Mending the Line

I am a veteran who was blessed to have gone through the Warriors and Quiet Waters program. It really is a life changing experience. This movie is spot on, and a cinematic delight. From the appreciation in the film if just taking in nature to the life lessons, it was beautifully filmed. I got goosebumps watching it and remembering where I was and where I am now having learned to fly fish and help my demons. Just watch it, better yet share it with others so they may get a glimpse and maybe understand a little bit more of what veterans go through and struggle with. Then go grab a rod and find your inner peace.

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.

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.

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.