British films have, historically, tended to stick to certain formulas. They are usually set in the 'grim' north and are about underdogs winning against the odds. But while 'Bank of Dave' does fit that synopsis, it manages to be fresh, funny, and relevant. It doesn't dwell on grime for grittiness - it actually shows how beautiful the north of England is, how friendly the people are, and it's a joy to watch the central character of a London lawyer fall for the northern charm. But that's just a side show to the main story which is an incredible true story I wasn't previously aware of, and one that needs to be told. My Netflix subscription is currently balancing on a knife's edge, but this film managed to save it from being cancelled this month. More like this, please!
96 Reviews
Unexpected delight
grahamf-5554219 January 2023
After watching a string of overlong offerings from Netflix this was a refreshingly well made film.
A true story, despite obvious fictional embellishment, it was well acted and the screenplay and direction was efficient and credible.
One feature in the story gave me a bit of a problem: the theft of a page of Hugh's file. That seems a bit of a stretch of the imagination but I won't try and find out if it did actually happen.
It was also nice to see a film that is clearly not a pilot for a potential series.
And of course it does make a very important point about the banking sector. Overall strongly recommended.
A true story, despite obvious fictional embellishment, it was well acted and the screenplay and direction was efficient and credible.
One feature in the story gave me a bit of a problem: the theft of a page of Hugh's file. That seems a bit of a stretch of the imagination but I won't try and find out if it did actually happen.
It was also nice to see a film that is clearly not a pilot for a potential series.
And of course it does make a very important point about the banking sector. Overall strongly recommended.
A Joyful British Gem
clivejenner-3556518 January 2023
I came across this one on Netflix, not having heard anything about it and was pleasantly surprised. It's the glorious, true story of the little man taking on the establishment. Self made Millionaire Dave Fishwick decides to start a bank in his home town of Burnley to help support local businesses,creating jobs and services for the community. In doing so he comes face to face with the banking establishment, who use all their dirty tricks to prevent him. In a way mirroring the sentiments of classics like It's a Wonderful Life, this film shows what can be achieved when people come together to take on the powers that be. An uplifting gem.
Bank of Dave
Prismark1025 January 2023
Bank of Dave is a heavily fictionalised feelgood comedy drama about Dave Fishwick (Rory Kinnear.) A truck and minibus dealer in Burnley. After the financial crash of 2008 when banks got bailed out but stopped lending to those in need.
Fishwick wanted to start a not for profit bank that would give loans to the local community.
In his way is the elitist banking establishment determined that northerner like Fishwick will not get his bank off the ground. So he gets the help of a corporate lawyer Hugh (Joel Fry) from London to make the application for a banking licence.
Bank of Dave rightly takes a stick to the banking fat cats who took fraudulent risks, went bust, saved by a Labour government and the taxpayer. All so they could carry on regardless.
The movie is too formulaic. Northerners are the salt of the earth, Londoners are hissable villains. There is a romantic subplot involving Hugh and a NHS doctor.
There is a good performance from Rory Kinnear. Despite his father hailing from Wigan, his accent seemed to be more generic northern than Lancashire.
Director Chris Foggin knows which buttons to push to give it a warm glow. The songs help as well as an appearance from Def Leppard.
Fishwick wanted to start a not for profit bank that would give loans to the local community.
In his way is the elitist banking establishment determined that northerner like Fishwick will not get his bank off the ground. So he gets the help of a corporate lawyer Hugh (Joel Fry) from London to make the application for a banking licence.
Bank of Dave rightly takes a stick to the banking fat cats who took fraudulent risks, went bust, saved by a Labour government and the taxpayer. All so they could carry on regardless.
The movie is too formulaic. Northerners are the salt of the earth, Londoners are hissable villains. There is a romantic subplot involving Hugh and a NHS doctor.
There is a good performance from Rory Kinnear. Despite his father hailing from Wigan, his accent seemed to be more generic northern than Lancashire.
Director Chris Foggin knows which buttons to push to give it a warm glow. The songs help as well as an appearance from Def Leppard.
Try watching without a smile.
chrisforeman-0192018 January 2023
This is a true gem of a film. A sort of feel good comedy with a bit of romance and some social comedy thrown in . With the banking sector being the bad guys , what's not to like.
