I am a film buff and I must say that out of all the movies I have seen over the years, "A River Runs Through It" is #1 on my list of great films. It ranks as my all time favorite.
I recently bought the DVD and was amazed that, despite having seen this film for the umpteenth time, I am still incredibly moved, often to tears.
The final narrative, to me, is the ultimate motion picture experience and delivers the promise of what certain movies can do if they set their sights high enough...and that is elevate the viewer and give them an experience that transcends beyond the mere act of watching, but gives lessons in life that one will remember and use for years to come.
More than anything, "A River Runs Through It" is about family and how the choices we individually make may take us down different paths, but can never dilute our bonds and love. Watching it, I am constantly reminded of the paths my own brother and I have made and how differently our lives have turned out.
But back to the film. It is understated, and yet blissfully exquisite in expressing its passion for life.
I actually learned flyfishing after seeing this for the first time a decade ago. In this movie flyfishing is a spiritual experience and represents a total communion with nature. It is during flyfishing that, despite the paths the characters have chosen, they can toss everything else aside and be bound to each other for all time.
There are many movies I love, but this is the only one that causes me to get chills over and over again.
This movie is sheer perfection. I continue to be haunted by waters.
