Mending the Line

I just saw this movie a few hours ago and was very moved by it. It's the first "10" I have given any movie. It is a story of redemption, healing, and hope from the viewpoint of 2 Combat Vets, one from Vietnam and one from Afghanistan, and one civilian who lost a loved one.

The main story is that of the Afghan Vet, and there are flashbacks to see what he experienced in Afghanistan.

"More books have been written about fly fishing than any other sport", is one of the lines. Throughout the movie, passages are read from these book that concern fly fishing and how it relates to life.

Perfectly cast and against the backdrop of a Montana river.

Stephen Camelio brings us a beautiful story about an Afghan vet who finds solace, understanding and truth through a Vietnam veteran.

Beautifully directed by the great Joshua Caldwell (Layover, Immortals, American Tragedy), the story is a brilliant idea, and one that I relate with on a very personal level (which would be Vietnam).

As far as casting, you can never go wrong when you manage to get Brian Cox involved in a project. Kudos to Scott Macleod for insisting on Cox for this pivotal role. I mean, come on! Brian Cox is so special in everything he does. He's always brilliant. But team him up with the wonderful, heart-breaking Sinqua Walls (as the young Colter) and you have gold. The two of them are so different, so far apart, but pure magic when they come together, which happens through none other than PATRICIA HEATON (as Dr. Burke).

Okay, we know Heaton from her uncanny ability for comedic genius, but in this serious drama, she will blow you away. I didn't even know it was her until halfway through the film. I'm telling you, she is that good.

Perry Mattfeld, who we all know from IN THE DARK, is terrific, mostly due to her restraint. Mattfeld is known for her bold, outspoken characters, but in this drama, she holds back, which only increases her dramatic effect. The woman is genius.

Overall, it's a really lovely story and film that I( will likely watch again and again.

It's true what they say that Life imitates art; this movie is beautifully written and gives an idea of what we (Military, First Responders) suffer from.

Having been in the shoes of the characters, the film accurately depicts what the majority of us go thru. The pain, grief, trauma, anger, suffering, vulnerability, resilience, hope and.... letting go and finding purpose to live again.

As a military veteran and first responder who has had to live with trauma, grief and guilt the film accurately and at times painstakingly portrays the struggle of those suffering from pain and trauma. Whether it's from war or a personal loss.

Each character holds an important story in the film and it's something that the majority of people can relate to.

Watching the scenes at times was painful because I've suffered the exact same symptoms these characters exhibit from the drinking, flash backs, nightmares, panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. From losing the only purpose I had and finding a new one, the journey of healing and being open but more importantly realizing that their is hope and life is worth living.

I commend the film and cast for honestly telling the story of healing and being able to find a reason to live, laugh and hope again.

John Colter (Sinqua Walls) is a Marine wounded in Afghanistan. He's suffering from PTSD although he doesn't acknowledge it in hopes of returning to the battlefield. Dr. Burke (Patricia Heaton) recommends him to Ike Fletcher (Brian Cox), an old Marine who uses fly fishing to help his own issues. Librarian Lucy (Perry Mattfeld) volunteers at the VA who also suffered loss.

This movie is sincere. It tries to be truthful. It has its touching moments. It takes the straight forward path. The movie is about veterans with PTSD and fly fishing. It's not doing anything else. The actors are good. It's got Brian Cox. It is enough.

Would have to be the best fly fishing movie since A River Runs Through It.

This movie captures the true essence of fly fishing and intertwined with the healing of a person.

It is true that fly fishing calms the soul and gives you a better perspective of life.

In my view this movie deserves awards and should go down in history as one of the best movies of all time. Such a wonderful story of three people going through things in life and how they work their way through it. Not to the ideal outcome that you'd be expecting through the end but enough to make you agree with it all the same.

Do not skip over this movie.