The acting is great all the way through . There are a couple of laugh out load moments a background romance.
I thought Joel Fry played his part magnificently as the slightly confused southerner thrown into the north of England.
The story of Dave Fishwick is described at the beginning as True(ish) as there is clearly a lot of artistic licensing going off. But at its heart is a man who just wants to give something back to his community.
Joyful film cant recommend enough.
The acting is great all the way through . There are a couple of laugh out load moments a background romance.
I thought Joel Fry played his part magnificently as the slightly confused southerner thrown into the north of England.
The story of Dave Fishwick is described at the beginning as True(ish) as there is clearly a lot of artistic licensing going off. But at its heart is a man who just wants to give something back to his community.
Joyful film cant recommend enough.
the cinematic equivalent of comfort food
A_Different_Drummer17 January 2023
BANK OF DAVE is a classic British feel-good "underdog" movie, designed to offend no one, and please everyone. And, let's be fair, no one does underdog like the Brits! Rory Kinnear is especially appealing as Dave, the local businessman who woke up one morning with the quaint notion that the only way to beat the nasty-nasty banks at their own game was to actually become a bank. Against all odds, he pulled it off. The courtroom scenes are especially well done. Recommended. Not only do we need more banks that care about customers, we need more movies that care about viewers. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))
Feel-good British at it's best
johntstrick18 January 2023
Everything you'd expect from a UK based film, pulled heartstrings, decent soundtrack, good character acting and a nice story, well told.
Joel Fry is excellent and stakes a claim for the next slightly nervy, slightly cute, slightly awkward leading man that all UK based comedies/love stories need. Rory Kinnear rapidly becoming a mainstay too, justifiably so despite the questionable accent that tended to wander around the Northern Shires throughout the film but this didn't take anything away from the decency of his character.
Lots of top names appear throughout the film, that'll have you pausing it and trying to remember what you last saw them in.
I enjoyed the film a lot, and it's message is worth remembering; that good people DO exist, but you don't always notice them.
Joel Fry is excellent and stakes a claim for the next slightly nervy, slightly cute, slightly awkward leading man that all UK based comedies/love stories need. Rory Kinnear rapidly becoming a mainstay too, justifiably so despite the questionable accent that tended to wander around the Northern Shires throughout the film but this didn't take anything away from the decency of his character.
Lots of top names appear throughout the film, that'll have you pausing it and trying to remember what you last saw them in.
I enjoyed the film a lot, and it's message is worth remembering; that good people DO exist, but you don't always notice them.
Good feel movie.
craigs90224 May 2023
What a surprise feel good movie. Saw this tonight at a preview screening but it doesn't change my view of the movie. Had no idea about Dave and his bank, but what a great concept and should be more of it.
One thing about the Brits, they sure can tell a good yarn. The movie moves along at a good pace and nothing feels like it's to long a movie.
Even the love interest of the movie isn't over done and is sweet. Yes it does have its protagonist aka the "big banks" and they live up to what they do best.
If you want to go see a good feel movie and just get away for the world for a while and come out feeling a bit better, then go see Dave.
One thing about the Brits, they sure can tell a good yarn. The movie moves along at a good pace and nothing feels like it's to long a movie.
Even the love interest of the movie isn't over done and is sweet. Yes it does have its protagonist aka the "big banks" and they live up to what they do best.
If you want to go see a good feel movie and just get away for the world for a while and come out feeling a bit better, then go see Dave.
Very important message
watersidebusiness20 January 2023
Great upbeat film with an enjoyable story. Most importantly however is the important message that we don't need corporate bwankers running our finances and stealing our money to make a small minority richer. Profits should all be returned back into local communities and this is the start of something big. I remember watching the series on TV at the time, and thought what an excellent idea. This film albeit slightly off path, does tell the story and gives priority to how corrupt the system is, and how evil bankers really are. Full 10/10 credit to Dave Fishwick...takes courage to have balls like him, and hopefully more will follow suit.
