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Dear Frankie

Play trailer Poster for Dear Frankie PG-13 2005 1h 45m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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81% Tomatometer 106 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Frankie (Jack McElhone) does not know his father because his mother, Lizzie (Emily Mortimer), ran away from the abusive lout when Frankie was just a baby. Instead of telling the truth to her deaf son, she concocts an elaborate lie, telling him that his father is a merchant seaman on the MS Accra. She even writes letters for Frankie posing as his father. But when the actual MS Accra docks in their small Scottish town, Lizzie quickly needs to find a fake father for Frankie.
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Dear Frankie

Dear Frankie

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Critics Consensus

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

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Critics Reviews

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Kimberley Jones Austin Chronicle Apr 17, 2005
2/5
Mortimer, McElhone, and Butler each bring sensitivity and likability to their roles, but they've an uphill battle personifying characters who are, respectively, a clairvoyant, a fantasist, and a fantasy. Go to Full Review
Amy Biancolli Houston Chronicle Apr 15, 2005
3/4
The pain that's evoked in this small, warm film -- the deep and unspoken yearning of child -- is as universal as it is heartbreaking. Go to Full Review
Bill Muller Arizona Republic Apr 14, 2005
3.5/5
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. Go to Full Review
Marya E. Gates Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack) Feb 13, 2024
A gentle, deeply emotional film, and its strength lies in how wonderfully understated it all is. Go to Full Review
Stuart Gray The List Apr 23, 2019
3/5
Butler's scenes with Jack McElhone are, like most of Dear Frankie, both unaffected and touching. Go to Full Review
Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed Apr 29, 2009
With great performances, a simple story, and an original ending, it's well worth watching... Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Claire W. @Cwoodsum May 11, 2026 One of my all time favorite movies! Loved meeting Gerard Butler for the first time. See more
Eileen J @Justamoviebuff Mar 8, 2026 One of my favorite movies of all time. Just beautiful. See more
Herb F @herb.fuchs Jun 25, 2023 A hidden jewel available on Kanopy. Wonderful characters well acted in a beautifully photographed area of Scotland. Don't forget to set the subtitles for some tough accents. Also the tissues! See more
John G @RT30749950 Feb 10, 2023 A compelling/beautiful performance by Mortimer, is the hinge that holds this romantic "mystery" together. Supporting actors finish the job. See more
isla s @RT89656869 Sep 1, 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 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. See more
May 2, 2021 The content of movie can be argued as too damn sentimental. But my 3 stars ( alas only, because of content of the movie otherwise would be more stars) are given for one really good thing - maximal effect with minimal means. To tell the dramatic story using so modest and minimal means of expression is a great talent. See more
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Dear Frankie

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Cast & Crew

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Shona Auerbach

Director

Emily Mortimer

Lizzie Morrison

Jack McElhone

Frankie Morrison

Gerard Butler

The Stranger

Sharon Small

Marie

Mary Riggans

Nell Morrison

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Dear Frankie

L-R Emily Mortimer, Gerard Butler (From left to right) Emily Mortimer, Jack McElhone and Gerard Butler in Shona Auerbach's DEAR FRANKIE. L-R Gerard Butler, Jack McElhone L-R Jack McElhone, Shona Auerbach Gerard Butler, Jack McElhone View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Frankie (Jack McElhone) does not know his father because his mother, Lizzie (Emily Mortimer), ran away from the abusive lout when Frankie was just a baby. Instead of telling the truth to her deaf son, she concocts an elaborate lie, telling him that his father is a merchant seaman on the MS Accra. She even writes letters for Frankie posing as his father. But when the actual MS Accra docks in their small Scottish town, Lizzie quickly needs to find a fake father for Frankie.
Director
Shona Auerbach
Producer
Caroline Wood
Screenwriter
Andrea Gibb
Distributor
Miramax Films
Production Co
Pathé Pictures, Scorpio Films Ltd.
Rating
PG-13 (Language)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 4, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$1.3M
Runtime
1h 45m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby SRD
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.37:1)
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