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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.

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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In gently intense but over-long & relentlessly downbeat drama "Mending The Line" PTSD suffering US Marine Sinqua Walls is sent for physical & mental recuperation to a Montana VA facility where he meets same-age volunteer Perry Mattfeld (with her own issues) & grumpy older Vietnam vet Marine Brian Cox (who ALSO has post-traumatic issues). Through fly-fishing Cox introduces Walls to a way to try coping and possibly look forward. Director Joshua Caldwell & writer Stephen Camelio do a solid, noble & respectful job, but over two hours of grief & trauma still is a tough watch. It's classy & very well performed (esp Mattfeld, Walls & Cox) but won't be for all.

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.

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.

I turned this on for Brian Cox & it looked like a great synopsis. The double white savior trope was too much for me and it was incredibly predictable. I was ok with Brian Cox helping the main character but the white female that is supposed to save him w/ "love" was wayyyyyy too much. Why even have a love interest? Why couldn't she be Black, Hispanic, or Indian? Why would the two love interests be dating when they are both going through wayyy to much at the moment. Her finance just died! He's still having nightmares and fighting in his sleep. It was just a huge eye roll and I would not recommend this film.

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.

The photography of Montana is quite serene with its beautiful mountains, streams and little if any crowds.

The camera in this movie was often shaking so much I thought it might be directed by a high school kid. I 've never seen such up and down camera movements, I was getting dizzy at time.

The story is about two depressed souls that find solace in one another from the war. Quite moving at times., as they each learn true lessons from one another.

The pace was moderate at times but could have been speedy up to show more meaningful dialogue to add more suspense to the overall picture. The personality of each character didn't get too in depth and that seemed like a flaw.

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.

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.

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.

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.

IN A NUTSHELL: The military-centered movie was directed by Joshua Caldwell, and directed by Stephen Camelio. It has already won the Valor Award at the San Diego International Film Festival.

On a personal note, my stepfather was a retired Marine. He loved his time in military service and was proud of being a Marine. It defined him until the end when he was buried in a Veterans Cemetery with honor just last year. My father served in the Navy. One of my sons is currently serving in the Army. I'm so grateful to the valiant men and women who faithfully serve in the military on behalf of all of our citizens. If you're a veteran, thank you so much.

THINGS I LIKED: The charming cast includes Brian Cox, Sinqua Walls, Wes Studi, Patricia, and Perry Mattfield.

I haven't seen Brian Cox in anything lately, so it was great to see him. He does a fantastic job playing an aging vet who "hasn't listened to music since Creedence broke up in 72." Cox also serves as Executive Producer for the film.

At first, I didn't enjoy Perry Mattfeld's mopey character, but she grew on me and I was able to see how naturally gifted she is as an actress.

Gorgeous cinematography by Eve Cohen. We get to see some stunning landscapes in Montana.

The movie begins with a deadly war scene in Afghanistan somewhere, but the rest of the movie is gentle and focuses on the healing relationship between two veterans.

The story takes an honest look at how the aftermath of war affects people.

The sweeping musical score by Bill Brown perfectly underscores every moment and emotion.

The movie relies heavily on fishing metaphors, as we're all like fish swimming against currents in our lives. One of the books that several characters are seen reading is called "Casting Forward" by Steve Ramirez and Bob White. The insights and imagery are inspirational.

At the end of the movie, we get to see pictures of real veterans fishing on the river, as it has now been proven to be extremely therapeutic for those recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. One of the characters in the movie explains that fishing is the only time he doesn't have to think and can finally feel peace.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: The movie is slow-moving and takes too long to say what it wants to.

The scars on Sinqua Walls' character's legs look super fake.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Kids might be bored unless they're really into fishing or have loved ones in the military.

Profanity, including F-bombs Talk of death Some shooting Alcohol.

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If ever there was a movie enhanced by its musical score, it is Mending the Line. The dialogue is sparse but the spaces between the words are filled with the most poignant musical themes. The plot is somewhat formulaic - how many ways can we experience trauma and the search for healing? But it isn't the plot, it is how the characters respond to their tragedy that raises this movie above the predictable. There are no easy answers, no chewing up the scenery, no bad guys or super heroes. Just good people trying to make peace with their lives. And with all the magnificent scenery to take you to a world removed from your own, this is a story that will linger in your mind and heart.

Slow in portions, the chacharacter development & acting quality slowly draws the viewer in. Totally worth it, Rewarding. The setting in Montana is just striking, but the story rocks as well...... Fun flick. We found this to be a damn good movie for the Memorial Day Viewing. Sometimes the lead female acting was slow on innerous, but one moves past that as just a quirk of the acting, not the director, certainly not the excellent screenplay & script. Rimminisent of Green Book tome movies of that stripe. Soundtrack was a killer good match and the cinematography was just awesome. Highly recommend!!!