Nice film
Jaffa5521 January 2023
Bank Of Dave is a feel good film which tick lots of nice boxes as long as you don't look at it with a critical eye. Which I do. A bit. Right then. The cons first. Whilst the main actors play their parts well, some of the support acting is a bit flaky. Fair enough - this is a relatively low budget film so understandable. Secondly, the script is a bit clunky in places, which doesn't help the actors and does make the film feel somewhat contrived at times - you know exactly how this is going to play out. This is okay though - not everyone wants a challenging stressy film, or a film full of unpleasant, gritty, dark characters. I know I don't. Thirdly, Burnley is portrayed as a lovely town of working class, heart of gold, decent, fair, hard working, honest, caring, sharing, people. It isn't. Lots are. But lots are not. Fourthly, a LOT of the content isn't remotely true or accurate, but you need to make the film interesting so fair enough with the carefree approach to facts. The pros. It's a feel good film for all the family and Dave seems like a very decent chap and that's enough justification to make a nice movie. Secondly, I forgot Def Leppard actually did some really good songs! Needed to hear more of them. Er... That's it.
Wonderful story, with incredibly wonderful people. One of whom, is called Dave.
garethcrook2 February 2023
Who doesn't love a good British dramatic comedy. This isn't one of those. This is a bloody great British dramatic comedy. Based on true events too. We're up north. In Burnley to be precise. With Dave (Rory Kinnear). Dave's a good sort. Local lad. Everyone knows Dave. Everyone trusts Dave. Dave has a profitable business. Dave has money. Dave helps people out. He lends them money. They pay him back. He's already doing what he's destined for. Going pro though. That's what this film is about. A bloke opening his own bank. Sounds far fetched doesn't it. It's not. It's not easy though. The system is geared against the small guy. Clarence (Angus Wright) is part of the system. He's a lawyer, so is his underling Hugh (Joel Fry). They're the established. The London toffs looking down on people like Dave. They'll take his money though, offer their services to try get him set up, even though they don't give him a hope in hell. Without a new bank established in England in over 150 years, the odds are against Dave. That's what makes this such a great story. We love the underdog don't we. Rory is sent to Burnley. Dave sees through Rory. He knows what he's up against. Rory thinks he's nuts. Dave is not nuts. Let's be clear not only is this a great story. This is a great cast. Kinnear and Fry are excellent. Aren't they always, but together well it's just wonderful. What Dave's proposing isn't just loaning money. His vision is changing lives. Creating jobs, finding dreams, saving lives. "This is all really impressive" says Hugh after Dave's toured him round the town showing off his portfolio, but he's got a but. Dave stops him in his tracks as simply asks "The question I want you to answer isn't can The Bank of Dave exist, but should The Bank of Dave exist". He's got Hugh there. He's got me. I'd run through brick walls for Dave. Okay it's a little obvious where this is headed, but bloody hell the ride is fun. The north south divide, the elite against the people. It's fertile ground. Clarence is used sparingly but his slightly caricatured presence is joyous, "Toodle pip!". Hugh Bonneville turns up too. He's Sir Charles, part of the establishment too and his meeting with Hugh shows us the first sign that Hugh isn't only on board with Dave's plan, he's up for a rumble. Things are going to get messy. Obvious where this was headed? Well maybe, but it's not a straight road. For starters I wasn't expecting The Goa Express to show up, never mind Def Leppard, an unrecognisable Paul Kaye or Sean Dyche! This is a feel good film and it's an absolute corker. Honestly that's an understatement. You might already know what happens from real life events, but I'm not going to spoil it. Whether you do or not this is a truly wonderful film, about a wonderful story, with incredibly wonderful people. One of whom, is called Dave.
By the numbers, but a sweet enough little ride
wellthatswhatithinkanyway2 March 2023
STAR RATING: ***** Brilliant **** Very Good *** Okay ** Poor * Awful
The true story of Dave from Burnley (Rory Kinnear), a used car salesman who runs his own 'bank' on the side, lending to local families facing hard times, at affordable rates, and at a pace they can pay back. Hugh (Joel Frye) is dispatched from London to meet Dave, and find out how he runs his sideline business so successfully. However, when it comes to the attention of banking big shot Sir Charles (Hugh Bonneville), the establishment begin a campaign of repression against Dave, that ultimately proves fruitless and he comes out on top.
As Britain braces the 'Cost of Living Crisis', it's interesting to step back in time to the moment when the wheels arguably began rolling, leading up to the situation we presently find ourselves in, and when everyone first got a taste of how bad things were to come. Sometimes, it's not just stories that feel so unbelievable they couldn't possibly be true that get under our skin, but true stories that lift us up and restore our faith in humanity, such as this offering from director Chris Foggin, that plays out in a completely perfunctory way, offering little in the way of surprises, but still can't help being an uplifting, inspiring feel-good film.
