SummaryA Marine wounded in Afghanistan returns to a VA hospital in Montana where he meets a Vietnam vet who teaches him fly fishing as a means to coming to terms with his physical and emotional trauma.
Directed By:Joshua Caldwell
Written By:Stephen Camelio
Mending the Line
Metascore
Mixed or Average
56
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Available after 4 ratings
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Metascore
Mixed or Average
56
50% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
50% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Jun 12, 2023
63
The patience of the sport and the tranquility of the settings casts a spell, and it all comes together in modestly, honestly moving ways.
Jun 9, 2023
63
The cranky old-coot humor between Studi and Cox is a welcome break, and there could have been more of it.
User score
Available after 4 ratings
tbd
67% Positive
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
33% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Nov 1, 2023
9
IN A NUTSHELL:
The military-centered movie was directed by Joshua Caldwell, and directed by Stephen Camelio. It has already won the Valor Award at the San Diego International Film Festival.
On a personal note, my stepfather was a retired Marine. He loved his time in military service and was proud of being a Marine. It defined him until the end when he was buried in a Veterans Cemetery with honor just last year. My father served in the Navy. One of my sons is currently serving in the Army. I’m so grateful to the valiant men and women who faithfully serve in the military on behalf of all of our citizens. If you’re a veteran, thank you so much. THINGS I LIKED:
The charming cast includes Brian Cox, Sinqua Walls, Wes Studi, Patricia Heaton, and Perry Mattfield.
I haven’t seen Brian Cox in anything lately, so it was great to see him. He does a fantastic job playing an aging vet who “hasn’t listened to music since Creedence broke up in 72.” Cox also serves as Executive Producer for the film.
At first, I didn’t enjoy Perry Mattfeld’s mopey character, but she grew on me and I was able to see how naturally gifted she is as an actress.
Gorgeous cinematography by Eve Cohen. We get to see some stunning landscapes in Montana.
The movie begins with a deadly war scene in Afghanistan somewhere, but the rest of the movie is gentle and focuses on the healing relationship between two veterans.
The story takes an honest look at how the aftermath of war affects people.
The sweeping musical score by Bill Brown perfectly underscores every moment and emotion.
The movie relies heavily on fishing metaphors, as we’re all like fish swimming against currents in our lives. One of the books that several characters are seen reading is called “Casting Forward” by Steve Ramirez and Bob White. The insights and imagery are inspirational.
At the end of the movie, we get to see pictures of real veterans fishing on the river, as it has now been proven to be extremely **** for those recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. One of the characters in the movie explains that fishing is the only time he doesn’t have to think and can finally feel peace. THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:
The movie is slow-moving and takes too long to say what it wants to.
The scars on Sinqua Walls’ character’s legs look super fake. TIPS FOR PARENTS: Kids might be bored unless they’re really into fishing or have loved ones in the military.
Profanity, including F-bombs
Talk of death
Some shooting
Alcohol
Jun 13, 2023
8
However, Miller apologized for their actions and met with new Warner Bros. bosses Michael De Luca and Pam Abdi, also reconciling with the ****/news/index/142.html
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Jun 8, 2023
60
In general, Stephen Camelio’s script, sensitive and convincing as it is, attempts to pack too much emotion, back story and metaphor into a relatively slender tale. The result is a two-hour film that would have benefited from a judicious trim, a quickened pace and less melodrama.
Jun 9, 2023
50
The title of the film “Mending the Line” refers to an adjustment to a fly-fishing line to counter the effects of water currents. But there’s a lot more than the placement of a filament that needs to be remedied in this well-meaning but inert PTSD melodrama.
Jul 5, 2024
5
(Mauro Lanari) Fly fishing as a way to deal with emotional and physical war trauma is fascinating and poetic, as long as it does not pretend to become an existential lesson and is not burdened by a markedly TV direction.
Production Company:
- ArtImage Entertainment
- August Point Productions
- CKM Entertainment
- Meydenbauer Entertainment
- U.S. Department Of Defense, US Navy
- U.S. Marine Corps Entertainment & Media
Release Date:Jun 9, 2023
Duration:2 h 2 m
Rating:R
Awards
San Diego International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination





























