I’ve always liked Lasse Hallström as a filmmaker, ever since I saw My Life as a Dog  way back in 1985.  He is one director I wish would work more frequently than he does.  Hallström’s penchants for character detail, gradual story development and finding positive, uplifting moments of humanity are on full display in his latest venture, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.

The story concerns a rich Yemeni sheik (Amr Waked) who has a dream of building a river and then stocking it with salmon because he likes to fish.  A British marine biologist (Ewan McGregor) is recruited by the sheik’s project manager (Emily Blunt) to make it happen — but it only moves forward because of political considerations that persuade a prime minister’s aide (Kristin Scott Thomas) to proceed.  The plot gets a little complicated at times, what with so many obstacles to overcome and the stubborn reticence of McGregor’s character to take things seriously, but eventually the expensive project is successfully created.

However, that is not the point of the story.  The sheik has greater ambitions than merely fly-fishing for salmon.  As it becomes clear that he truly has a vision for his land — and that his vision is not shared by some, if not many, of his brethren — the story gains dimension and meaning far beyond its initial parameters.  It subtly shifts its emphasis from two people hired to bring a crazy dream to fruition to three people united to improving a region through a unique mixture of science and faith.

It is also a character piece, with McGregor, Blunt, Waked and Thomas all contributing excellent portrayals of people in various stages of commitment.  McGregor’s character has grown apart from his wife, and gradually becomes attracted to Blunt’s. She, however, has begun a relationship with a soldier just assigned to Afghanistan. Thomas has a family but is devoted only to her job — her character serves both as comic relief and practical cynicism, moving things forward as only someone with her power can.  And Waked is enormously appealing as the sheik, humble and polite, seemingly self-centered yet endowed with a clarity of thought that one wishes all politicians could share.  The interactions of these people form the foundation of this very enjoyable movie.  ✰ ✰ ✰.  17 April 2012.