Mending the Line

Reading the description of this film, you could easily write it off as a superficial "Hallmark" drama. However, several factors make this a special movie going experience. "Mending the Line" deals with military veterans recovering from PTSD by participating in a therapeutic experience like fly-fishing. It features the superb filmmaking of director Joshua Caldwell, who's an avid fisherman. Stephan Camelio, a regular contributor to "Field and Stream" magazine, wrote it. Additionally, the superb cast helps elevate the film above other similarly themed movies.

Sinqua Walls ("White Men Can't Jump") stars as John Colter, a young officer in the U. S. Marine Corps. Brian Cox plays his usual role as a grizzly old recluse, which he does here to perfection. And rounding out the leads is Native American actor Wes Studi, known for memorable performances in films like "The Last of the Mohicans," "Dances with Wolves," and the recent "A Love Song."

The film opens with Colter hanging out with his fellow soldiers on duty in Afghanistan. Their spirits are high because their tour of duty is almost over, and they're about to be shipped back home. One of the men is soon to be married and they're all looking forward to attending the big event. In spite of this, Colter accepts one last mission, even though their replacements could handle the task. As expected, their venture doesn't go well, and all his men are killed in battle except Colter. This tragic event triggers his long road to recovery.

Colter ends up at the V. A. hospital in Livingston, Montana. There he undergoes both physical and mental rehabilitation. He seems to be rock solid and well on his way to recovery. However, the flashbacks of his horrific experiences, and the remorse for the loss of his men take their toll on him. We witness him lashing out during a group therapy session and at Dr. Burke (Patricia Heaton), who's in charge of him. It soon becomes apparent that his desire to return to active duty isn't going to be fulfilled anytime soon.

At Dr. Burke's suggestion, Colter meets with Ike Fletcher. Ike is a Vietnam veteran and a recovering alcoholic who lives by himself. He's a grumpy loner and it's apparent that his life is devoted to fly-fishing-his form of therapy. Colter has been hitting the bottle heavily and when he shows up at Fletcher's home, he's met with, "You've been drinking," and a door slamming in his face. Eventually, Ike agrees to take him under his wing, but not before he does some reading up on the sport of fishing, and apprenticing at the local fishing shop, owned by Harrison (Studi). Harrison is a gregarious, funny guy who plays off Ike's grumpy personality nicely.

To fulfill his reading assignment, he pays a visit to the town library. There he meets Lucy (Perry Mattfeld) who recommends he read Hemmingway's "The Sun Also Rises." After the couple realizes why it's probably not the best choice of reading material, she offers him a stack of more appropriate books on the subject. John and Lucy strike up a casual friendship, and it's eventually revealed that she has some demons of her own.

Eventually, Ike takes John out on the river to introduce him to the finer points of fly-fishing. Ike has been warned not to fish on his own, due to fainting spells brought on by PTSD. So it makes perfect sense for the two of them to spend time outdoors together. John quickly masters the fine art of angling-he seems a natural. I must say, the cinematography, not only of the scenery, but especially the close-ups of netting the fish are stunning. You get the sense you're right there fishing with them. When John asks Ike why he releases the fish, he's told it's his way of choosing not to kill. A subtle but poignant sentiment.

Unlike my two brothers, I'm not into fishing. But after seeing this marvelous film, I could see myself fly-fishing on some secluded stretch of river up north. Just watching the fishing scenes had a meditative and calming effect on me. If you enjoy this movie and would like to see more like it, I highly recommend Robert Redford's magnificent "A River Runs Through It," and the entertaining "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen."

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I scanned through the reviews and maybe I am missing some of them but I don't see how the average fell below seven. This movie was in my mind and heart a 10+ but I only gave it a nine because the movie had special meaning to me which hit home but may not move others in the same way. So I was trying to be objective rather than subjective.

Brian Cox and Wes Studi, as always, bring incredible talent to the screen. And I have always believed that great actors bring out the best in unknown actors.

Consequently, the acting was superb and credit must also go to the diirector. A good director pulls the best out of any actor, seasoned or new. And this goal was accomplished.

Passing on this movie is a mistake. You can only be enlightened, entertained and, yes, saddened by what our military protectors go through but heartened by what the simple act of flyfishing can do for the soul.

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.

What a beautiful way to spotlight an inside look at the pain and suffering of our veterans who return from combat with wounds that are both seen and unseen.

Bravo for showing us an unexpected healing modality.

Through the story of a returning veteran we got a view into grief, trauma, love, boundaries, grit, vulnerability and mostly HOPE.

Each character holds a piece of this bigger story while housing their individual pain and suffering.

The film is heartwarming and hopeful and inspires me to become involved. I just loved it-

To Mark Comora - lucky you to have the chance to say YES to fund a work of art connected to your life long passion. Well done!!

Thank you.

As someone who works in this space, we're thrilled to see this story being told the right way. It was important to see their attention to detail regarding both the military/ veteran space as well as fly fishing. Props to the entire team.

The cinematography was incredible whether it was Montana or on the battle field. Definitely a tough watch for some, but it's the reality. Heavy drinking, frustrations with the VA, loss of identity and purpose.

It's the tough reality the world needs to see to appreciate what our soldiers deal with when they return home. It's not pretty. We need more honest films like this.