This one scene healed more than 30 years of confused, tangled emotions toward my addict brother instantly. Rarely have truer words been spoken/written. I thank Norman Maclean and the filmmakers for this gift.
I have a hard time watching this movie for the same reasons. My brother can be the most interesting charismatic person that has more natural talent than anyone in the world, and has thrown all the good away for drugs. I wish there was something I could do, something I could say. “But often what we have to give is unwanted.”
it healed me as well brother. My wife has never seen this movie, i keep telling her we should sit down and watch it. I too have fought demons from within and from afar. And I keep thinking of this telling of struggle of a family, and realize that life has a way or healing most tragedies. Whether self-inflicted or witnessing, the pain is real, but eventually, life corrects it. Funny how God uses all tools to bring us to either happiness or fulfillment.
“We can love completely without complete understanding...” This part is so important, yet hard for most of us to grasp and fully understand...it always makes me weep...
I loved this movie. My husband and I had tears in our eyes when we left the movie theater. At that time we had a wild son much like Paul. The movie really hit a nerve. My son is ok now. He is an engineer and works in a steel mill.
Without question, a film I refuse to watch with anyone else. The only film that makes me cry relentlessly. Till this day, I don't fully comprehend what it means to have family. They're a gift I've been blessed with and a gift I don't deserve. Of all the regrets I have, the greatest is why we hurt and torture those we love the most. The story of family. The sacrifices my parents have made for me will NEVER be fully appreciated. How much I hated my father growing up for being strict and always being in my personal business. Only to realize later, the sacrifices he made to give me a wonderful childhood. At 38, my 17 year old daughter who I've sacrificed dearly for doesn't understand I don't have a choice on how much she means to me. It's been difficult witnessing her grow up, in the last 5 years. She's been angry, bitter, and cruel to everyone close to her. While she tests my patience, my greatest source of relief/anguish is she's EXACTLY like me when I was her age. So, I can understand her to some degree. The only solace, I have, that gives me peace is I will do anything to be there for her. As long as I know that in my final breath, I could say I was a good father.
I always watch this film, alone. For that very reason - I once viewed it with my now ex-wife - she freely admitted she understood none of it - this is a man's film.
@@danhaselton5858 You'e so right. It IS a man's film. Every guy I have talked to who saw this film liked it. The dynamics between a father-son and brother-brother relationship are so profound. I had a wonderful father and mother. I was loved like most people have never been loved and I'm sure a certain amount of that love was "without understanding" but they "loved me completely" nonetheless and how grateful I am for that.
I absolutely love this movie! I being the father have two boys that are three years apart. The older was and is the "Good boy" doing well in HS with football and just being sent off to out of state college. Now, here we are with my younger, rebellious son. Peeling back the layers, he's an amazing young boy with so much talent. I was so afraid few years ago that he would take his own life. Now that his older brother is gone, I'm finding out just how much he's being heckled @ school and elsewhere. I can and do love him completely w/o complete understanding. Every single human on this planet earth deserves the opportunity of happiness. It shouldn't be reserved for the more athletic, stronger, brighter or any social status. A wise man once said "When you meet someone, treat them as though they were in serious trouble; and you will be right more than half the time!" I hope I don't lose my son, I hope all's not lost and that he can be successful.. I hope, I hope!
While the whole movie is exquisite and highly personal, this speech always stays with me. We can love completely without complete understanding. Exactly. How many people do we really understand? One? Maybe two? Probably none. I told my youngest son that this was the central theme of the movie. Norman loved his brother, though Paul was an enigma. He loved Paul completely. Their relationship and stories were the fact of his life. As was the not understanding. I suppose loving and being loved is much more important than understanding. Paul didn't need understanding, really. Just that you tried to understand him. Like Jessie's brother.
“I suppose loving and being loved is much more important than understanding.” - This is a brilliant encapsulation of Reverend Maclean’s message. Well done and thank you.
