A River Runs Through It parents guide

A River Runs Through It Parent Guide

Offering a good, though subtle message, the movie will likely require repeated viewing in order to really understand what it is trying to say.

Overall B

Except for an interest in fly-fishing, Norman (Craig Sheffer) and Paul (Brad Pitt) are about as different as two brothers can be. Yet for all their diversity, Norman does all he can to protect his younger sibling, even though that sometimes means Paul isn't facing the consequences of his rebellious actions. Directed by Robert Redford, this movie is based on an autobiography written by the eldest brother, Norman Maclean.

Release date October 9, 1992

Violence B+
Sexual Content B
Profanity B-
Substance Use --

Why is A River Runs Through It rated PG? The MPAA rated A River Runs Through It PG for momentary nudity, and some language in a family drama.

Run Time: 123 minutes

Parent Movie Review

Family relations and the ability (or lack of) to communicate are examined in this Robert Redford film. The story centers on two brothers, Norman (Craig Sheffer) and his younger sibling Paul (Brad Pitt). Based upon an autobiography written by the eldest brother, Norman Maclean, the movie details some of the turning points during the boys’ childhood and adolescence.

Except for an interest in fly-fishing, Norman and Paul are about as different as two brothers can be. Rebellious Paul is always looking for exciting alternatives in life, while steady Norman is content to follow the safer path. Meanwhile, their strict father (Tom Skerritt), a Presbyterian minister, finds it difficult to communicate with either of his children. Yet for all their diversity, each family member, including their mother (Brenda Blethyn), goes out of his or her way to try and avoid conflict with one another. Norman, especially, does all he can to protect Paul, to the point where the younger sibling never has to deal with the consequences for his actions… until it’s too late.

The script does a beautiful job of showing how this family reacts to save a wayward child. It allows the audience to understand how seemingly illogical decisions might be justified through the distorted view of family love.

The production contains a small amount of violence and some sexual situations, including one short scene where a naked couple is discovered asleep in the grass. While the scene exposing their nudity is short, it does offer a full rear view. However, the main concern with the film is its use of a large selection of mild and moderate profanities.

Beautifully photographed in rural Montana, A River Runs Through It may be appropriate for older teens and adults, if you are comfortable wading through the language. Offering a good, though subtle message, the movie will likely require repeated viewing in order to really understand what it is trying to say.

Starring Robert Redford, Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt, Brenda Blethyn. Running time: 123 minutes. Theatrical release October 9, 1992. Updated

A River Runs Through It Parents' Guide

How can you help some one you love, but who may not want your assistance? How can you tell if your good intentions are beneficial, or just facilitating the problem?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of A River Runs Through It movie is July 28, 2009. Here are some details…

DVD Notes: A River Runs Through It: Deluxe Edition

DVD Release Date: 29 november 2009

This Deluxe Edition of the movie A River Runs Through It is presented in widescreen, with audio tracks in Dolby Surround Sound (English and French) and Stereo (Spanish). Subtitles are available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

Blu-Ray Notes: A River Runs Through It

Release Date: 28 July 2009

A River Runs Through It comes on Blu-ray Disc in a widescreen presentation. Audio tracks are available in Dolby Digital 5.1 (English) and dubbed in French, Castilian, Portuguese and Spanish, with subtitles in English, French and SDH. Bonus materials include:

- Deleted Scenes.

- Featurette: Deep Currents: The Making of, The Blackfoot Challenge: Rescuing A River, Casting A Line: A Beginner’s Guide To Fly Fishing and On The Blackfoot River - Looping Video Environments.

- Booklet

Related home video titles:

Lars and the Real Girl is another movie about an older brother trying to help his younger sibling. Veteran actor Robert Redford used his talents to direct other films, including Quiz Show and The Legend of Bagger Vance.