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Dear Frankie

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United Kingdom · 2004
Rated PG-13 · 1h 45m
Director Shona Auerbach
Starring Gerard Butler, Emily Mortimer, Jack McElhone, Sharon Small
Genre Drama, Family

To protect her deaf son from the truth about his father, Lizzie invents a story about his father being at sea, writing make-believe letters that detail his adventures. However, when the truth threatens to reveal itself, Lizzie must make a difficult decision: to face reality or continue her white lie.

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What are people saying?

What are critics saying?

80

Variety by David Rooney

Material that might have turned to standard dysfunctional family treacle in other hands is given stirring poignancy, warmth and emotional insight in Shona Auerbach's assured first feature.

40

L.A. Weekly by Ella Taylor

The movie’s glib trafficking in illness, death and pinched little faces to jury-rig our emotional responses (Gibb was inspired by the equally likable, equally pandering Czech film "Kolya") lost me at hello.

70

The A.V. Club by 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.

70

Film Threat by Ross Williams

While the film isn’t completely perfect, director and cinematographer Shona Auerbach shows that she’s a great new filmmaking talent.

70

The New York Times by Stephen Holden

"Miramax porn." The term refers to manipulative tearjerkers like Dear Frankie whose sensitive performances, along with a light dusting of grit, allow them to be marketed as art films. This one is clever enough to fool a lot of people.

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