Paul says it when Norman states.. How do you help that guy? Paul replied maybe what he likes is someone trying to help. In other words, being there even though they could really only help themselves off one road and to a better one. Jessie has to drive Norman home after this and also shows her own risk taking side by jumping on the train tracks to take a short cut..even though this means cutting through the dark underpass out to a suspension bridge and no escape should a train come. This is a central theme of love.. it comes with risk. We love, we know we will always hurt should we be the one not able to follow the road with the ones we love. Either because they pass or choose one we can't follow or do not understand. Yet...we love. Norman and his brother were closest on the river. Going down it and over in a "borrowed boat" and fishing it. So, it makes sense that he refers to the stones/rocks in the final line. Stating some of the words are theirs...that they have seen so much...these river stones...they know many stories. And one is the story of Norman, Paul his father and family. That now this is part of their words eternally. Those memories will rest here with these stones that are so old. Though time moves on and Norman knew he were to pass soon. These stones would remain and so would the memory of cast with on a 4 count rhythm. Much the same as life. Youth, young adulthood, adulthood, and elder years. He was in the last count. Norman. He literally and figuratively was placing himself in that river. The last count. Now part of the river of life and a completed story of his own. The End. This is why after the church scene the final scene was of an aged Norman fishing on that river. It needed to end in the river of life. I think this is one of the most meaningful movies to me. It's about perfect in every way. I think Redford's best direction and hid narration is perfect too. Just a perfect movie even while being sad toward the end.
Totally. The pain and sadness reflected on Norman's face as he listens to his father say it all. Nothing else is needed in this scene. Of course, the final scene is a lesson for filmmakers in how good cinema is made. 
I've watched this clip many times over the yeas, and in my heart feel it sums up in my mind the true message of the Christian faith, at least what I learned in the Episcopal Church. I think love is the answer, not controlling, nor restrictive, but accepting people and loving them for who and what they are in this life.
For Robert Redford " A River Runs Through It " may be his finest achievement ! I'm not sure what he was thinking at the making of this film, it far surpasses every film ever made. Just absolutely extraordinary ! Of course without writer and author Norman McLean this film does not come to be. Hats off to Nornan McLean. Regarding the cast of actors Brenda Bletyn Mrs. McLean, Tom Skerritt Rev. McLean, Craig Sheffer Nornan McLean, Brad Pitt Paul McLean, there couldn't be a better cast of actors 2 play the roles of the McLean family! Robert Redford hit the ball out of the park with this one. Lastly I want to say , " I am haunted by these waters"!
I went hiking with the priest of that church about 20 yrs prior to the making of that movie....Montana is a beautiful state and the story is very similar to my family....my great grandfather was an episcopal priest in Eastern Oregon.....And, he was a flyfisherman....The first of many now...
One of my favorite films and scenes. But that part that has always stuck with me is the VO where his father says. "...he was beautiful". As a big brother that line has always resonated with me about my lil bro.
the theme of this movie so relatable to all cultures , races , and ethnic backgrounds. The love and family is all we have in the end. It still makes me so emotional when I listen to the dad's last sermon.
This is people living. A man goes into a church to speak to his neighbors about his belief, and his neighbors come there to share in brotherhood and sisterhood, that's living. Every person's life is a history of the people who have been in it.
Hits close... all too real when you love someone with a serious disorder or addiction. I know someone with BPD and the self destructive tendencies and my inability to help is demoralizing, so all I can do is love them and always be there. This was a great movie
One thing I've noticed about life as I get older is just how powerless each of us are. There's only so much (so little) we can do to help each other...
As the "Paul" of my family I never didn't love them back. Some people are just disasters. Disaster they create. I never did anything out of spite to hurt them. We don't set out to hurt.
“My father was very sure about certain matters pertaining to the universe. To him all good things-trout as well as eternal salvation-come by grace and grace comes by art and art does not come easy.” “In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing. We lived at the junction of great trout rivers in western Montana, and our father was a Presbyterian minister and a fly fisherman who tied his own flies and taught others. He told us about Christ's disciples being fishermen, and we were left to assume, as my brother and I did, that all first-class fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fishermen and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman.” ― Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It and Other Stories
We can love without complete understanderstading. Those are hard words to chew on sometimes in life. But its the only way were gunna actually get through this life. It has to start with love.
I am Paul. I self destruct at every turn. Those who love me have grown tired me. They’ve become jaded and hardened toward me and it only reinforced how I already feel about myself. Sometimes I wish I was dead. It sounds so terrible to say out loud, but this life doesn’t seem made for someone like me.
