The River Why (2010) User Reviews

Why not?

[synevy · 6/10 · 31 December 2011]

The River Why is based on a novel, written by David James Duncan. In a few words, it's about a young fisherman who leaves the city life to go and live in a house by the river and do/find/think about what he loves.

If one would like to find himself somewhere, that looks like a nice place to do it. Romance isn't missing, but it's more like an inspiration here (the way love should be, i guess).

The movie was filmed in some very beautiful locations in Portland, Oregon. It seemed like a documentary actually. A pleasant one. Had some good music and lots of nature sounds and thoughts about life. Zach Gillford was really good, so was Amber Heard. As far as William Hurt concerns, i think he's a brilliant actor and manages to bring up small parts in greater levels.

It was nice, quiet and inspiring. It flowed like a river.

An enjoyable bite of a wonderful book

[guither · 7/10 · 17 February 2012]

"The River Why" was a life-changing book of philosophy and introspection for me. The book is subtly powerful and I highly recommend it. Such a book requires a journey that takes significant internal time. The book lets you wander comfortably for ages through beauty, ideas, love, and fish -- never realizing until it happens that these wonders are slowly and gradually coalescing into something tangible inside the reader.

There's no way for a movie to do the same thing. And so, of course, this film does not accomplish what the book does.

However, it is true to the book in its own way. For one who has read the book, the movie will take you back into it and help you reawaken that feeling inside. It does this by not trying to to it all, but rather, through music, scenery, and pace, reestablishing the feel.

For one who has not read the book, it's likely to be an enjoyable little glimpse into a tiny piece of a much larger river. Sit down and relax with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and let the movie happen.

fishing for a romance

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 27 May 2016]

Gus Orviston (Zach Gilford) is born of an angling family. His father Henning (William Hurt) is a famous writer. His parents often argue over fishing. After one such fight, he leaves to fish on his own. He's taken with fish activist Eddy (Amber Heard). After discovering a dead body, he befriends incompetent fisherman Titus (Dallas Roberts).

The biggest problem with this movie is the lack of hurdles. It makes the story without drama. There is never any obstacles to his family life or the romantic life. There is only one on-screen parental fight before he leaves home. As for the romance, it's cute and sexy but without drama. I don't see any over-arching philosophy being espoused by his non-struggle. This is the lightest of coming-of-age romantic movie.

A young adult leaves the city to find himself through his love of fishing.

[ralphiea · 7 August 2011]

I have lived in Portland, Oregon since 1981. Last night I viewed The River Why.

I have not read the book and, in fact, may do so having now seen the film. While I don't think this is a life changing experience, I did find the movie charming and loved the cinematography and the scenery of Oregon. The actors all do a good job and the film is thoughtful. The score is also well done. Watch the credits and you will hear a lovely version of "Fishing Blues".

I would definitely recommend a viewing of this heartwarming film. Again do not expect anything earthshaking here but an enjoyable time.

"The River Why-Was-This-Even-Made?"

[dancinhomer2 · 1/10 · 25 January 2012]

The only redeeming quality to be found in this film is the beautiful Oregon scenery. However, that means that this *highlight* of the movie- watching experience is the equivalent of watching someone's vacation videos. When this is the best thing you can say about a movie, you are in for a painful time.

It's a movie about fishing. Granted, you can only expect so much regarding a movie about something like fly fishing, but it *can* be made entertaining (remember "A River Runs Through It"?). This film has the requisite father-son issues, the "surprisingly thoughtful and well-read" protagonist, the spunky love interest, the "I've been searching for fish, and yet I now know I've only been searching for myself" hackneyed conclusion. The only thing that's missing is a group of people slow-clapping at the end. These are 101 minutes of your life you'll never get back. You have been warned.

A personal growth film, so it's a must see.

[fatoadg · 7/10 · 2 April 2022]

Gus is a young man who is tired of hearing his parents arguing in his family. He leaves home in search of peace and tranquility, slowly feels the need for friendship and meets neighbors and fishing friends. Where a friend discusses and gives books to study. A personal growth film, so it's a must see.

