The movie focused on religion and faith more than I expected it to. Two British characters mention (upon witnessing Yemeni public expression of religiosity) that neither knows anyone who goes to church any more, reflecting Britain’s increasing secularization. And while Ewan McGregor’s character Fred is dubious of talk of faith, the Sheikh (whose idea it is to bring salmon to the Yemen) addresses him as a fisherman, noting that fishing is all about faith, about patient waiting despite the often slim odds that one will catch anything.
The movie makes some excellent points, including exploring faith as something which human beings have and need. Religious faith may or may not be present, but faith of some sort is necessary. The movie also explores other themes, such as hubris and the glorification of God vs. oneself.
Have other readers of this blog seen the movie? Even if you have not, do you think that faith of some sort is a necessary component of human life, even for those who may reject religious faith?