Your life is an embodiment of something much greater than yourself. Your loves and challenges have meaning beyond your life. You too, as we all are, are an expression God’s love and we all can claim his Grace. Take heart- your life matters and people can and do love you… even if they do not understand you. ✌️
I sometimes wonder if this quality of life still exists. Whoever wrote this film has a real Hemmingway feel to them. This is the one film that reminds me of my brother the most.
And just think of this reality and never really fully comprehend that Yeshua God the Son gave all for us upon a cruel cross of suffering. Blows my earthly mind but I embraced Yeshua and accepted him as my Lord and Savior at the age of 24 on 12-26-1983 and at the present age of 63 I'm still walking down the narrow road with Jesus. Yes Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. That is life itself and life's answer and life's conclusion and life eternal. I want that expressed at my funeral. What a Savior indeed!
Live and let live. If someone needs & wants your help, the person will ask. Make sure the other person knows your help is available. That's really all you can do for another human being.
I have absolutely no interest in reiigion, nor in fly fishing. But of course, that is not what this movie is really about. I saw this film in the theater when it came out, when I was a young man. it remains my favorite movie. it is poetry on film. It is a masterpiece.
That Sermon was totally about himself. I go to Church most every Sunday and midweek and the listen to Pastors on the Radio and I have heard thousands upon thousands of Sermons over the years and I have noticed more and more Pastors just preaching to themselves and giving sermons about themselves.
always found it strange to take a biography, and then insert something that so absurdly did not happen just to give it some more forward plot. seems quite silly to me
Why does it matter so much to you? I read the book and while I don't remember if this was an actual line, it still applies well to the story and is a beautiful sentiment. Relax....
This is a literary reverberation of these tragedies that so often occur especially with younger sons. The fact that all at the end the father and brother could seize on is that he went out swinging his fists. What a primitive set of values. What a failed patriarchy.
This one scene healed more than 30 years of confused, tangled emotions toward my addict brother instantly. Rarely have truer words been spoken/written. I thank Norman Maclean and the filmmakers for this gift.
The book is worth reading too..
I have a hard time watching this movie for the same reasons. My brother can be the most interesting charismatic person that has more natural talent than anyone in the world, and has thrown all the good away for drugs. I wish there was something I could do, something I could say. “But often what we have to give is unwanted.”
Amen bro. Find peace.
it healed me as well brother. My wife has never seen this movie, i keep telling her we should sit down and watch it. I too have fought demons from within and from afar. And I keep thinking of this telling of struggle of a family, and realize that life has a way or healing most tragedies. Whether self-inflicted or witnessing, the pain is real, but eventually, life corrects it. Funny how God uses all tools to bring us to either happiness or fulfillment.
A true jewell speaking for those who are lost for words.
“We can love completely without complete understanding...”
This part is so important, yet hard for most of us to grasp and fully understand...it always makes me weep...
Right there with ya...
I loved this movie. My husband and I had tears in our eyes when we left the movie theater. At that time we had a wild son much like Paul. The movie really hit a nerve. My son is ok now. He is an engineer and works in a steel mill.
❤🕊
Without question, a film I refuse to watch with anyone else. The only film that makes me cry relentlessly. Till this day, I don't fully comprehend what it means to have family. They're a gift I've been blessed with and a gift I don't deserve. Of all the regrets I have, the greatest is why we hurt and torture those we love the most. The story of family. The sacrifices my parents have made for me will NEVER be fully appreciated. How much I hated my father growing up for being strict and always being in my personal business. Only to realize later, the sacrifices he made to give me a wonderful childhood. At 38, my 17 year old daughter who I've sacrificed dearly for doesn't understand I don't have a choice on how much she means to me. It's been difficult witnessing her grow up, in the last 5 years. She's been angry, bitter, and cruel to everyone close to her. While she tests my patience, my greatest source of relief/anguish is she's EXACTLY like me when I was her age. So, I can understand her to some degree. The only solace, I have, that gives me peace is I will do anything to be there for her. As long as I know that in my final breath, I could say I was a good father.
I always watch this film, alone. For that very reason - I once viewed it with my now ex-wife - she freely admitted she understood none of it - this is a man's film.