Foggin's film has the production values of a TV movie, and it's fair to guess most of the budget probably went on top end Southern actors Kinnear and Bonneville. This most likely being the case, in this regard it got its moneys-worth, with Kinnear doing a fine Northern accent and delivering a convincing, warm-hearted performance, while Bonneville, with lesser screen time, is a hissable villain. The script is rather serviceable and workmanlike, never doing anything special and playing by numbers, but sticking by just the right formula that it's all still very endearing, and authentically northern in its vibe and sound that it works just that little bit more.
There's nothing like a feel good film, and it's that little bit more special if it just happens to be a true story, and while it does nothing out of the ordinary, it's still a nice and uplifting little ride while it lasts. ***
The true story of Dave from Burnley (Rory Kinnear), a used car salesman who runs his own 'bank' on the side, lending to local families facing hard times, at affordable rates, and at a pace they can pay back. Hugh (Joel Frye) is dispatched from London to meet Dave, and find out how he runs his sideline business so successfully. However, when it comes to the attention of banking big shot Sir Charles (Hugh Bonneville), the establishment begin a campaign of repression against Dave, that ultimately proves fruitless and he comes out on top.
As Britain braces the 'Cost of Living Crisis', it's interesting to step back in time to the moment when the wheels arguably began rolling, leading up to the situation we presently find ourselves in, and when everyone first got a taste of how bad things were to come. Sometimes, it's not just stories that feel so unbelievable they couldn't possibly be true that get under our skin, but true stories that lift us up and restore our faith in humanity, such as this offering from director Chris Foggin, that plays out in a completely perfunctory way, offering little in the way of surprises, but still can't help being an uplifting, inspiring feel-good film.
Foggin's film has the production values of a TV movie, and it's fair to guess most of the budget probably went on top end Southern actors Kinnear and Bonneville. This most likely being the case, in this regard it got its moneys-worth, with Kinnear doing a fine Northern accent and delivering a convincing, warm-hearted performance, while Bonneville, with lesser screen time, is a hissable villain. The script is rather serviceable and workmanlike, never doing anything special and playing by numbers, but sticking by just the right formula that it's all still very endearing, and authentically northern in its vibe and sound that it works just that little bit more.
There's nothing like a feel good film, and it's that little bit more special if it just happens to be a true story, and while it does nothing out of the ordinary, it's still a nice and uplifting little ride while it lasts. ***
Disappointing considering the rating
markvickers-9880524 January 2023
To be fair this was a delightful story and does make for a movie adaptation. However they really were insistent on playing to the tune of all northerners are lovely, friendly people and southerners are all pompous snobs. According to Bank Of Dave, the only chance anyone from London has of being a good person is to go and spend some time in a wholesome northern town like Burnley like Hugh does. There is also the issue of this forced romantic plot where there is zero chemistry between the couple. A nice story, but wasn't funny enough to be classed as a comedy. The northern grandstanding and southern downtread is a bit too much, the acting is quite weak, overall quite disappointing.
Rory Kinnear good
calorne22 January 2023
A good performance by Rory Kinnear, who for my money was the actor who was most convincing in his role. There were some nice performances from other actors, but they were less believable.
This reminded me at times of the film Brassed Off which would be perhaps worth a look for those who haven't seen it and enjoyed Bank of Dave.
Bank of Dave did not entice me greatly at the beginning of the film, and I switched to something else. I came back to it though the next day and watched the rest.
It has some charm, some funny moments and a kind of backburner love interest as well as a central them and us theme.
This is a film that simmers quite nicely without ever quite coming to the boil. I think it is certainly worth watching though for the performance of Rory Kinnear..
This reminded me at times of the film Brassed Off which would be perhaps worth a look for those who haven't seen it and enjoyed Bank of Dave.
Bank of Dave did not entice me greatly at the beginning of the film, and I switched to something else. I came back to it though the next day and watched the rest.
It has some charm, some funny moments and a kind of backburner love interest as well as a central them and us theme.
This is a film that simmers quite nicely without ever quite coming to the boil. I think it is certainly worth watching though for the performance of Rory Kinnear..
