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Dear Frankie [2004]
![Dear Frankie [2004]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5127AFKJB0L._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £15.99
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Editorial
Synopsis
Directed by Shona Auerbach and filmed on location in Scotland, DEAR FRANKIE is a poignant, humorous story about a family struggling with isolation and poverty. Deaf nine-year-old Frankie (Jack McElhone) only knows his dad through the letters they exchange. Frankie reads each new letter reverently, saving the exotic stamps his dad sends from the different ports he visits as a sailor on the Accra, and loves the sea just as he thinks his dad must. But Frankie's mother, Lizzie (Emily Mortimer), has a secret--she's the one writing the letters and sending them from a post office. When she reads that the Accra is coming to Glasgow, Lizzie must decide if it's time to tell Frankie the truth, or find a man (Gerard Butler) to pretend to be his father for one day. Intimately focused and carefully told, DEAR FRANKIE slowly unwinds its coiled story to reveal the reason behind Lizzie's well-meaning deception. The performances are universally stellar. Mortimer combines steely determination with glimpses of vulnerability, Butler is a perfect combination of hesitation warming to genuine affection, and McElhone steals the show in a spot-on performance as a normal boy longing for his dad. DEAR FRANKIE offers a moving, uplifting look at families and the complicated love at the heart of each one.
Takes my breath away....every time
Review date: 2008-07-30 Rating: 10 out of 10
A truly fantastic film, perfect in every way. The story is incredible, the direction flawless and the acting superb. Gerry Butler is his usual devastatingly handsome talented self, and Jack McElhone is probably the best kid actor I've ever seen. Powerful performances by all. I can't recommend this film highly enough, perhaps now my all time favorite movie. I've had it 5 months and seen it about 9 times, and it takes my breath away....every time. Buy it, watch it....you won't regret it.
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Reviews
heart rending
Review date: 2008-05-29 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is how films ought to be made. Amazing story. Tenderly acted. Uplifting and life affirming. Everyone involved in the making of this film ought to feel proud. A fantastic achievement. I highly recommend this film.
Complete and finished
Review date: 2008-04-07 Rating: 10 out of 10
This film is, in a way, so slight, that it would easily fail in the hands of a director, cast and "camera operator" (I am faithful to the title, as you'll discover from the crew interviews) not completely sensitive to its delicacies. Nothing is stretched or mannered or false - and from the careful attentions of all involved an engaging, unusual and truthful film emerges. Ms Mortimer in the lead adult role is unfailingly right in the part, and her performance is beautifully nuanced. The child actor who plays her son is splendid - despite having just one line to speak. The 'Stranger' is a fine example of the genre: ambiguous and transient. Glasgow is sensitively filmed - the carefully selected 'small world' of it in which the film operates. There is much unstated, and so much the better. Ms Auerbach's first feature film arouses the promise of much good to come. (The short film of hers included with the DVD is a delightful addition.)
Heartwarming Film, a Genuine Treat
Review date: 2008-01-19 Rating: 10 out of 10
I must admit i purchased this film purely as i saw it had Gerald Butler in as i have a bit of a soft spot for him, but this film was well worth the buy. It was very heartwarming and left me longing to see it again. The acting from all was spot on. Jack McElhone as Frankie was excellent and conveyed his part well even though we only get to hear him speak once and Geralds charachter was warm and sympathetic and really likeable. I have seen Emily Mortimer in a few things now and shes not an excellent actress but i must say in this she portrayed her charachter well, she was very believable as a mother in turmoil, worn out from her life so far. All in all well worth the watch, i would recommend it highly.
A beautiful story
Review date: 2008-01-12 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is without a doubt a lovely film. I won't go into to much details except, a young boy writes to his father telling him all about his stories. The mother who read's her son's letters finds out that he wants to meet his father. She then looks around, eventually she meets the man. I won't spoil it for you anymore. This film was and still is a beautiful story that will make you laugh, cry or even both. All the cast are spell binding. I would really recommend getting this film as it is great to watch.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Mary Riggans
Emily Mortimer
Jack McElhone
Gerard Butler
Sharon Small
Creators:
Gerard Butler (Primary Contributor)
Emily Mortimer (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Pathe Distribution
Manufacturer: Pathe Distribution
EAN: 5060002833957
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2005-05-23
Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 85 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2005
Language: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: English (Original Language)