@@danhaselton5858 You'e so right. It IS a man's film. Every guy I have talked to who saw this film liked it.
The dynamics between a father-son and brother-brother relationship are so profound.
I had a wonderful father and mother. I was loved like most people have never been loved and I'm sure a certain amount of that love was "without understanding" but they "loved me completely" nonetheless and how grateful I am for that.
Это называется жизнь.
You are on the path. Well done. Your daughter will come back to you when she is older.
We can love completely without complete understanding.
One of the best phrases ever stated.
One of the very best scenes in all film history. Refined. Pure. Everlasting love 🏆 📽️
I absolutely love this movie! I being the father have two boys that are three years apart. The older was and is the "Good boy" doing well in HS with football and just being sent off to out of state college. Now, here we are with my younger, rebellious son. Peeling back the layers, he's an amazing young boy with so much talent. I was so afraid few years ago that he would take his own life. Now that his older brother is gone, I'm finding out just how much he's being heckled @ school and elsewhere. I can and do love him completely w/o complete understanding. Every single human on this planet earth deserves the opportunity of happiness. It shouldn't be reserved for the more athletic, stronger, brighter or any social status. A wise man once said "When you meet someone, treat them as though they were in serious trouble; and you will be right more than half the time!" I hope I don't lose my son, I hope all's not lost and that he can be successful.. I hope, I hope!
As my Presbyterian pastor said, "Try to be kind to everyone you meet. Because everyone is facing their own battles you don't know."
The grace we express by loving those we don’t understand or disagree with is the closest thing to divinity humans can achieve.
Well said.
Tom Skerritt played this role so well. I love these words. So powerful.
While the whole movie is exquisite and highly personal, this speech always stays with me. We can love completely without complete understanding. Exactly. How many people do we really understand? One? Maybe two? Probably none. I told my youngest son that this was the central theme of the movie. Norman loved his brother, though Paul was an enigma. He loved Paul completely. Their relationship and stories were the fact of his life. As was the not understanding. I suppose loving and being loved is much more important than understanding. Paul didn't need understanding, really. Just that you tried to understand him. Like Jessie's brother.
Bill Cole damn straight
“I suppose loving and being loved is much more important than understanding.” - This is a brilliant encapsulation of Reverend Maclean’s message. Well done and thank you.
Paul says it when Norman states.. How do you help that guy? Paul replied maybe what he likes is someone trying to help. In other words, being there even though they could really only help themselves off one road and to a better one. Jessie has to drive Norman home after this and also shows her own risk taking side by jumping on the train tracks to take a short cut..even though this means cutting through the dark underpass out to a suspension bridge and no escape should a train come. This is a central theme of love.. it comes with risk. We love, we know we will always hurt should we be the one not able to follow the road with the ones we love. Either because they pass or choose one we can't follow or do not understand. Yet...we love. Norman and his brother were closest on the river. Going down it and over in a "borrowed boat" and fishing it. So, it makes sense that he refers to the stones/rocks in the final line. Stating some of the words are theirs...that they have seen so much...these river stones...they know many stories. And one is the story of Norman, Paul his father and family. That now this is part of their words eternally. Those memories will rest here with these stones that are so old. Though time moves on and Norman knew he were to pass soon. These stones would remain and so would the memory of cast with on a 4 count rhythm. Much the same as life. Youth, young adulthood, adulthood, and elder years. He was in the last count. Norman. He literally and figuratively was placing himself in that river. The last count. Now part of the river of life and a completed story of his own. The End. This is why after the church scene the final scene was of an aged Norman fishing on that river. It needed to end in the river of life.
I think this is one of the most meaningful movies to me. It's about perfect in every way. I think Redford's best direction and hid narration is perfect too. Just a perfect movie even while being sad toward the end.
Leslie Smittle perfect summary. I enjoyed your thoughts on the movie. Thank you.
paul didn't die like this. he went with norman to chicago
We can love completely without complete understanding. I put this on my wall. I listen to it over and over again.
In my mind, a monologue such as this, is always more interesting than special effects.
Ian Monam absolutely, it strikes a cord that no explosion or car chase could simulate. Redford nails this one
+Ian Monam Yes sir!
Totally Stolen from the Walton's
Agreed - and more powerful.
