A gentle, deeply emotional film, and its strength lies in how wonderfully understated it all is.

| Feb 13, 2024

Butler's scenes with Jack McElhone are, like most of Dear Frankie, both unaffected and touching.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 23, 2019

With great performances, a simple story, and an original ending, it's well worth watching...

| Apr 29, 2009

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 7, 2008

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.

| Mar 1, 2007

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Sep 22, 2006

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 1, 2006

This is a little gem of a film.

| Original Score: B | Mar 4, 2006

A touching little gem.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Dec 28, 2005

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

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Dec 10, 2005

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

| Original Score: C+ | Dec 8, 2005

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Dec 6, 2005

Se por alguns instantes parecia estar seguindo os passos de bons filmes similares, infelizmente acabou por render-se aos clichs e gua-com-acar.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jul 8, 2005

There's a timeless quality about 'Dear Frankie.' This touching film tugs at your hearstrings and won't let go, even after the end credits roll.

| Jul 5, 2005

...a rare and endearing portrait of a mother's unconditional if not always judicious love for her only child.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Jul 2, 2005

True to its weepy telefilm resemblance, Dear Frankie delivers several eye-dabbing moments, but the tears...are earned through solid storytelling and subdued acting.

| Original Score: B+ | May 24, 2005

You'll see a lot worse ham-fisted dramas about busted-up but striving people this year.

Full Review | Original Score: B | May 13, 2005

The film's sentimentality is balanced by a strong, hard-edged sense of reality at every turn.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 11, 2005

| Original Score: 2/4 | May 11, 2005

Flirts with mawkishness at every turn but somehow remains as solid as the working-class neighborhoods and shipyards of its Glasgow setting.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | May 4, 2005