Mending the Line : An Angler Should not Miss this Fishing Movie
A snippet in Fly Fisherman Magazine caught my eye recently—an intriguing narrative film centered around fly fishing. I was immediately curious. “Mending the Line” was self-released in June 2023 after the movie’s film festival tours in 2022, and the shooting occurred in Montana a year before.
The film was noted to have starred talented actors such as Brian Cox from “Super Troopers” and “Churchill” and Wes Studi from “The Last of the Mohicans” and “The New World” in powerful performances.
Reviews have been mixed, prompting me to suggest exploring critics’ perspectives. With a solid 6.5 rating on IMDb—where anything above 6 is commendable—it’s worth checking out the trailer for yourself!
For more insights, delve into a Q&A with the director and writer on Fly Lords. Now, it’s decision time: dive into the movie (available on various streaming platforms) or read on for my take, which includes some spoilers. Yes, there’s finally a fly-fishing film that isn’t based on a Norman Maclean novel!
In my view, “Mending the Line” isn’t merely about fly fishing—it’s a deeper exploration of trauma. While scenes of fly fishing and moments in the fly shop are memorable, spanning about 20 minutes of the two-hour runtime, the film resonates more with themes of trauma, alcoholism, and family discord. Each viewer’s experience will differ.
I appreciated the authenticity of the fly-fishing sequences and the portrayal of therapeutic outdoor activities. However, there is a dire lack of fly fishing movies that can even come close to ‘A River Runs Through It’ despite the commendable concept of using post-Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans suffering from PTSD as the main characters. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by our soldiers, regardless of their combat experience.
However, my main critique lies in the initial treatment of Colter, a troubled veteran skillfully portrayed by Sinqua Walls, by his mentor, Ike Fletcher, played by Brian Cox. Instead of a welcoming embrace, Colter faces resistance and judgment, which struck a dissonant chord with me.
I wonder how Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing would feel about the movie, and their attitude towards the methodology of helping the veterans will be different from the film’s plot about Colter. To watch a Gulf veteran in the same condition, suffering from substance abuse and unable to find acceptance and help, is quite discouraged. Ike Fletcher’s approach, while well-intentioned, lacked sensitivity.
While I value narratives that shed light on PTSD and efforts to destigmatize it, I found certain aspects of “Mending the Line”—such as Colter’s unpaid work at the fly shop—unrealistic and unsettling. While Ike encourages Colter to confront his drinking problem, his methods seem harsh and lack empathy.
I admire the film’s attempt to spotlight PTSD and the therapeutic benefits of fly fishing. Yet, its portrayal of a struggling veteran navigating these challenges left me conflicted. The film’s darker themes—depicting Middle Eastern conflict and personal tragedies—added to its weighty narrative.
Perhaps, being a fly fisherman myself, the principles of fly fishing as a therapy seem self-evident to me. To any new readers, ‘Mending the Line’ gives a brief insight as to why fly fishing is often described as being inexplicably fascinating. Many regional veterans’ organizations across the country embrace fly fishing as a form of therapy, highlighting its transformative potential.
Despite its heavy themes, I encourage viewers to watch “Mending the Line” and form their own opinions. It’s a thought-provoking film that ought to be seen, shining light on vital topics such as PTSD, veterans’ experiences, and nature’s healing ability. Remember, these are my personal thoughts, and I appreciate the film’s efforts to highlight these important issues on the big screen.
Cast of Mending The Line : Fishing Movie
The cast of “Mending the Line” includes:
These are some of the main characters and actors in the film, which was also acted by the following other movies and TV shows:.
Where was Mending the Line filmed?
The majority of shooting for “Mending the Line” was done in the beautiful background of Montana, United States of America. This place was chosen for capturing the feeling of fly fishing and other adventures depicted in the movie, shot in beautiful nature. The filming occurred in 2021, using different natural landscapes and possibly local people to depict the story in the context of Montana’s deserts.
Is Mending the Line a true story?
As was mentioned before, “Mending the Line” is not a factually accurate retelling of real events. It is not a documentary film, nor does it have a story based on real-life incidents or true characters; instead, it’s a narrative movie that has subjects like fly fishing and its impacts, trauma, and relationships. Concerning the storyline and characters, it is important to repeat that they were invented as the plot and the heroes for the show.
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