“But we can still love them. We can love completely, without complete understanding.”
One of the most deeply touching scenes ever
If there was ever a film that is Beautiful this is it.
I always come back to this movie the words and the music together have always brought a tear to my eye and still one of my favorite movies of all time
When his father says that last quote you can almost physically feel it all hit you the first time watching it.
Totally. The pain and sadness reflected on Norman's face as he listens to his father say it all. Nothing else is needed in this scene. Of course, the final scene is a lesson for filmmakers in how good cinema is made.

I've watched this clip many times over the yeas, and in my heart feel it sums up in my mind the true message of the Christian faith, at least what I learned in the Episcopal Church. I think love is the answer, not controlling, nor restrictive, but accepting people and loving them for who and what they are in this life.
Powerful words of comfort in this time of grieving the loss of my brother, who was similar to Paul. Life on his terms.
Thank you for uploading.
For Robert Redford " A River Runs Through It " may be his finest achievement ! I'm not sure what he was thinking at the making of this film, it far surpasses every film ever made. Just absolutely extraordinary ! Of course without writer and author Norman McLean this film does not come to be. Hats off to Nornan McLean. Regarding the cast of actors Brenda Bletyn Mrs. McLean, Tom Skerritt Rev. McLean, Craig Sheffer Nornan McLean, Brad Pitt Paul McLean, there couldn't be a better cast of actors 2 play the roles of the McLean family!
Robert Redford hit the ball out of the park with this one. Lastly I want to say ,
" I am haunted by these waters"!
This is one of my favorite definitions of love. Love is something that transcends all our human emotions and reasoning.
I went hiking with the priest of that church about 20 yrs prior to the making of that movie....Montana is a beautiful state and the story is very similar to my family....my great grandfather was an episcopal priest in Eastern Oregon.....And, he was a flyfisherman....The first of many now...
One of my favorite films and scenes. But that part that has always stuck with me is the VO where his father says. "...he was beautiful". As a big brother that line has always resonated with me about my lil bro.
*the part
the theme of this movie so relatable to all cultures , races , and ethnic backgrounds. The love and family is all we have in the end. It still makes me so emotional when I listen to the dad's last sermon.
This is people living. A man goes into a church to speak to his neighbors about his belief, and his neighbors come there to share in brotherhood and sisterhood, that's living. Every person's life is a history of the people who have been in it.
This movie absolutely slays me.
Awwww man the look on Craig 's face at the end.
We can love completely without complete understanding! I like it! Love will save the world, spread the word!
I watch this scene over and over again and it always makes my skin crawl.
A critical lesson of life.
Humbling.
A scene for my beautiful nephew Casey. So gifted. Gone 20 years, lost to heroin
I had to run out of lecture during Undergrad during this scene because I nearly broke down sobbing. Norman MacLean: you are amazing.
I watched this with my dad when I was younger and didn’t understand, now I’m older and I understand. It makes sense.
the best line in the movie .."we can love completely without complete understanding..."
Best movie ever produced
Oh come on, there's always _RoboCop._
Is a beautiful film, straight to the heart, I will cry a lot with him, thanks!
Hits close... all too real when you love someone with a serious disorder or addiction. I know someone with BPD and the self destructive tendencies and my inability to help is demoralizing, so all I can do is love them and always be there. This was a great movie
One thing I've noticed about life as I get older is just how powerless each of us are. There's only so much (so little) we can do to help each other...
As the "Paul" of my family I never didn't love them back. Some people are just disasters. Disaster they create. I never did anything out of spite to hurt them.
We don't set out to hurt.
00:47 God bless those who are battling addiction
They should make more movies like this one...
Even though they try a film such as this rarely come along , they are one in a million.
or maybe everyone's life is a movie a bit like this one, we just don't realize it
“My father was very sure about certain matters pertaining to the universe. To him all good things-trout as well as eternal salvation-come by grace and grace comes by art and art does not come easy.”
“In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing. We lived at the junction of great trout rivers in western Montana, and our father was a Presbyterian minister and a fly fisherman who tied his own flies and taught others. He told us about Christ's disciples being fishermen, and we were left to assume, as my brother and I did, that all first-class fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fishermen and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman.”
― Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It and Other Stories
Your not going too understand everything in life nor change it. You can either force the change or let it be and fill your cup full of love.
