IMDb RATING
7.1/10
1.7K
YOUR RATING
Stuck in a dead-end job Graham Merrill adopts an otter, Mij, as a pet and then moves to an isolated village in western Scotland. Adventures ensue.Stuck in a dead-end job Graham Merrill adopts an otter, Mij, as a pet and then moves to an isolated village in western Scotland. Adventures ensue.Stuck in a dead-end job Graham Merrill adopts an otter, Mij, as a pet and then moves to an isolated village in western Scotland. Adventures ensue.
- Awards
- 1 win
Willie Joss
- Lighthouse Keeper
- (as W. D. Joss)
Jean Taylor Smith
- Sarah
- (as Jean Taylor-Smith)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaBased on the true story of Gavin Maxwell, who bought an otter in London and brought it back to his home in Scotland, only to discover that this was a subspecies of otter not yet recorded. Maxwell gave his name to the new sub species' title: Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli.
- GoofsShortly after moving into the cottage, Graham Merrill heads off into the village. As he closes the otter flap he's wearing wellies. On the way down the hill he's in shoes, but when he arrives in the village he is back in welly boots.
- Quotes
Graham Merrill: [Repeated line] Mij!
- ConnectionsReferenced in Denis Leary: No Cure for Cancer (1993)
- SoundtracksRing of Bright Water
(Title Song)
Sung by Val Doonican
Lyric by Betty Botley
Music by Frank Cordell (uncredited)
Featured review
A Gem of a Film
A very simple plot: man disaffected with London life decamps to the Scottish wilderness accompanied by the tame otter he rescued from a pet shop. In Scotland he meets a woman and their mutual appreciation of the countryside and love of the otter brings them together. The film has a very bittersweet ending as a tragedy gives birth to a creative endeavour.
The film is autobiographical being based on a true story available as a book of the same name. It is subtle and unassuming making the most of the characters given its simple plot. The footage of the otter - called Mij - is fantastic and if you were indifferent to otters before I am confident you will love them after watching Mij. The connection between the man, Graham (played by Bill Travers), and Mij is funny and poignant.
This is a gem of a film. It offers so much without any of the manipulations in which many modern films indulge. I was absorbed watching it and it has stayed with me since seeing it. I recommend this highly. Be warned it is upsetting and if you decide to show it to a child there may be tears.
The film is autobiographical being based on a true story available as a book of the same name. It is subtle and unassuming making the most of the characters given its simple plot. The footage of the otter - called Mij - is fantastic and if you were indifferent to otters before I am confident you will love them after watching Mij. The connection between the man, Graham (played by Bill Travers), and Mij is funny and poignant.
This is a gem of a film. It offers so much without any of the manipulations in which many modern films indulge. I was absorbed watching it and it has stayed with me since seeing it. I recommend this highly. Be warned it is upsetting and if you decide to show it to a child there may be tears.
helpful•120
- PoppyTransfusion
- Jul 7, 2011
- How long is Ring of Bright Water?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Mein Freund, der Otter
- Filming locations
- Ellenabeich, Seil, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK(Camusfearna; Sandaig village)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 47 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1(original ratio)
- 1.66 : 1
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