Emily Mortimer,
Jack McElhone,
Gerard Butler,
Sharon Small,
Mary Riggans
... see more 
Directed by Shona Auerbach, Dear Frankie revolves around nine-year-old Frankie (Jack McElhone) and his mother, Lizzie (Emily Mortimer). The mother and son duo have been on the run for as long as Frank... read more
Directed by: Shona Auerbach
Release Date: March 4, 2005
DVD Release Date: July 5, 2005
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Stats: 2,158 reviews
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Flixster Reviews (2,158)
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August 20, 2008Utterly charming, family drama about a mother who, out of love for her 9 year old son, maintains a deception designed to protect him from the truth about his father. Bittersweet and touching, this film tugs at your emotions, not in a manipulative way, but genuinely, with a hear... read more
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November 20, 2007A sweet, simple movie in tune with the holiday spirit. The performances are pure heart and portray real, live people without resorting to stereotypes.
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June 3, 2007Lizzie is raising her deaf son after running away from an abusive husband. Frankie thinks he is writing regularly to his Da who is a seaman on a ship. The ship is about to dock in town, so Lizzie has to decide what to tell her son about his dad.
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November 9, 2006An interesting side of Gerard Butler. I think we should see a Dear Frankie II; I want to see Emily Mortimer find true love. If it's Butler, great. If it's someone else, that's fine too. Tremendously sad how she sacrifices all for her son, protecting him from the truth ... read more
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March 27, 2005[font=Century Gothic][color=royalblue]"Dear Frankie" is about Lizzie Morrison(Emily Mortimer) who has told her young son, Frankie(Jack McElhone) that his father is a seaman on a ship that is far from home. Frankie writes his father letters that his mother intercepts and answers ... read more
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September 13, 2009A beautiful movie about a woman who lies to her deaf son via writing him letters from his father. Then, when he wants to meet his father, she hires a stranger to pretend he is him. Great ending.
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September 11, 2011Cute. I didn't like the ending too much and the acting was a little lacking at times, but it was a sweet story.
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June 9, 2009The movie Dear Frankie was a wonderful story about a boy with a hearing disorder. The actor who portrayed him did an amazing job communicating without words, his needs and longing for his father. Emily Mortimer, who played his mother in a passionate performance, attempted to prot... read more
Critic Reviews
April 15, 2005
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
April 15, 2005
Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle
The pain that's evoked in this small, warm film -- the deep and unspoken yearning of child -- is as universal as it is heartbreaking. Full Review
April 14, 2005
Bill Muller, Arizona Republic
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. Full Review
March 25, 2005
Peter Howell, Toronto Star
There is no unnecessary dialogue, and Auerbach encourages us to listen closely and to study the situation. We are required to learn truths slowly, at the same pace as the characters. Full Review
March 25, 2005
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
Gives us a spoonful of medicine to make the sugar go down. Depending on your tolerance, it just may go down a treat. Full Review
March 25, 2005
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News
A little movie, and that shouldn't be taken as a pejorative. It can be sweet without being sickening, as heart-rending as McElhone's soulful gaze.
March 25, 2005
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post
Director Auerbach and her able cast dial down the volume on the performances. Full Review
March 24, 2005
Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune
In the insightful hands of first-time filmmaker Shona Auerbach and veteran actors who play their roles with intelligence, the movie deftly ducks the schmaltz. Full Review
March 17, 2005
Rex Reed, New York Observer
A soft-hearted but soberly made little movie that gives sentimentality a good name. Full Review
March 11, 2005
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
I'm pleased to report that, within this overly familiar trope, there's plenty of room for small surprises, not the least of which are delightful, understated performances all around. Full Review
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Dear Frankie
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