Never underestimate a quirky British romcom, even if its title sounds ludicrously bizarre. Immediately strange questions appear in your mind like fish out of water. "Is there actually water in Yemen?" or "Does anyone know how to fish in Yemen?". Fortunately, your questions will be briefly answered in this charming tale. A fisheries expert is recruited to theorise the potential of shipping salmon to the Yemen at the behest of a rich sheikh. Whilst undergoing the project, the scientist starts to fall in love with an advising businesswoman. This well intentioned adaptation flows past the typical romantic clichés to create a calm chilled drama that feels succinctly sweet and tender. A screenplay that is able to capture the faith-based metaphor of making the impossible possible, it surprisingly feels like a relatable story albeit a reserved one. The dialogue balances humour and heartfelt emotion to bring the characters to life as they interact with each other swimmingly. McGregor's clumsy behaviour compliments Blunt's elegant humanity to create a juxtaposing, yet emotionally investing, relationship. It's not the most developed romance, and sure it could've had some more time to soak up all that Yemeni water, but the rapid pacing ensures the quirky story is at the forefront without resulting to melodrama. Fantastic central performances, with Blunt being the stronger contender as she conveys a cluster of emotions. Major credit to Scott Thomas who was effortlessly hilarious with her deadpan delivery, she needs to be in more comedies. The big criticism I have is with the ending, I don't buy into it. Felt far too forced where in reality there is no way she would've made that decision, let's face it. Also would've liked more exploration towards the individuals who oppose the project, would've made for better narrative conflict. In saying that though, Salmon Fishing is a quaint romcom that, whilst remains reserved, is sure to put a smile on your face without being fishy.

(5%) How did anything based on such a flat, dull, and boring concept ever become an actual entity? This is apparently based on a novel, and I have no idea how the author ever made it to the end without either giving up or losing the will to live; and how the book then went on to actually get published, and somehow by a freak of nature it became popular enough for large amounts of money to be poured into a film with big name stars attached making this one of the great mysteries of cinema, if not the universe. The title itself tells you all you need to know about what happens, but surely there is more to it? Well there is, but not much. McGregor's character is a tedious bore, Blunt, like everyone else, follows him closely behind, and the love square that develops is nothing other than a futile attempt at creating some sort of point to the story, but it really doesn't work because it's overly forced and centred around a sea of charmless emptiness. The worst aspect by far though is McGregor repeating himself over and over that the venture of bringing salmon to Yemen won't work and shouldn't be continued, then about halfway through, and with the movie's plot in total limbo, he out of nowhere changes his mind and begins to support the vision. Once the project is about to be finalised, Blunt hangs around the man made lake in Yemen for little to no purpose. Why is she there? She doesn't do anything, and she isn't needed. Between the bad plot, complete lack of laughs, dragging scenes, flat dialogue, contrived romance, poor pacing, lousy ending, unlikeable dull characters, and total emptiness of it all it is slightly nicely shot. AVOID

At first, Dr Jones can't believe how the project of creating a river in Yemen and load it with salmon in order of the Sheikh Muhammed to exercises his love of fishing, is even possible. But after the insistence of his representative, Harriet, and the involvement of the British government, Dr Jones will eventually take over the project, which will change his life.The film is a story about fish (a), love (b) marriage (c) human relations (d) and more. And even though the fishing and the knowing of the new civilization occupy the fist part of the film, love takes over the rest of it. However, there was something I didn't like about it. The ending wasn't really good. Not because of Harriet's choice, but more because of the rush that overtook it. The comical parts of the plot, the ones with the Ms Maxwell, weren't that good and they confused me a little and so I found them unnecessary. Other than that, the movie is nice enough to watch once or twice (can't see myself watching it more than that) but it's not a film that you can expect much from it.So 4 out of 10.

One of the most simple and sweet films comes from director Lasse Hallstrom called 'Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.' It stars Ewan McGregor as Dr.Alfred Jones, a consultant who is a fisheries expert who works with a woman named Harriet (Harriet) to help a Sheikh in The Middle East bring Salmon Fishing back. The two form a friendship and experience the culture of The Middle East as well as work with foreigners to help solve the problems such as pollution in the Yemen river. Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt give simple performances that aren't worth talking about or are too special. The writing of the story by Simon Beaufoy is pretty good, and has a good story that isn't award worthy but provides a good time for audiences that want a simple story with a pretty interesting plot. Nothing here with wow you, buy you will appreciate the plot involving love, environmentalism ,and teamwork.