Brilliant British movie
Kmac3521 January 2023
I love British movies and even more so when they are based on a true story. The Brits are great at portraying the stories of every day people. Okay, British movies don't have the huge budgets or special effects of Hollywood but when it comes to character led stories the Brits are the best. This is a great story, it might be a feel good story but it's true. It's very topical showing the banking elite and their failures and how they appeared to the everyday man. The actors played their parts brilliantly and showed a part of Britain during a particular time. I love this film and hope that every one watches it and takes away the belief in community that te film portrays.
Lighthearted, not too serious fun!
joshuahoare-5371816 January 2023
As someone who is Burnley born and raised, the overblown 'bumbling, friendly northerner' stereotype is the only mark on what is quite a fun, easy watching and heartwarming film. Most of the humour is very base, mainly playing on the 'dumb, friendly north' Vs the 'Snobby, cold hearted south'.
But under the surface of this low budget, quick watch film is a very real, very close to home look at the life of a true Burnley legend, and the troubles of the town and the surrounding area. If it casts some light on the town to the unaware, and to this story, then it's done it's job. Well worth a watch!
But under the surface of this low budget, quick watch film is a very real, very close to home look at the life of a true Burnley legend, and the troubles of the town and the surrounding area. If it casts some light on the town to the unaware, and to this story, then it's done it's job. Well worth a watch!
Such a feel good film
naomiaustin-4548418 January 2023
I went into watching this without reading anything about it so I had no idea what the story was other than a guy setting up his own bank in the wonderful North of England. It drew me straight In with the community spirit I know so well (I'm a Geordie born & bred!) & brilliant cast members inc Roy Kinnear who does an exceptional Burnley accent! It's led me to find out far more about the real story & it really has come at the right time during the financial cost of living crisis we're all experiencing. It's good to be taken away from all that for a couple of hours & even better it's not make believe! Not what I expected at all tbh and the ending just gave me a warm feeling in my heart! Loved it!
A pleasant British offering, The Bank Of Feelgood.
tonypeacock-122 January 2023
I hadn't hear of this film before noticing on a streaming platform. Being a great advocate of British cinema I was pleasantly surprised by this little offering that has a part realistic biopic of a Burnley businessman.
One of the biggest surprises I got from this film was the performance of Rory Kinnear as the aforementioned Burnley businessman in question David Fishwick. Now most viewers probably best know Kinnear for his role as stiffer-lipped Bill Tanner in the Daniel Craig era James Bond films.
It's a film that I can't really knock, except some common misconceptions of northern England by characters within the M25 boundary (London)!
A feel good film of good overcoming adversity, with a bit of charity, Def Leppard music and true(ish) as the credits say at the beginning to boot antics!
One of the biggest surprises I got from this film was the performance of Rory Kinnear as the aforementioned Burnley businessman in question David Fishwick. Now most viewers probably best know Kinnear for his role as stiffer-lipped Bill Tanner in the Daniel Craig era James Bond films.
It's a film that I can't really knock, except some common misconceptions of northern England by characters within the M25 boundary (London)!
A feel good film of good overcoming adversity, with a bit of charity, Def Leppard music and true(ish) as the credits say at the beginning to boot antics!
TEN for Heart TEN for Entertainment and TEN for perfect casting
tm-sheehan5 June 2023
My Review - Bank of Dave 2033
In Cinemas now
My Rating 10/10
What a delightful surprise to see a movie you know nothing about really except a few of the cast members names in this case Rory Kinnear who plays Dave and of course Hugh Bonneville who plays a relatively small but important supporting role as Sir Charles who happens to be a bit of a villain in this story.
I won't spoil the plot except to say that it's mostly based on the true-life experiences of Dave Fishwick a solid well liked citizen of the Northern English town of Burnley .
The Borough of Burnley is situated in the North in Lancashire far from the sophistication and frenetic pace of London.
Rory Kinnear is perfectly cast in a career best role his personality accent and singing voice will win you over immediately. His affable character an audience will warm to immediately I hope the real Dave Fishwick is as likeable .
Dave has had great success with his mini van business sharing his success with his community when they've asked for it in increasing difficult financial times.
The huge London Banks haven't helped the citizens of Burnley at all charging high interest rates and rejecting most loan applicants who just can't afford the massive repayments.