Wow, What a POS

[hillclimb2 · 1/10 · 15 January 2015]

This movie really couldn't get any worse than say, a pile of sh*t. I really wanted to like it. Hell, I could even looked past most of the piles of sh*t just for the scenery alone. But my crumbled Christ why couldn't anyone on the staff of this film stepped in and read the script and said, "Wait a minute, this is one big piece of sh*t!" An easy re-write could have been performed. I personally know 3 monkeys and one certified mentally disabled donkey that have credentials through the screenwriter's guild that could have improved upon this sewage treatment plant of hokum and heavy handed detritus.

I don't even know the point of this movie. Maybe to waste another venture capitalist's money? In which case, bravo!

Decent but not realistic.

[donthompson-90774 · 7/10 · 12 August 2022]

No true trout or steelhead fishermen would keep every single fish they would return most of them to the river so to me this movie doesn't make sense and whoever wrote the screenplay needs to do their research. I've never read the book so I don't know what the book says I plan on reading it. No true trout fishermen would keep every fish, especially fly fisherman. The fact that the movie depicts him killing every single fish and having this huge cooler full of trout is appalling to me as a trout fisherman.

She shot a dog?

[pinkiee · 3/10 · 16 October 2019]

I'm only 9 minutes in to this movie , but in the first 5 minutes, why would she have got a shotgun and shoot the dog? Why didn't she just aim the gun in the air? That right there is animal cruelty and it made me sad. Isn't this supposed to be a happy movie?

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUULLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!

[jmbegin-12905 · 1/10 · 28 June 2022]

Dull, boring, zzzzzz. Nothing happens.

Only worth the watch for Amber Heard in her prime at age 22 when this was filmed in 2008 and the nice cinematography. Even the music score is boring. You have a violin, a banjo and an acoustic guitar. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

we always fish

[patrickflorio · 10/10 · 13 June 2012]

It is hard to point out certain aspects of life. You live a passion but you do not explain it, but how do you talk about it without demising it. Passion is the essence of life and we can only fulfill it when we feel it. You do not always know what you are passionate about. When life starts to expect something from you and it seems tied to you in particular then you understand the real need. We all expect love from our world but we cannot predict from where. When a gravitational pull comes into play you feel its attraction. Loving someone as they truly are is true love and when really expressed it is invisible. In the 'The river why' it is so pleasantly narrated and it makes you wish it was so easy. Unfortunately it is not always like that but the fulfillment in loving is worth the wait.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ another spoiled brat finds romance

[eddonnell · 3/10 · 5 April 2015]

the Acting is good, the filming is good but the plot, or should i say the plot depth is really about a emotional train wreck of a teen who can't have it his way at home and later finds love. As to all the comparisons this snoozer has in common with "A River Runs through it" is the fly fishing. The Main character Gus is a spoiled kid who thinks throwing tizzy fit and running away to waste his time is the manly thing to do. Feel sorry for the Girl, if you play it out in real life, guess what excitement she will be facing, a guy obsessed with fishing more most of the day. guess she'll have to be the bread winner so fly-boy can do whats important and fly fish all day. We shut this off after 25 minutes. We really tried to just let it run but we had more important things to do than waste more time on this lame rehash of "fit boy with angst finds love". I checked the spoiler box because some people think if you even say a persons name you have ruined the film. I actually prefer to know the full plot and ending, then I know what to look for. Hope I didn't ruin it for those who don't.

A good movie that is like "A River Runs Through It" but for women. Lot of fishing, very very girly. Enjoyable movie. I say B

[cosmo_tiger · 7 November 2011]

"For me happiness would never be found anywhere but on the banks of a river." After a fight with his father pushes him to far, Gus (Gilford) decides to leave everything and just fish. While living in a cabin and fishing 16 hours a day he runs into Eddy (Heard) on the river and begins to rethink his life choices. I'll start by saying that this is a very good movie, but very girly. Think "River Runs Through It" but much more of a love story. The scenery is great, but unless you are a hardcore fisherman it will be tough to get through the long sequences of fishing and fly tying that are scattered throughout. The acting is great, and William Hurt does a great job even though he is only in it for a little while. This is a movie worth watching, but don't expect anything too exciting. Overall, a good movie with great acting that is much more of a love story then "River Runs Through It". I give it a B.

