Swimmingly realized

Mostly upbeat and uplifting, “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” is parts romantic comedy and drama, with some brief dark moments thrown in for good measure. Starring Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt as colleagues working on an ambitious project, the film is directed by Lasse Halstrom and based on the book by Paul Torday.

Contacted by consultant Harriet Chetwode-Talbot (Blunt), British fisheries expert Dr. Alfred Jones (McGregor) initially rebuffs the idea of introducing salmon-fishing into the Yemen, citing the limits presented by the region.

Practically dragged kicking and screaming into the seemingly impossible and foolhardy task, Alfred eventually (and expectedly) changes his mind. Harriet introduces him to Muhammad (Amr Waked), the sheikh financially backing it, coincidentally a fan of Alfred’s fishing accessory invention.

And then there’s the manipulative and clever press secretary Patricia Maxwell (the ever-delightful Kristin Scott Thomas), orchestrating events like a puppet master, prepping the Yemen project into a public relations triumph.

It takes time for sparks between Alfred and Harriet to fly, as their contrasting private lives slowly unravel; the former is stuck in a dull marriage while the latter worries about a missing soldier boyfriend. Their unlikely friendship, however, is immediately believable. As constant work companions, they become great friends despite their dissimilar personalities.

While the romance angle between the pair isn’t without obvious flaws (i.e. Harriet’s questionably speedy recovery and new attraction), McGregor and Blunt are an interesting and very watchable duo. The film engages and inspires; its culture and science-steeped world is enhanced by a healthy smattering of characters sharing the universality of hope.

“Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” is an Ayala Cinemas exclusive.