Dear Frankie

Name: Dear Frankie
Genre: Drama, Romance
Released: March 4, 2005
Duration: 105 min
Rating: 63
Cast: Emily Mortimer, Gerard Butler, Jack McElhone

2005

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 31 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 60 Ratings

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8.4

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8.4	User Score Universal acclaim based on 60 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Miramax Films | Release Date: March 4, 2005 | PG-13

Starring: Emily Mortimer, Gerard Butler, Jack McElhone

Summary: A heartwarming and often humorous tale of nine year old Frankie and his mom Lizzie. (Miramax)

Director: Shona Auerbach

Genre(s): Drama, Romance

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 105 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Ruthe Stein

Wise and wondrous. Read full review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Subtle and graceful directorial debut. Read full review

Connie Ogle

Dear Frankie is a small movie with a big soul and no easy formula for the happiness of its big-hearted characters. Read full review

Peter Travers

What could have been a sentimental train wreck emerges as a funny and touching portrait of three bruised people. Read full review

Michael O'Sullivan

Within this overly familiar trope, there's plenty of room for small surprises, not the least of which are delightful, understated performances all around. Read full review

Keith Phipps

On its own terms, Dear Frankie works much better than it really has any right to. Auerbach tells a small, contrived story, but gives it the weight of life. Read full review

Lisa Schwarzbaum

A Scottish weepie of such bathos and balderdash that it deserves a drinking game in its rotten honor. Read full review

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User Reviews

Jen

Oct 22, 2005

I really liked this Movie! I really like Gerald Butler and he was awesome in this movie. The movie is simple, but also moving at the same time. I don' t like how the movie ended, but hopefully they will make a sequel.

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PaulK.

Jun 1, 2006

I first saw the preview of "Dear Frankie" on the Finding Neverland DVD and bought a copy. It is one of the best films I have seen. The script and performances are all outstanding. The film could have become corny or maudlin and sentimental, but managed to avoid every pitfall and be I first saw the preview of "Dear Frankie" on the Finding Neverland DVD and bought a copy. It is one of the best films I have seen. The script and performances are all outstanding. The film could have become corny or maudlin and sentimental, but managed to avoid every pitfall and be genuinely moving and believable, given the unlikelihood of the set-up. I'm 65 and have watched the film 6 times in the month I own it.… Expand

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JulieG.

Jul 17, 2006

Wonderful, endearing story. I would love to see a sequel. It's been a while since we have rented and found a film we have not been disappointed in. I definitely plan to purchase this one.

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KenR

May 27, 2019

A dear Friend packaged and posted this movie to us to view and so glad they did – this is unique Scottish entertainment all the way. Dear review reader, take a look at Dear Frankie for a different type of movie endearment. Can’t say too much about the story least it ruins the enjoyment,A dear Friend packaged and posted this movie to us to view and so glad they did – this is unique Scottish entertainment all the way. Dear review reader, take a look at Dear Frankie for a different type of movie endearment. Can’t say too much about the story least it ruins the enjoyment, there is warmth, growing pains, family commitments, and the challenge of overcoming one's limitations to reach fulfilment. All character performances are sincere and convince, with story situations mostly, quite believably well written - along with carefully selected Greenock locations adding to the realistic, occasionally bland but appropriate atmosphere. Director/cinematographer Shona Auerbach was so impressed with Andrea Gibbs short story she encouraged her to expand it for her debut feature. The resultant ‘Dear Frankie’ has since held its own – winning a string of special awards worldwide. Young Jack McElhone carries both charm and suitable maturity into his role as the deaf Frankie, with Emily Mortimer fine as his protective mother. Thoughtful music by prolific composer Alex Heffes adds atmosphere. The long pullback final shot is a memorable winner. For lovers of fine unpretentious cinema.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

DawdlingPoet

Jul 20, 2022

This is a real 'weepy' of a film, in a good way. The story is lovely and the film didn't feel too over the top, sentimentality wise - ok its a bit sentimental but it wouldn't be right if it wasn't - it isn't choc full of cliches and over the top maudlin music though. I like that it's set inThis is a real 'weepy' of a film, in a good way. The story is lovely and the film didn't feel too over the top, sentimentality wise - ok its a bit sentimental but it wouldn't be right if it wasn't - it isn't choc full of cliches and over the top maudlin music though. I like that it's set in Scotland (where I'm from) and it has a decent cast. I really felt for the characters and enjoyed watching it, so yes, I'd recommend it.… Expand

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PaulD.

Jul 24, 2006

Contrived, but very touching movie that works because of capable direction and outstanding cast.

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ChadS.

Nov 4, 2005

Frankie(Jack McElhone) is deaf, not dumb, but Lizzie(Emily Mortimer) forgets her own words when she enlists The Stranger(Gerald Butler) to play surrogate daddy for her son. Great strokes of luck obscures the consequences that Lizzie would've faced having supplied Frankie with an extra Frankie(Jack McElhone) is deaf, not dumb, but Lizzie(Emily Mortimer) forgets her own words when she enlists The Stranger(Gerald Butler) to play surrogate daddy for her son. Great strokes of luck obscures the consequences that Lizzie would've faced having supplied Frankie with an extra dad, but the talented cast makes "Dear Frankie" work. A parent should be the last person in the world to condescend towards a disabled person because it's something they'll face their own lives. It was wrong of her to dupe Frankie. But Mortimer invests so much compassion in her born-to-be-maternal face, it's only after "Dear Frankie" is over that we realize what she had done was wrong.… Expand

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