Review: ‘Salmon Fishing in the Yemen’

For those unfamiliar with the book, the title Salmon Fishing in the Yemen will probably provoke a few raised eyebrows.  But don’t be put off because this is actually a very charming, engaging and funny film.

A wealthy sheikh comes up with a plan to flood a dry riverbed in Yemen and populate it with Scottish salmon so he can indulge in his favorite pastime at home.  The introduction of water to this arid landscape will also aid the people of Yemen with the creation of an agricultural industry.  In order to find out if such an undertaking is feasible, the sheikh’s financial advisor, Harriet Chetwode-Talbot approaches Fred Jones at the Ministry of Fisheries.  Fred considers the idea silly and frivolous, and dismisses it outright.  But when British troops are involved in a devastating bomb blast in the Middle East, the Prime Minister’s press advisors scramble for a good news story about the region and salmon fishing in Yemen seems to fit the bill.

Harriet and Fred are initially wary of each other, but soon find a way to work together.  A weekend with the sheikh in his palatial home further cements the friendship, while meeting the sheikh and seeing his passion firsthand gives the project a meaning that Fred had not previously considered.

With both Fred and Harriet stuck in emotionally devastating relationships, it will come as no surprise that the pair find what they need in each other’s company.  But this is far more than a rom-com with an exotic setting.  A thread of anarchic political satire runs through the piece, fueled with great aplomb by Kristin Scott Thomas as the harried and foul-mouthed press secretary.

Funny, charming and very well written and acted, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is one of the few films I can honestly say is better than the book it is based on.

It’s not going to change your life, but for a couple of hours it will make you smile and by the end you too will care if a bunch of salmon manage to survive in the desert.

7/10