Review of Dear Frankie (2004) by Matthew M — 05 Dec 2008
Dear Frankie is the kind of movie that based on the previews you think looks like a made for Hallmark movie. It has that ooey-gooey lovey dovey plot that would be found on an anniversary card and just drips with sentimentality.
Yet, instead I was pleasantly surprised. It is an extremely heartfelt movie that does hammer sentimentality, but how it goes about it is so deceptive. The score doesn't use weeping strings and never does it swell more than twice, its subtle and contemplative.
Never do we get these swirling cameras or mom and son hugging as tears drop down their eyes. Instead we get composed emotion, never over the top, but always enough to make our throats lump. And I think this happens because of how the relationships are fleshed out trhrough out the film.
Dear Frankie doesn't need to rely on a swelling score and "big emotional" scenes because it has developed its characters. Since we have developed with Frankie, his mom, and his "father" its the small and quiet moments that pack the biggest punch.
You couple this writing and directing with great performances and a beautifully orchestrated shots, and you got a movie that will quietly and slowly break you down, only to fill you back up with hope and confidence in the simple things of life.
This review of Dear Frankie (2004) was written by Matthew M on 05 Dec 2008.
Dear Frankie has generally received very positive reviews.
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