Dear Frankie (DVD, 2005)

This is not just a chick flick (my father loves this movie, and he's a cranky old codger at 56).

I bought this movie because it's a lovely foreign love story on what lengths a mother would go to for the love of her child. Its simplistic approach and uncomplicated storyline make it so refreshing to watch over and over again. I saw it on cable one night and everytime it came on again I watched it....that got old so I decided to try to buy it.

The acting is bar none - the storyline is mostly about little Frankie (Jack McElhone) writing letters to his dad, whom he thinks is in the Navy overseas - but his real dad is not in his life anymore (I'll let the movie tell you why) and he's REALLY getting his letters responded to by his mom (Emily Mortimer).

The love interest is Gerard Butler - I have to say if you've never read his bio on the internet somewhere, please do - he is an accomplished actor as well as an impressive human being. Dear Frankie is a hard movie to find anyway, so when I found it on eBay, I paid some $$$ to get it. It was worth the investment especially if you're into foreign films, accents, and the like.

I love this movie.

I purchased the DVD movie, "Dear Frankie" because I like the acting of Gerard Butler, and this is a poignant family story. It was not a movie that was widely distributed and the DVD was sold in limited quantities a couple of years ago but seems to be out of stock in local stores now. I can find almost anything I need on EBay and was happy to find this DVD and purchase it.
For those who like the Hollywood "glitz" in movies such as riveting drama, or striking cinematography, this DVD may be considered less colorful, and slow moving. It was also filmed in another country, and would not take on a local flair.
However,I found it was a relaxing, sweet story, about a "lovable" deaf child who yearns for a father that he never had, a single mom who is devoted to her child and concerned for his happiness, and quiet, gentle man, who finds that his "arranged" relationship for one day with them becomes so much more.
It's not a "blockbuster" but a "feel good" movie worth watching.

I love this movie, I have watched it many times since I bought it, my husband too! It is a sensitive story, portrayed in a sensitive way, Gerard Butler was excellent as always, and Emily Mortimer as Lizzy , Jack McElhone as Frankie...all excellent! Lizzy, Frankie's Mom protects him from harsh truths in his past by "inventing" his Dad on a ship, but discovers the "invented" ship is to dock in their town, her friend Marie finds her a stranger to pretend to be his Dad for one day. I won't tell what happens, but they make you feel their joy and pain. The music, and scenery shot in Scotland is soft and beautiful. I love their Scottish accents! A fun, humorous, intelligent, beautiful, romantic story, sad in ways, but full of hope, and a huge plus for me is that it is a decent movie, I'd like more!! I may be biased because I like it so, but everyone involved in this movie gets my vote and appreciation... I can't think of anything I didn't like about it.........LOVED IT!

I really enjoyed this movie. The casting was excellent. Gerard Butler does a wonderful job as the stoic man moved by the plight of a fatherless boy. Emily Mortimer is excellent as Frankie's mother, a caring woman who makes a tough choice and then has to deal with the consequences that later arise. And Jack McElhone, as Frankie, brings life and depth to a character who, though unable to speak, indeed speaks volumes. An unforgettable film, Dear Frankie is heartwarming and uplifting.

Please put your Scottish ears on.
This film should have been promoted by more theaters.It is excellant!
Gerry Butler becomes a long seafaring father of a deaf boy at the request of his sister who is doing a friend a favor. You see the boy became deaf by the abuse of his natural father. The mother, grandmother and child have spent their lives running to get away from him. However, the boy does not know this and the mother invents the seafaring father and has been mailing the boy letters. She discusses this with a new friend and store keep, when the boy discovers the ship of his ficticious father is about to dock in their town. The shop keep puts her brother up to being the kids father for a day or so. It is tragic and romantic at the same time. Gerry becomes this boys best father and best friend he could ever have.
I loved this movie.
And if you do not know who Gerry Butler is watch, Timeline, Tombraider, The Phantom of the Opera, the movie, Beowulf and Grendel, Mrs Brown, Dracula 2000 and so on.
Yes, I am a fan and most likely biased but this is truely worth seeing and straining your ears to understand the Scottich Lilt.
I was moved to tears by Gerry's character. Another Cary Grant in the making.
Do not underestimate Mr. Butler. He is equally as good as Johnny Depp at character acting, just a little younger.