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Dear Frankie (2004)

tomatometer

81

Average Rating: 6.8/10
Reviews Counted: 109
Fresh: 88 | Rotten: 21

Dear Frankie is a small, good-hearted film with fine performances.

81

Average Rating: 6.8/10
Critic Reviews: 32
Fresh: 26 | Rotten: 6

Dear Frankie is a small, good-hearted film with fine performances.

audience

89

liked it
Average Rating: 4/5
User Ratings: 29,596

My Rating

Movie Info

Directed by Shona Auerbach, Dear Frankie revolves around nine-year-old Frankie (Jack McElhone) and his mother, Lizzie (Emily Mortimer). The mother and son duo have been on the run for as long as Frankie, who has been deaf for years, can remember. In an effort to protect Frankie from the truth -- that a psychotic father, whose physical abuse caused his hearing loss, is at the root of their constant need to move from one home to the next -- Lizzie pens a series of letters from Frankie's "father"

PG-13, 1 hr. 42 min.

Drama

Andrea Gibb

Jul 5, 2005

$1.3M

Miramax Films

Cast

All Critics (120) | Top Critics (33) | Fresh (94) | Rotten (21) | DVD (17)

A bittersweet bonbon of a drama, full of the old fashioned literary touches that a well-written letter still can deliver in the age of e-mail.

April 15, 2005 Full Review Source: Orlando Sentinel | Comment
Orlando Sentinel
Top Critic IconTop Critic

The pain that's evoked in this small, warm film -- the deep and unspoken yearning of child -- is as universal as it is heartbreaking.

April 15, 2005 Full Review Source: Houston Chronicle | Comment
Houston Chronicle
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The film works as a highlight tape for the cast and will satisfy any desire you have to be driven to the brink of tears.

April 14, 2005 Full Review Source: Arizona Republic | Comment
Arizona Republic
Top Critic IconTop Critic

There is no unnecessary dialogue, and Auerbach encourages us to listen closely and to study the situation. We are required to learn truths slowly, at the same pace as the characters.

March 25, 2005 Full Review Source: Toronto Star | Comment
Toronto Star
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Gives us a spoonful of medicine to make the sugar go down. Depending on your tolerance, it just may go down a treat.

March 25, 2005 Full Review Source: Globe and Mail | Comment
Globe and Mail
Top Critic IconTop Critic

A little movie, and that shouldn't be taken as a pejorative. It can be sweet without being sickening, as heart-rending as McElhone's soulful gaze.

March 25, 2005 Comment
Denver Rocky Mountain News
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Moody but uplifting tale of deaf boy. Get your tissues!

January 26, 2010 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media | Comment
Common Sense Media

A quietly told film that--by casually tossing in a surprise here and a plot twist there--builds up to an ending that carries an intense emotional impact.

March 1, 2007 Full Review Source: Film Journal International | Comment
Film Journal International

Thanks to some wonderfully open-ended writing and acting, and Auerbach's fine attention to detail, Dear Frankie is one of those rare films that rewards repeat viewing.

September 22, 2006 Comment

This is a little gem of a film.

March 4, 2006 Full Review Source: Laramie Movie Scope | Comment
Laramie Movie Scope

A touching little gem.

December 28, 2005 Full Review Source: Fantastica Daily | Comment
Fantastica Daily

The heart of the film is the very touching mother-son story.

December 10, 2005 Full Review Source: TheMovieReport.com | Comment
TheMovieReport.com

Proves to be heartwarming despite its contrivances and phony attempts at being arty.

December 8, 2005 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews | Comment
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

A reminder that even in an age of wondrous technology and razzle-dazzle, innately simple and human stories will still... have the power to most move audiences.

September 28, 2005 Full Review Source: Now Playing Magazine | Comment

Tugged at my heartstrings, but not so strongly that I started to gag

August 5, 2005 Full Review Source: Movie Habit | Comment
Movie Habit
More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Dear Frankie

My heart ached throughout the entire movie. Wonderfully done...

October 4, 2010
itsjustme2004

Super Reviewer

Utterly charming, family drama about a mother who, out of love for her 9 year old son, maintains a deception designed to protect him from the truth about his father. Bittersweet and touching, this film tugs at your emotions, not in a manipulative way, but genuinely, with a heartwarming story. British Shona Auerbach

June 17, 2008
hobster1

Super Reviewer

    1. The Stranger: Every day you were protecting him!
    – Submitted by Dorothy M (2 months ago)

Latest News for Dear Frankie

June 3, 2005:
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