Mending the Line movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Mending the Line

Distributed by Blue Fox Entertainment, this inspiring veteran’s movie releases on June 9, 2023

RATING: R

LENGTH: 2 hours 2 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A-

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 therapeutic 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

THEMES:

PTSD
Healing
Brotherhood
Fishing
Therapy
Aging
Accepting change
Damaged people
Wounded Warriors
Rehabilitation
Survivor’s Guilt
Community
Peace

INTERESTING LINES:

“No one heals the same.” – Dr. Burke (Patricia Heaton)
“I wasn’t punished so I punished myself.” – John Colter (Sinqua Walls)
“I decided long ago I was done killing.” – Ike Hendrickson (Brian Cox)
“You’ve just learned the most important part of fly fishing: humility.” – Ike Hendrickson (Brian Cox)
“How is someone supposed to dance when part of them is buried in the ground.” – Mrs. Redcloud (Irene Bedard)
“There is no better way to see a man’s character than to go fly fishing with him.” – Ike Hendrickson (Brian Cox)