*Also try - River Runs Through It

This Is A Very Slow Film But Definitely Watchable

[FilmMan47 · 5/10 · 27 May 2014]

i couple of days ago i found out about this film and saw it today first of all when i saw amber heard's name on it i did expect the film to have many reviews & thought it would be some famous movie i forgot to watch turns out when i saw this its very slow & its not something everyone would like to taste it has some nice dialogs,story & great visuals thats about it nothing more.

the plot:Gus is a young guy who leaves his parents for the love of fishing he loves it with passion he discovers himself & finds eddy a pretty young girl who is very much different then himself.

the cast:the cast is nice but the lead actor did good & i have to mention amber heard she is just sometimes a very underrated actress to me this role proves it she plays a very stubborn girl but full of life.

the relationship of Gus with his parents is weak but when her mother punches him on dinner table is so unexpected i totally jumped on my seat plus there is one smooch scene of amber heard & no nudity here so beware i loved the river fishing scenes those are beautifully shot.

overall if you don't have anything on your hands do watch The River Why 2010 my rating is 5/10.recommended

Reminder of why we keep trying

[mchambers333 · 10/10 · 12 June 2014]

I love this movie! If you're a fly fisher, great. The River Why is about much more than that. Don't review it as a Bill Dance fishing review! It's a great reminder of why we want to be outside and knee deep in the water!! It's a story of the kid we all wish we could have been.

Give this movie a shot. we need another generation of kids loving the rivers of America. This movie does a lot. It wasn't a theatrical destination, but it has what we need. Watch this movie and respond.

Don't think this is a fly fishing movie . . . it is not. A River Runs Through It will forever be the standard. This is a move about fishing as a means to escape.

It is all about family

[johnatntc · 20 November 2011]

The majority of this movie was filmed on our family homestead in Western Oregon. The location is not mentioned, nor is the family, by request. However, this gives the story special meaning to the descendants or my Great Great Grandparents who homesteaded the valley.

It is interesting to see how people find meaning in life, events, and what is important in life. While this is not a story about our family, there are traits that replay in all people, and families.

If it does not help you understand yourself, it may help give you insight into those around you.

Obviously today the particular cabin in the movie is know to us as the River Why Cabin.

What movies should be!

[amlh-398-218596 · 10/10 · 16 June 2012]

The actors were good, especially their facial nuances.

The landscape cinematography captured a vista that leaves me wanting to experience the view in person. It is the one where a long stretch of the river can be seen from a bird's eye point-of-view.

Friendships work sometimes when, each sees something in another that they need, and thus obtain it by giving something of equal value. So there is an exchange. And thus, a friendship evolves. Titus was an erudite man, but lacked the worldly experience of fly-fishing. He saw in Gus, the absence of enlightment. After a game of billiards, Gus accepts something he in the past could not understand by an analogy presented by Titus, and Titus is tutored in fly-fishing by Gus later in the film.

The relationship with Gus and Eddy is refreshing and somewhat similar, yet well-acted. Again, their facial features add to the quality of their performances.

Overall, this an excellent film and I enjoyed it very much. I am not a film critic or movie buff, but I give it an EXCELLENT rating. Don't take my word for it. See it for yourself.

better then expected

[jeffbarton82201 · 14 September 2011]

First: I loved the book and still do. Read Duncan's novel, please.

Second: I've lived and fished in NW Oregon (and in NE Idaho, also a location for some of the filming) and agree with those who sing praise for the beautiful cinematic qualities of much of the film.

Third: Rarely do great books become great movies. This is true here. Still, given this reality, the film is good enough to watch, enjoy, ponder, discuss and watch again.

Fourth: I commend the review by Hollywood Jesus (listed among critics above) which convinced me both to go see it last night and to encourage you to do the same ---

If you are on a journey, looking for answers to "why", this movie provides a microcosm of road-signs to guide your way!

