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A River Runs Through It

A River Runs Through It is a 1992 American period drama film directed by Robert Redford.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A River Runs Through It is a 1992 American period drama film directed by Robert Redford and based on Norman Maclean's semi-autobiographical novella. The film stars Craig Sheffer and Brad Pitt as brothers growing up in Montana under the guidance of their father, a Presbyterian minister. It was released in the United States in October 1992.

Plot

The film follows two sons of a Presbyterian minister in Montana as they grow up during the World War I era and into the early years of the Great Depression. Their differing temperaments shape their adult lives and their relationship with each other.

Production

Directed by Robert Redford, the film adapts Norman Maclean's novella into a period drama set in the American West. Its cast includes Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt, Brenda Blethyn, and Emily Lloyd.

Reception

The film is widely presented as a critically regarded drama and is noted for its cinematography and reflective tone. Rotten Tomatoes lists it as a drama with a theatrical release in October 1992.

Source material

The film is adapted from Maclean's 1976 semi-autobiographical novella, which draws on his family life and experiences in Montana. The novella's themes of memory, brotherhood, and fly fishing are central to the film's narrative.

Key facts

  • The film is set in and around Missoula, Montana, and follows the Maclean brothers as they come of age in the early 20th century.
  • It is based on Norman Maclean’s semi-autobiographical novella of the same name.
  • Brad Pitt plays Paul Maclean, while Craig Sheffer plays Norman Maclean.
  • The story centers on family, faith, and fly fishing as central themes.
  • The film was released in the United States in October 1992.
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Canadian context

The film is part of the North American canon of literary adaptations and period dramas that are familiar to Canadian audiences, especially through television, home video, and streaming availability in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is A River Runs Through It?
It is a 1992 American period drama film directed by Robert Redford and based on Norman Maclean’s novella.
Who stars in the film?
The film stars Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt, Brenda Blethyn, and Emily Lloyd.
What is the film about?
It follows two brothers growing up in Montana under their Presbyterian minister father, with fly fishing as a major theme.
What is it based on?
It is based on Norman Maclean’s semi-autobiographical novella A River Runs Through It.
When was it released?
It was released in the United States in October 1992.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_River_Runs_Through_It_(film)
    Supports: Director, year, cast, source novella, setting, and period.
  2. TCM — https://www.tcm.com/articles/89022/a-river-runs-through-it
    Supports: Film overview, brothers, father, fly-fishing theme, and Robert Redford as director.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105265/
    Supports: Release timing and plot synopsis.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/river_runs_through_it
    Supports: Genre, release date, runtime, and box office summary.
  5. Metacritic — https://www.metacritic.com/movie/a-river-runs-through-it/details/
    Supports: Adaptation from Norman Maclean's memoir and character/plot summary.