If it weren't for Scotsman Peter Mullan, who's wonderful as Frank Redmond, On a Clear Day would be intolerably pat.
On A Clear Day (2006)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:64
Fresh:43
Rotten:21
Average Rating:6.2/10
Consensus: Another blue-collar inspirational feel-good British dramedy, On A Clear Day succeeds on the strength of lead actor Peter Mullan's performance and Gaby Dellal's competent direction.
Theatrical Release:Apr 7, 2006 Limited
Box Office: $90,663
Synopsis: Shot on location in Glasgow and Dover, director Gaby Dellal's first feature takes off from a true story of one man's determination to swim the English Channel. The film deftly avoids the pitfalls... Shot on location in Glasgow and Dover, director Gaby Dellal's first feature takes off from a true story of one man's determination to swim the English Channel. The film deftly avoids the pitfalls of sentiment through a self-deprecating humor that recalls THE FULL MONTY in tone and theme, as well as a stunning performance from Peter Mullen (YOUNG ADAM) as protagonist Frank Redmond. After 40 years of working as a shipbuilder, the somewhat taciturn Frank has been "made redundant" and let go from his job. He finds himself utterly unmoored without the routine and trappings that have defined his existence for so long, and suffers a loss of self-respect that he is unable to talk about with his loving wife, Joan (Brenda Blethyn, PRIDE & PREJUDICE), and son, Rob (Jamie Sives). Floundering, Frank becomes obsessed with the idea of swimming the Channel, and undertakes the project with the help of Chan (Benedict Wong, DIRTY PRETTY THINGS), the owner of the local fish-and-chips shop, who becomes Frank's personal trainer. His three best mates (Billy Boyd, Sean McGinley, and Ron Cook) sign on for the ride as well, each discovering new strength in themselves along the way. But it is Frank's relationships with his family that are the most moving part of the film, as he deals with the demons that have hounded him for over 20 years and rediscovers the bonds he shares with his wife and his long-estranged son. [More]
Starring: Peter Mullan, Brenda Blethyn, Billy Boyd, Sean McGinley
Starring: Peter Mullan, Brenda Blethyn, Billy Boyd, Sean McGinley, Jamie Sives, Ron Cook, Benedict Wong, Jodhi May
Director: Gaby Dellal
Director: Gaby Dellal
Screenwriter: Alex Rose
Producer: Sarah Curtis, Dorothy Berwin, Bill Allen
Studio: Focus Features
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Reviews for On A Clear Day
The recent Anthony Hopkins film The World's Fastest Indian, a charming true story loaded with nutty details, painted a similar picture of an older man's quest, but with much brighter colors than the gray tones of On a Clear Day.
Sweet-natured, if somewhat familiar, On a Clear Day features fine performances by Mullan, Blethyn and Sives. Dellal and cinematographer David Johnson paint an inviting picture of Glasgow.
Another variation of the British feel-good, inspirational dramedy, this time concerning a laid-off shipbuilder who finds new purpose in life.
The fish-n-chips reliability of the film is pleasing enough to suffice, but the attention to character detail is what will really pull you in.
If, like me, you have infinite tolerance for schmaltz-encrusted tales of troubled British proles who seek salvation through recreational self-discovery, go ahead and enjoy strong, silent Peter Mullan as a laid-off Glasgow shipyard worker.
An inspiring and uplifting story about self respect. Director Gaby Dellal steers the story without excessive sentimentality, resulting in a rewarding and enjoyable film in the vein of Billy Elliott and The Full Monty.
[Scottish actor Peter Mullan] saves a drama tangled in the seaweed of life lessons from drowning in pathos.
Gaby Dellal's cynically mushy film, like The Full Monty and its ilk, is best savored only by its target demo: middle-classers who see one imported film a year.
It plays a risky game, switching tone from domestic drama to political point-making to broad comedy to sticky sentiment in a matter of moments, rounding everything off with a perfect ending that will make grown men weep.
Its watery theme will guarantee that there is not a dry eye in the house when the end credits roll -and a queue at the bathroom straight after.
Astutely scripted by Alex Rose, the narrative is never willing to sell short the characters or to suffuse the story with a surfeit of sentimentality, although it has to be said that the ending will melt even the hardest of hearts.
Schmaltzy, sentimental and predictable, this wannabe crowd-pleaser tries to use the same ingredients of the far better Full Monty, Calendar Girls, Billy Elliott: economic depression, working-class heroes and a physical challenge for the uplifitng finale.
A pleasantly predictable film which ultimately demonstrates rather less ambition than its protagonist.
Carries on the tradition of curdled sentimentality wrought by idiosyncratic, inspirational, English-flavored comedies like The Full Monty and Waking Ned Devine.
As well-acted and well-made as it is it never quite manages brilliance.
The film is extremely well cast - Peter Mullan probably has "Grumpy bastards a speciality" emblazoned at the top of his CV and he's on top form here as Frank
Latest News for On A Clear Day
January 31, 2006:
Tackling male mid-life crisis in such a manly fashion should work. ![]()
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