So Dave puts in an application to open a Community Bank to assist his business clients and friends with the intention of reinvesting their deposits in charity and local worthy causes like a badly needed free hospital clinic.
This is where he meets Goliath the British Banker Association run by the so called super rich "right sorts of men " . They decide to keep the status quo that they must try and block Dave's application in case it starts a trend to undermine their exclusive rules regarding their Banking system.
Dave's is the first application for a Community based Bank in 120 years and he commissions the help of Hugh a young London solicitor who travels up to Burnley to interview Dave and prepare his application .
Hugh warns him that the odds are stacked against him but is gradually won over with Dave's sensible explanation as to why his Community needs a bank as well as his honest motives so he decides to take on what seems an impossible task.
That's enough plot line the ensemble characters in Bank of Dave take over and form the best part of the story from this point.
There's a brewing romance of course and plenty of fun especially in The Duck and Drake Inn where the locals drink and Karaoke Dave takes to the floor.
Two standout performances for me apart from Rory Kinnear are Joel Fry as Hugh the London solicitor who is reluctant at first to travel to Burnley but soon is won over by the spirit of the locals and Phobe Dynevor as Dave's lovely niece Alexandra who is an overworked Doctor in Burnley hospital her friendship with Hugh thaws out after a rocky start.
I love it when the Brits do what they do best aside from pomp and circumstance when their movies highlight real everyday characters involved in David and Goliath battles that movie audiences relate to with their own daily struggles .
In this category I think of movies like Pride, 2014 Brassed Off 1996 , Made in Dagenham (2010) and two delightful movies also written by Piers Ashworth the writer of Bank of Dave Fisherman's Friends (2019) and Save the Cinema (2022).
This is one reason for me why Bank of Dave is an excellent example of an entertaining movie in every aspect because it's intelligent,believable and doesn't patronise its audiences with unnecessary sentiment and padding.
I resonated with Bank of Dave because our community outside the City is fortunate to have a Bank that does contribute back to local projects we support it and they support us often displaying a huge copy of a charitable cheque to a good local cause in its shopfront.
There's great music as I mentioned in Bank of Dave and a cameo performance from what I've read is a legendary British rock band Def Leppard who just happen to be touring in concert in Sydney this coming November.
My 10/10 rating in this case isn't for epic spectacle or necessarily Oscar worthy performances it's for pure entertainment ,wonderful characters great script and a cinema experience that uplifted me .
Bank of Dave is a complete departure from the angst that seems to be so prominent in our movie world and real world today .
Community and Connection are still the most important virtues .
What a delightful surprise to see a movie you know nothing about really except a few of the cast members names in this case Rory Kinnear who plays Dave and of course Hugh Bonneville who plays a relatively small but important supporting role as Sir Charles who happens to be a bit of a villain in this story.
I won't spoil the plot except to say that it's mostly based on the true-life experiences of Dave Fishwick a solid well liked citizen of the Northern English town of Burnley .
The Borough of Burnley is situated in the North in Lancashire far from the sophistication and frenetic pace of London.
Rory Kinnear is perfectly cast in a career best role his personality accent and singing voice will win you over immediately. His affable character an audience will warm to immediately I hope the real Dave Fishwick is as likeable .
Dave has had great success with his mini van business sharing his success with his community when they've asked for it in increasing difficult financial times.
The huge London Banks haven't helped the citizens of Burnley at all charging high interest rates and rejecting most loan applicants who just can't afford the massive repayments.
So Dave puts in an application to open a Community Bank to assist his business clients and friends with the intention of reinvesting their deposits in charity and local worthy causes like a badly needed free hospital clinic.
This is where he meets Goliath the British Banker Association run by the so called super rich "right sorts of men " . They decide to keep the status quo that they must try and block Dave's application in case it starts a trend to undermine their exclusive rules regarding their Banking system.
Dave's is the first application for a Community based Bank in 120 years and he commissions the help of Hugh a young London solicitor who travels up to Burnley to interview Dave and prepare his application .
Hugh warns him that the odds are stacked against him but is gradually won over with Dave's sensible explanation as to why his Community needs a bank as well as his honest motives so he decides to take on what seems an impossible task.
That's enough plot line the ensemble characters in Bank of Dave take over and form the best part of the story from this point.