[kc9718 · 10/10 · 27 June 2012]

"People often don't know what they are talking about... but when they talk about love, they *really* don't know what they are talking about. The one sure thing you can say about love, is that there isn't much you can say about it. Not that you shouldn't try - you can make analogies. Love is like a lot of things. One thing it's like, is a trout stream. Try to capture a trout stream with a dam, and you get a lake. Try to catch it in a bucket, and you get a bucket of water. Put some under a microscope, and you get a close up look at some writhing micro-critters. But a trout stream, is only a trout stream, when it is is flowing between its own two banks... at its own pace... in its own sweet way." - 'Gus'

"The River Why" is a warm, charming, and hopeful movie. Disguised as a 'romantic drama', it is in reality a story of each of us - on our journey in search for answers to 'why'. Whether the questions are simple, philosophical, or soul-searching; whether they concern the parent-grown child relationship, love, angling for the 'perfect' catch, or the search for inner peace of our soul, this movie provides a microcosm of road-signs to help guide us along our way.

I would like to thank all involved with the movie, and the book, for helping my soul find some peace & perspective, at a time when it needed it most. If you haven't seen the movie, or read the book, I highly recommend it!

Philosophy, Life, Love, Fishing, Environmentalism, and Amber Heard: There's Lots to Love About This Coming-Of-Age Classic

[dani_fz · 9/10 · 23 December 2022]

A coming-of-age story philosophically inter-woven into a rather detailed exploration of freshwater angle fishing, this movie is pleasantly unique and, oddly, manages to be both relaxing and thought-provoking. While those into fishing will almost certainly find it particularly enjoyable for its "fishing-talk," I believe that most of those who love contemplating such fundamental issues of human existence as the meaning of people's lives and the place of love and social connections in human lives will also find much to enjoy about it. Personally, I found its emphasis on the importance of human connections in people's lives and its critique of ordinary notions of "success" to be among its major positive highlights. However, I found its pseudo-philosophical attempts at introducing a spiritual/religious dimension to its story to be somewhat under-developed and cringeworthy.

Besides its philosophical themes, I also found the romance arc involving Gus Orviston (played by Zach Gilford) and Eddy (Amber Heard) to be quite captivating. This, to a great extent, is due to the performances of Gilford and Heard, whose chemistry as the two awkward "fishing nerds", Orviston and Eddy, is as heartwarming as it is funny and engaging. At this point, I must single out Heard's performance and say that for those familiar with her movie performances, they will definitely know, after watching this movie, what I'm talking about by saying that Heard breathes into Eddy such agency, authenticity, and beauty that seem almost impossible to imagine would another actor have played her. And, I like that, contrary to what some directors had done to her characters in her earlier movies by that time, Matthew Leutwyler (director) did not oversexualize and objectify her character in this movie even as she was the love interest of the protagonist.

Another thing positive about this movie is its rustic and isolated, yet communal, setting and mood especially as exposed through excellent cinematography and writing. Its positive messages about the importance of protecting the environment are also commendable in their subtlety and significance.

That said and opposed to its positive aspects, are the movies negativities including: Its lack of racial diversity, its poor gender diversity and representation, and its promotion of gun ownership alongside its promotion of harmful gender stereotypes.

In conclusion, I recommend the movie the most to lovers of coming-of-age dramas and romances as well as to fishing and environmental protection enthusiasts/nerds. I also recommend it strongly to fans of Amber Heard because, I assure them, this is a must-watch for anyone interested in Heard's film career. Although less strongly, I recommend the movie to philosophically-minded individuals as well as to anyone else that is looking for a feel-good but thought-provoking movie. In the end, I give the movie a 9 instead of the 7 I would likely have given it for its cons, just because of Heard's magnificent performance in it alongside Gilford.

Finally, a fishing movie:

[komodod-797-605858 · 20 September 2013]

I thought this was a good movie, in fact I saw most of it this afternoon and am watching it again in 20 minutes. I love fishing.

I like parts of A River Runs Through It and didn't like others. Although A River Runs Through It was one of the single most films that brought fly fishing to so many people, I was left wanting more. I was already a fly fisherman before the movie, so I wanted more fishing scenes.

The River Why was the type of movie I've wanted to see for decades. I'm 50 and still enjoyed the movie. I've lived in Oregon near Portland since 94 and this move was able to explain to my family back east why I now call Oregon my home. The cinematography was excellent and I give it two thumbs up.