Salmon Fishing in the Yemen parents guide

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen Parent Guide

Yet for all the hope expressed by raising salmon in a desert river, it's sad the "nothing is impossible" philosophy wasn't also applied to Dr. Jones' drowning marriage.

Overall C+

When a sheik's (Amr Waked) dream of bringing the sport of salmon fishing to the Middle East attracts the attention of the media, the reluctant brains behind the eccentric experiment -- (Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt) -- suddenly find their unlikely-to-succeed undertaking being paraded before the public.

Release date March 9, 2012

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

Why is Salmon Fishing in the Yemen rated PG-13? The MPAA rated Salmon Fishing in the Yemen PG-13 for some violence and sexual content, and brief language.

Run Time: 108 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

Movies are strong purveyors of the “nothing is impossible” philosophy, and that seems to be the theme best summed up in Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. This fish tale begins when Harriet (Emily Blunt), a representative of a wealthy sheikh, asks Britain’s top fisheries expert to devise a way to start a salmon habitat in a Yemeni river. Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) protests the idea with every once of his character. But what he doesn’t count on is his government’s desire to secure a “good news” story out of the Middle East, no matter what the cost. Up against the Prime Minister’s indomitable press secretary (Kristin Scott Thomas) and his pink-slip happy boss (Conleth Hill) the civil servant craters to the pressure and accepts the outrageous budget.

Dr. Jones’ initial certainty that Sheikh Muhammed (Amr Waked) is out of his mind begins to soften after the ichthyologist meets the visionary man on a fishing excursion. While casting their lines together Sheikh Muhammed offers explanations for his ambitious plans, including helping to provide a better life for his people, proving the impossible possible and the mere fact that he likes to fish. He also believes that with faith, the effort can be a success—although he admits to worrying about acting as a God with his desire to transplant the species.

And then there’s Harriet. Her determined personality is a perfect foil to floundering Dr. Jones, who will undoubtedly bite on her enticing hook even though their introduction started off on the wrong foot. The problem is the sweet doctor is already married. However, the woman (Rachel Stirling) is conveniently inattentive, as demonstrated in one of two short but somewhat detailed intimate scenes. While Dr. Jones’ wife pursues employment that takes her away weeks at a time (and Harriet’s three-week boyfriend is missing in action in Afghanistan) there is no question this close working relationship will soon spawn a romance.

Aside from the sexual moments (and some descriptive sounds) content issues in this British film include other brief sexual discussion and crude terms. Infrequent but strong profanities are used and a mother yells a sexual expletive at one of her children. As well, there is an attempted assassination and characters that sabotage a dam.

These issues may prevent family viewers from enjoying this otherwise thought provoking movie that portrays faith as a positive virtue. Yet for all the hope expressed by raising salmon in a desert river, it’s sad the “nothing is impossible” philosophy wasn’t also applied to Dr. Jones’ drowning marriage.

Directed by Lasse Hallström. Starring Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Amr Waked, Kristin Scott Thomas. Running time: 108 minutes. Theatrical release March 9, 2012. Updated

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
Rating & Content Info

Why is Salmon Fishing in the Yemen rated PG-13? Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some violence and sexual content, and brief language.

Violence: An assassin attempts to shoot a man. Men break into a dam and open the floodgates, causing widespread damage and destruction. A man and wife verbally argue. Word arrives that a male soldier has been killed during active service.

Sexual Content: A married couple is shown in bed with him on top of her (sounds are heard, but no nudity is seen). An unmarried couple begins kissing and caressing passionately, as well as discussing sex (no nudity seen).

Language: A mother yells a sexual expletive at one of her children. Other infrequent profanities include terms of Christian deity, mild profanities and a crude comment.

Drugs/Alcohol: A woman is depicted smoking on at least two occasions. Social drinking is portrayed.

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Salmon Fishing in the Yemen Parents' Guide

Sheikh Mohammad determines to teach Dr. Jones a lesson on faith. To what areas of his life does Dr. Jones apply this newfound faith? What aspects are lacking? Do you believe faith can make anything possible? How was Sheikh Mohammad’s faith affected by the final result of their efforts?

How do romantic comedies often deal with the serious issue of divorce? How is the wife of Dr. Jones portrayed in this movie? Are we supposed to feel any sympathy for her? Why do screenwriters often portray this type of person as a very flat character? How might the audience feel is the script allowed them to get to know her better? From what we see within this movie, do you think Dr. Jones or his wife made a valid attempt at saving his marriage?

While creating a habitat conducive to salmon fishing in the Middle East may seem outrageous, it appears a lot more plausible when you compare it to construction that has actually been accomplished in Dubai. Check out this website for some amazing images: http://flashydubai.com/8-wonders-of-dubai-amazing/

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen movie is July 17, 2012. Here are some details…

Home Video Notes: Salmon Fishing on the Yemen

Release Date: 17 July 2012

Salmon Fishing on the Yemen releases to home video with the following bonus estras:

- Miracles Happen: Making Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

- The Fisherman in the Middle East: Novelist Paul Torday

Related home video titles:

Ewan McGregor can also be seen in the Star Wars franchise and Miss Potter. Emily Blunt appears in The Devil Wears Prada, The Young Victoria and The Adjustment Bureau. Another character pursues an impossible dream in The Astronaut Farmer.