There's a brewing romance of course and plenty of fun especially in The Duck and Drake Inn where the locals drink and Karaoke Dave takes to the floor.
Two standout performances for me apart from Rory Kinnear are Joel Fry as Hugh the London solicitor who is reluctant at first to travel to Burnley but soon is won over by the spirit of the locals and Phobe Dynevor as Dave's lovely niece Alexandra who is an overworked Doctor in Burnley hospital her friendship with Hugh thaws out after a rocky start.
I love it when the Brits do what they do best aside from pomp and circumstance when their movies highlight real everyday characters involved in David and Goliath battles that movie audiences relate to with their own daily struggles .
In this category I think of movies like Pride, 2014 Brassed Off 1996 , Made in Dagenham (2010) and two delightful movies also written by Piers Ashworth the writer of Bank of Dave Fisherman's Friends (2019) and Save the Cinema (2022).
This is one reason for me why Bank of Dave is an excellent example of an entertaining movie in every aspect because it's intelligent,believable and doesn't patronise its audiences with unnecessary sentiment and padding.
I resonated with Bank of Dave because our community outside the City is fortunate to have a Bank that does contribute back to local projects we support it and they support us often displaying a huge copy of a charitable cheque to a good local cause in its shopfront.
There's great music as I mentioned in Bank of Dave and a cameo performance from what I've read is a legendary British rock band Def Leppard who just happen to be touring in concert in Sydney this coming November.
My 10/10 rating in this case isn't for epic spectacle or necessarily Oscar worthy performances it's for pure entertainment ,wonderful characters great script and a cinema experience that uplifted me .
Bank of Dave is a complete departure from the angst that seems to be so prominent in our movie world and real world today .
Community and Connection are still the most important virtues .
Heartwarming fact based story
masonsaul21 January 2023
Bank of Dave's story is extremely formulaic and holds no surprises but it's still a really heartwarming fact based story that condemns greed and selfishness whilst celebrating a truly good person who just wanted to do the right thing and help his local community.
Joel Fry gives a great lead performance, he's always been good in supporting performances but it's nice to see him take centre stage for once. Rory Kinnear is the standout the film with a perfect accent and overall warmth that's so enjoyable more screen time is wanted regardless of how much he actually has.
Chris Foggin's direction is good, nothing particularly impressive but it's well shot and knows how to execute it's familiar beats in enjoyable fashion and a steady pace that doesn't overstay it's welcome with a satisfying conclusion.
Joel Fry gives a great lead performance, he's always been good in supporting performances but it's nice to see him take centre stage for once. Rory Kinnear is the standout the film with a perfect accent and overall warmth that's so enjoyable more screen time is wanted regardless of how much he actually has.
Chris Foggin's direction is good, nothing particularly impressive but it's well shot and knows how to execute it's familiar beats in enjoyable fashion and a steady pace that doesn't overstay it's welcome with a satisfying conclusion.
Good old northern humour, great acting and a fantastic guy.
TheCableGuy9619 January 2023
This is probably a biased review being born and raised in Burnley (and a massive Burnley FC) fan but I just can't stop smiling about this movie and telling everyone about it.
It's so heart warming to know there are people like Dave out there helping others when there's so much bad news in the world these days.
Dave is clearly someone that cares, gets things done and doesn't like to take "no" for an answer. Every town needs a Bank of Dave and I've never been prouder to come from Burnley.
It's not just a great story but a great movie too so do yourself a favour and give this a watch.
I have to say a massive thank you Dave, Netflix, all the cast and crew, and everyone else involved in the making of this movie, giving Dave the recognition he deserves and putting Burnley on the world-wide map! I'm smiling from ear-to-ear :) :) :)
It's so heart warming to know there are people like Dave out there helping others when there's so much bad news in the world these days.
Dave is clearly someone that cares, gets things done and doesn't like to take "no" for an answer. Every town needs a Bank of Dave and I've never been prouder to come from Burnley.
It's not just a great story but a great movie too so do yourself a favour and give this a watch.
I have to say a massive thank you Dave, Netflix, all the cast and crew, and everyone else involved in the making of this movie, giving Dave the recognition he deserves and putting Burnley on the world-wide map! I'm smiling from ear-to-ear :) :) :)
Decent.
