‘Salmon Fishing’ not a mainstream romantic comedy

“Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” isn’t just for those with an affinity for fish… “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”

Director: Lasse Hallstrom

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Amr Waked

Grade: A-

“Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” isn’t just for those with an affinity for fish.

Cultures collide and mesh in this romantic comedy that brings an unrealistic dream to life. Intertwining Western and Middle Eastern cultures, the film successfully unravels a plot that has much more to offer than simple commentary on the art of fishing.

The movie brings three unlikely characters together as they try to make salmon fishing possible in the dry regions of Yemen. The visionary Sheikh Muhammed (Amr Waked) wants to bring the sport of salmon fishing to his home country — which consists almost entirely of desert — despite many conservative dissenters he encounters while pursuing the project.

Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) is Britain’s leading fish expert, and because of his vast knowledge of salmon fishing, he gets reeled in to the sheikh’s plan. The sheikh’s representative, Harriet (Emily Blunt), coaxes him to participate in the project, which he initially believes to be impossible.

Once Dr. Jones reluctantly agrees to lead the project, but he makes outlandish demands in return for his services. The over-welcoming actions of the sheikh force Dr. Jones and Harriet to have more faith in his vision, which he throws away his job and wife for by the movie’s end.

But the film holds deeper meaning than can be found solely in salmon fishing. The combination of Western and Middle Eastern cultures clearly attempts to make a statement.

The sheikh, whose modern views align with his traditional Islamic beliefs, wants to bring a part of his Western lifestyle to share with his people. The movie creates an optimistic perception of the differing views between the two cultures. This grand theme separates the film  from the traditional romantic comedy, giving it more depth. It demonstrates a very cultural perspective through each character’s distinct background and the diverse settings, which range from Britain to Yemen.

But the film doesn’t totally focus on this meshing of cultures — it has many relatable moments for the audience. Even though the title implies a strong fishing component, the movie seems to make a statement about the hilarity of fishing as a sport. These subtle hints at comedy help lighten the intense nature of the movie.

Even the characters make jokes at their own expense. Dr. Jones’ character makes multiple references to his Asperger syndrome in a comical sense, poking fun at his inability to understand and come up with jokes.

Unfortunately, there are certain moments that stifle the more profound meaning of “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.” Harriet’s exaggerated relationship with a British soldier takes away from the cultural commentary and even makes the movie feel overwrought at times.

Dr. Jones also struggles in his personal relationship, which leads him to Harriet. This inclusion does not seem necessary among the many other aspects of the movie, but it does appeal to a certain audience. For those interested in a love story, “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” includes a few mainstream facets to appeal to a broader audience.

Regardless of the inanity of several of the characters’ relationships, the movie continues to deliver something more than a typical romantic comedy. The cultural facets and vaguely funny moments pull the less-than-desirable instances along and keep viewers interested.

But for those who want simply to watch a movie about the principles of salmon fishing, it’s best to return to the television for the Outdoor Channel.