Goddamn this movie is such high quality and I just can't keep tears from flowing. daddy issues that's on me
tears in my eyes.
Oh for the sweet carefree innocence of childhood
We can love without complete understanderstading. Those are hard words to chew on sometimes in life. But its the only way were gunna actually get through this life. It has to start with love.
Wow just wow!!
this has really touched me
I am Paul. I self destruct at every turn. Those who love me have grown tired me. They’ve become jaded and hardened toward me and it only reinforced how
I already feel about myself. Sometimes I wish I was dead. It sounds so terrible to say out loud, but this life doesn’t seem made for someone like me.
I am the same way.. There are two sides to every coin. Life is beautiful. Sometimes you just have to find a way to flip the coin.
Your life is an embodiment of something much greater than yourself. Your loves and challenges have meaning beyond your life. You too, as we all are, are an expression God’s love and we all can claim his Grace. Take heart- your life matters and people can and do love you… even if they do not understand you. ✌️
But, it is.
Life Is like a river. There are rough times. Next come the peace. Hang on
Omfg I just came across my own comment here from 2 years ago. I hope you're okay.
I lived.
I sometimes wonder if this quality of life still exists. Whoever wrote this film has a real Hemmingway feel to them. This is the one film that reminds me of my brother the most.
Fly fishing is one thing I've never done.
That's not love; let alone complete love.
I'm haunted...by the sound of water.
Masterpiece!!!
They don't make them like this anymore
Capolavoro
A vero
And just think of this reality and never really fully comprehend that Yeshua God the Son gave all for us upon a cruel cross of suffering. Blows my earthly mind but I embraced Yeshua and accepted him as my Lord and Savior at the age of 24 on 12-26-1983 and at the present age of 63 I'm still walking down the narrow road with Jesus. Yes Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. That is life itself and life's answer and life's conclusion and life eternal. I want that expressed at my funeral. What a Savior indeed!
GENIUS
Do you see the
callalilies in the background?
Live and let live. If someone needs & wants your help, the person will ask. Make sure the other person knows your help is available. That's really all you can do for another human being.
“To believe in God is to know that all the rules will be fair, and that there will be wonderful surprises.”
- Ugo Betti
What is a soul worth
0:12 Can anyone settle this is that Norman’s Father Up There In Age Or Norman Himself me & my Familgia are at a Crossroads with who it might be?
Great movie
I have absolutely no interest in reiigion, nor in fly fishing. But of course, that is not what this movie is really about. I saw this film in the theater when it came out, when I was a young man. it remains my favorite movie. it is poetry on film. It is a masterpiece.
I love this speech but did you really have to interrupt the song at the end? Really? Could you not wait til it played out?
That Sermon was totally about himself. I go to Church most every Sunday and midweek and the listen to Pastors on the Radio and I have heard thousands upon thousands of Sermons over the years and I have noticed more and more Pastors just preaching to themselves and giving sermons about themselves.
The sermon was inspired by his own pain, but he likely understands it is an issue just about everyone struggles with.
It seems the point may be eluding you.
0:45
Is that kid Joseph Gordon Levitt?
Yep
paul maclean... I thought it was paul hitchman, dr. brennan.
😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎
I FOR YOu everyday
Well one wouldn't get murdered if you keep pissing off your debt collectors, lessons to be learned people.
Clear thought doesn't find everyone when they need it most. "We can love completely, without complete understanding".
Robert Phillips jeez calm down
Even though you clearly struggle to put together a coherent sentence, I still love you.
@TheGodParticle
Amen to that
He definitely brought it on himself
Personal self destruction has far reaching consequences
always found it strange to take a biography, and then insert something that so absurdly did not happen just to give it some more forward plot. seems quite silly to me
Why does it matter so much to you? I read the book and while I don't remember if this was an actual line, it still applies well to the story and is a beautiful sentiment. Relax....
@@therivergiveth Paul wasn't murdered in Missoula, idiot
worst preacher in the universe. Hia sons death is on him.
This is a literary reverberation of these tragedies that so often occur especially with younger sons. The fact that all at the end the father and brother could seize on is that he went out swinging his fists. What a primitive set of values. What a failed patriarchy.