A River Runs Through It

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2:29

A River Runs Through It

PG

Released Oct 9, 1992

2h 3m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

80%

Tomatometer

44 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

The Maclean brothers, Paul (Brad Pitt) and Norman (Craig Sheffer), live a relatively idyllic life in rural Montana, spending much of their time fly fishing. The sons of a minister (Tom Skerritt), the boys eventually part company when Norman moves east to attend college, leaving his rebellious brother to find trouble back home. When Norman finally returns, the siblings resume their fishing outings, and assess both where they've been and where they're going.

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Critics Consensus

Tasteful to a fault, this period drama combines a talented cast (including a young Brad Pitt) with some stately, beautifully filmed work from director Robert Redford.

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Peter Stack

San Francisco Chronicle

The film shimmers with grace and visual beauty.

Rated: 4/4

Jan 11, 2023

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Michael Rechtshaffen

The Hollywood Reporter

Redford directs with a fluid grace... to capture the idyllic, light-drenched aura of Maclean's early childhood memories. Even the seemingly unexciting fly-fishing sequences take on a magical air worthy of Spielberg.

Oct 10, 2018

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Adam Mars-Jones

Independent (UK)

Redford remains a fine director of actors. With Brad Pitt, who gives a particularly good performance, he is dealing moreover with an actor whose handsomeness is reminiscent of his own at that age.

Nov 15, 2017

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Vanessa Letts

The Spectator

The film is blighted by an inability to break free from its source.

Jul 24, 2018

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Malcolm Johnson

Hartford Courant

Redford's heartfelt yet unfulfilled film feels more watered-down than haunting.

May 29, 2018

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James Plath

Movie Metropolis

Sherritt has been in a lot of movies, but the role of Rev. Maclean seems like one he was born to play. He owns it, the way that Pitt and Sheffer own theirs, and as a result it takes no time at all to believe this group as a family and become involved.

Rated: 8/10

Jul 14, 2009

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Michael N

With a run time of 2 hours you would think something would happen but it never does. This movie is pure boredom from start to finish. Its only saving grace is the stunning Montana backdrop.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/19/25

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Farah R

Redford's elegant touch grants audiences the unique experience of feeling like they are reading a book instead of watching a movie. Coupled with stellar performances and exquisite cinematography, A River Runs Through It is a brilliant drama about family.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/25

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Audience Member

I’ve loved this movie for years and it stands the test of time even rewatching in 2025

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/03/25

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Kevin P

A very thoughtful movie about family and nature.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/20/25

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David S

This is a great movie Robert Redford captures the beauty of the wilderness of Montana and the story is great. I did not know this movie was based on true events I found that out by reading the back of the case to be honest I bought the soundtrack and listened to it then I wanted to know what the movie was about I had a feeling it had to do with fishing because of the booklet that came with the soundtrack but the movie is more than that. It’s too bad that Norman McLean died before the movie shot he never got to see it and I have to hand it to Robert for the respect he gave Norman and the trust he gained from him to make this movie if Robert did not get that trust this movie may have not been made. The fact that everyone wanted to Honor him by doing the movie right is amazing that is true respect. The movie starts out slow but the story and the scenery engulfs you into the movie. There is not much more to say outside of this was a great watch in my opinion. The acting, directing, cinematography and music is great in this movie. If you have not seen this movie then I recommend you do

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/15/25

Full Review

Mary S

So enjoyed this film , I have watched it twice, I must confess I love Robert Redford 's way of bring stories to life. I travelled to Montana and Yellowstone , and saw fly fishing. For a kid from Sydney, to see the mountains and the rivers was an wonderful experience. I was reminded of this when I watched the movie, to think of a young Brad Pitt, and Brendan Blythen, who later played Vera. I hope others enjoy the story of a family and how fly fishing , it's discipline and skill was what they had in common. Cheers , Mary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/14/24

Full Review

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Robert Redford

Director

Craig Sheffer

Norman Maclean

Brad Pitt

Paul Maclean

Tom Skerritt

Rev. Maclean

Brenda Blethyn

Mrs. Maclean

Emily Lloyd

Jessie Burns

A River Runs Through It: Official Clip - I'll Never Leave Montana

2:13

A River Runs Through It: Official Clip - The Maclean Brothers Fight

1:54

A River Runs Through It: Official Clip - We Can Love Completely

2:06

A River Runs Through It: Official Clip - Shooting the Chutes

2:12

A River Runs Through It: Official Clip - Learning to Fish and Write

2:13

A River Runs Through It: Official Clip - Haunted by Waters

2:09

A River Runs Through It: Official Clip - Witnessing Perfection

2:12

A River Runs Through It: Official Clip - Fishing with Father

1:50

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A River Runs Through It: Trailer 1

2:29

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Synopsis

The Maclean brothers, Paul (Brad Pitt) and Norman (Craig Sheffer), live a relatively idyllic life in rural Montana, spending much of their time fly fishing. The sons of a minister (Tom Skerritt), the boys eventually part company when Norman moves east to attend college, leaving his rebellious brother to find trouble back home. When Norman finally returns, the siblings resume their fishing outings, and assess both where they've been and where they're going.

Director: Robert Redford
Producer: Patrick Markey, Robert Redford
Screenwriter: Norman Maclean, Richard Friedenberg
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, Pioneer Entertainment, Columbia Tristar
Production Co: Allied Filmmakers
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 9, 1992, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $43.4M
Runtime: 2h 3m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround, Stereo

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