Yemenic Romantic

I love movies that go against the grain, and "Salmon Fishing In The Yemen" was just that. It's a romantic comedy, and it's one that doesn't compromise either word. I can't remember the last time I saw a movie wherein I grinned from ear to ear from the first scene. Fueled by low-watt chemistry between Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt, they prove that you don't need unnecessary slapstick and all its accoutrement to show characters falling in love. They are brought together, they resist, and they fall for each other seemingly without any big hoo-ha, but it works just as well. The premise of the story, that of a shiekh trying to bring a fishing river to the desert, may seem far-fetched, but it's a storytelling ploy that works effectively, bringing out effective performances from everyone. Kristin Scott Thomas, playing the Prime Minister's media secretary, chews scenery whenever she is on, but it is in line with teh satirical feel of the movie. I love the dry British humor of the film, moodily directed by Lasse Halstrom, who also directed Chocolat.  At times, this feels more like a BBC telefilm, but it's opened up enough to be cinematic enough for the big screen. Dare I say it, the first feel-great movie of the year!