Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #490 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-05-23
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 85 minutes

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.

Customer Reviews

Dear Frankie - dear film
This is one of those films that slips under the Hollywood radar. It doesn't try too hard, and it doesn't fill time with pointless scenes. It tells a heart warming and poignant story, and it tells it very well. Emily Mortimer is perfect as the mother trying to both protect and make her deaf son happy. Gerard Butler doesn't steal the limelight, but blends well with the other characters. Whilst providing some light relief are the scenes with the children. I would recommend this film to anyone wanting to be entertained and uplifted.

Takes my breath away....every time
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.

heart rending
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.