A River Runs Through It
The Maclean brothers, Paul and Norman, live a relatively idyllic life in rural Montana, spending much of their time fly fishing. The sons of a minister, the boys eventually part company when Norman moves east to attend college, leaving his rebellious brother to find trouble back home. When Norman finally returns, the siblings resume their fishing outings, and assess where they've been and where they're going.
Critics Sentiment
Norman, Paul, and Rev. Maclean go fly fishing together
Police inform Norman that Paul was beaten to death
The film plunges from the transcendent final fishing sequence (9.1) to the devastating news of Paul's death (4.2), a nearly 5-point drop.
The film builds slowly through family dynamics and period atmosphere, reaching extraordinary heights during the final fishing sequences that critics universally praised. The sudden tragedy of Paul's death creates a jarring tonal shift before the film recovers with its acclaimed philosophical conclusion.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 46
Craig Sheffer
Norman Maclean
Brad Pitt
Paul Maclean
Tom Skerritt
Rev. Maclean
Brenda Blethyn
Mrs. Maclean
Emily Lloyd
Jessie Burns
Edie McClurg
Mrs. Burns
Stephen Shellen
Neal Burns
Vann Gravage
Young Paul
Nicole Burdette
Mabel
Susan Traylor
Rawhide
Michael Cudlitz
Chub
Rob Cox
Conroy
Buck Simmonds
Humph
Fred Oakland
Mr. Burns
David Creamer
Ken Burns
Madonna Reubens
Aunt Sally
John Reubens
Uncle Jimmy
Arnold Richardson
Old Norman
MacIntyre Dixon
Police Sergeant
William Hootkins
Murphy
Crew
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