when Paul is killed.

Is It Any Good?

3

Based on writer Norman Maclean's autobiographical story of growing up in Montana, A River Runs Through It is a moving, powerful drama that combines gorgeous cinematography with earnest, heartfelt performances. It's not perfect, but its father-son themes (and all of the fishing) have given it a special place in a lot of grown men's hearts.

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