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!

A compelling/beautiful performance by Mortimer, is the hinge that holds this romantic "mystery" together. Supporting actors finish the job.

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.

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.

An unsatisfying end hurts a well made, and well acted film.

Kind of nice, but mostly sad, and regardless of its kid-at-the-centre intentions it never really feels anything other than about the mother, or possibly actually the director.

heart warming film about a young boy who never knew his father but writes letters to him. Until one day his ship comes in and his mum must find a man to play his make believe dad, if just for a few days. Enchanting film

Poignant, unassuming, and gentle. Beautifully shot.

Over a period of time, I started to admire Emily Mortimer's work and this movie is the best example of her talent. A simple sweet story with minimum characters and a lot of heart. Set in the suburbs of Glasgow, Lizzie (Emily Mortimer) is a single mom to Frankie (Jack McElhone) and she makes him believe that his father is a globe trotter in his ship and so he can't be around while hiding the truth about her separation. She writes to Frankie as his father giving him indications on where he is which Frankie follows passionately. When Frankie goes into a bet with his schoolmate to bring his father to a football match, Lizzie has to find someone to be Frankie's dad for the day. She employs a stranger (Gerard Butler). Some movies are such where everyone is nice to each other and the situations are not challenging, but still the portrayal of lives can be very interesting. Gerard Butler stays in his element and gives a humble elegant performance and McElhone and his classmates does an apt job. But the real eyeopener was Emily Mortimer with her passionate yet controlled performance. There is hardly any moment that felt forced for dramatic effect in a rather very flat yet entertaining screenplay. It is a joy to listen to Scottish accent. Background score gels well in some dramatic moments. Simple, humble, entertaining, heartwarming.

Fantastic, true and heartbreaking

I loved this little movie. Proves you don't need to spend a bundle, just have a story. Heartwarming, but not too sickly sweet or corny. Nice little twist at the end, too.

Just a sweet film...cute kid. That's really about it. :)

Such a sweet but sad story line.

this movie is so wonderfully done! the acting is beyond good as well as the script! this movie made me cry too! loved every minute of it!

mother's love has no boundaries

6.3/10 — "Okay"/"Watchable"

The storytelling was refreshing compared to many of the pieces that come from Hollywood. The ending was well done. It is truly a "gem," and I think the director should be proud of such a masterpiece. I don't have all the jargon to provide a detailed critic, but it was "believable" and "refreshing" compared to all the films I have seen. The director set the bar high for other films, in my book.

Solid & touching performances and a make this the little movie that could! When it seems to be saccharinely drifting, it takes a hard Glasgow street turn to reality. There're no easy, Disneyish way to happiness.

Do yourself a favor and watch this.

"Dear Frankie" is one of the few example how a mother-son relationship can be so good being a film, eventhough it's simple and small, it's never narrow, but deeply touching and real heart-warmer while it takes a bittersweet lines. A drama which is very appropriate to watch with whole family.