W011y4m526 January 2023
Poetically, it seems apt for a low-budget, sweet film which unashamedly champions the under-dog - warring against the establishment which seems intent on its failure - to be doing as well as it is on Netflix's streaming service, especially when you take in to consideration the fact that the company has done absolutely nothing to market the damm thing & didn't even have the courtesy to make a trailer - for the bare minimum level of advertisement / visibility.
Therefore, just like its characters (& the genuine people they're inspired by), "The Bank of Dave" - being the endearingly cheesy movie that it is - has defeated the very system that meant to bury it & found an audience in the local, often under-represented working-class communities it's evidently helped entertain & consequently garnered success from their collective contributions. Hence, I applaud the achievement (mirroring reality with fiction & then manifesting reality again from that same fiction) as it's resonated with many & although far from being a masterpiece, for that reason alone, the project is undoubtedly deserving of appreciation.
Therefore, just like its characters (& the genuine people they're inspired by), "The Bank of Dave" - being the endearingly cheesy movie that it is - has defeated the very system that meant to bury it & found an audience in the local, often under-represented working-class communities it's evidently helped entertain & consequently garnered success from their collective contributions. Hence, I applaud the achievement (mirroring reality with fiction & then manifesting reality again from that same fiction) as it's resonated with many & although far from being a masterpiece, for that reason alone, the project is undoubtedly deserving of appreciation.
Bank of Dave
henry8-312 February 2023
Sort of true story of a bright young London lawyer, Joel Fry, who is sent to Burnley to talk to Rory Kinnear who wants to support his community by creating his own bank. However this is something the regulatory powers that be, in London, headed by nasty Hugh Bonneville, haven't allowed for 150 years and have no intention of allowing now.
One of those feel good British comedy dramas with a warm heart, lively adorable eccentric character with a heart of gold and a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. It's all a big twee, but still rather pleasant and amusing enough and Fry and Kinnear do a good job in keeping our attention, all the way to the unsurprising ending. Plus, it's nice to see the banking regulators portrayed as the villainous dogs they are.
PS Really liked the enjoyable turn from character actor stalwart Angus Wright as Fry's boss.
One of those feel good British comedy dramas with a warm heart, lively adorable eccentric character with a heart of gold and a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. It's all a big twee, but still rather pleasant and amusing enough and Fry and Kinnear do a good job in keeping our attention, all the way to the unsurprising ending. Plus, it's nice to see the banking regulators portrayed as the villainous dogs they are.
PS Really liked the enjoyable turn from character actor stalwart Angus Wright as Fry's boss.
We all love an underdog
tommdennehy29 November 2023
This is a heart-warming kind of true story about a little guy taking on the big guys. It feels like a tale well told but there are some nice moments in it, despite some of the implausibility of some of the plot. Characters feel like caricatures, and some of the story feels cliched. The romantic side of the story feels somewhat tacked on, and maybe the whole film is maybe 15mins too long.
That said though, it's an enjoyable Sunday-evening watch, that you can't help but smile at. Rory Kinnear is excellent as always and some of the other parts are pretty well-played.
At its heart is a frustrating but important message - that the top 1% as always look after themselves to the detriment of others and not caring about their impact - whether that be social, financial or environmental.
But this is a story about the underdogs, who don't care about the odds, and we all love an underdog.
That said though, it's an enjoyable Sunday-evening watch, that you can't help but smile at. Rory Kinnear is excellent as always and some of the other parts are pretty well-played.
At its heart is a frustrating but important message - that the top 1% as always look after themselves to the detriment of others and not caring about their impact - whether that be social, financial or environmental.
But this is a story about the underdogs, who don't care about the odds, and we all love an underdog.
A heart warming film
edgarshirts18 January 2023
Having seen Dave on TV you can't help but love him & this film seems to capture his massive personality perfectly. The little man takes on the big banks to help his local community & charities. It's a feel good film that shows us Northerners are a friendly bunch & let's the Southerners know we mean business. Great cast, great acting & who doesn't love a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. This film has all the right ingredients to become a classic British that will stand the test of time. Sit back & enjoy.
If you don't follow Dave on Twitter then I suggest you do as you'll see him make people's dreams come true.
If you don't follow Dave on Twitter then I suggest you do as you'll see him make people's dreams come true.
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