On A Clear Day (2005)

Very good movie

We've been seeking out movies which are made in western Europe, they are very entertaining and different from movies produced in the U.S. "On A Clear Day" does not disappoint. There are several other movies of this type you should seek out; Waking Ned Devine, Saving Grace are but two. July 28, 2008

Pleasant undemanding fare

Here's a movie to watch after a long, hard day when you're in the mood for something pleasantly uplifting that doesn't demand too much.
Frank loses his job in a Glasgow shipyard and finds himself at a loss. He decides to swim the English Channel. Of course, Frank has his problems. He's not a very communicative man -- he and his wife barely speak. He's alienated from his son whom he blames for the death of another child many years before.
But with the help of his motely chums (the usual collection of lovable eccentrics without which no British film is complete) Frank confronts his ghosts, mends his life and accomplishes his dream.
Totally predictable but well-acted, this is a nice enough way to spend an evening. More than that, it aint. July 23, 2008

INSPIRATIONAL, FUNNY, FAMILY FRIENDLY--AND OUR HOUSE LOVES THE BRITTISH ACCENTS

A DVD for you if you are aging, have lost a job, dealing with a handicap, struggling with a major problem, enjoy Scotland or England, are a water lover, if you enjoy watching movies with a spouse (or need to), or if you just like a really good comedy/drama/feel-good movie without Hollywood's toppings of sex, blood, and death. It's five stars of pure enjoyment with a heart-hug ending.

We watched with the English subtitles on. Wendy's review stated that her copy had no captioning. It does help with certain areas when the heavier British accent is hard to catch. I didn't have to rely on it much but we watch a lot of British, Irish, Scottish, and BBC movies. If you have a problem with that, make sure your purchase has the captions.

Yes, I agree with everyone, Frank (Peter Mullan)is an outstanding character and superbly casted. But I also felt that his wife, Joan (Brenda Blethyn) also was excellent. Both of them display a drive within that spells inspiration to others in similar situations--that being, reaching an age when something else has to begin to mark life's milestone.

Another point of inspiration is the young little swimmer at the pool. If he's an actor that is not really handicapped then he deserves a major award for the acting. If he's truly handicapped, then he deserves a bigger than major award for displaying his own true inspiration and for the accomplishments of doing the film. To his ability, sorry I don't know his name, I shout "YES!" As he did with each pool length.

You also will fall in love with the antics, and roles of the group of pals that assist Frank in the Channel swim attempt. Each fellow seems to have their own personal "channel" to swim or face. Will each succeed? Did Frank and Joan? I'll not be the spoiler.

"On a Clear Day" will perk up any cloudy day. Something for everyone. The only disappointment I can share having is the fact there is no extras to add to the film's length of pleasing entertainment. I know how to swim that channel--I'll end this review and watch the movie another ti... April 29, 2008

A Real Gem

"On a Clear Day" is another overlooked film from the UK which does not disappoint. If you have seen and liked "Dear Frankie", "Waking Ned Devine", "Greenfingers", "The Full Monty", "The Snapper", or "The Van" small but well crafted British films that deal with the day to day challenges of the human condition with equal amounts of humor and drama then you will enjoy this film as well. November 11, 2007

What to do next?

When you're fiftyish and have just lost your job, what do you do next?

If you're Frank in "On A Clear Day," then you swim the English Channel, and confront some nasty personal demons. This wee, warm Scottish flick does a great job balancing out comedy and melancholy, with a bit of family strife thrown in. It's just a small-scale, sweet little film.

A Scottish shipyard is laying off workers, and Frank (Peter Mullan) suddenly finds himself without a job. His wife Joan (Brenda Blethyn) starts training to be a bus driver, and his relationship with his son Rob (Jamie Sives) remains chilly, as it has been ever since his other son's death. Frank becomes increasingly depressed and antsy, unsure what to do next.

But while on a "booze cruise" with his friends, inspiration strikes -- he'll swim the Channel. He keeps his plans a secret from his family, but allows Chinese-Scot Chan (Benedict Wong) to be his trainer, with his pals as moral support. But his secret alienates his wife and son even further, and as he faces the biggest swim of his life, Frank will have to overcome his worst, most haunting memories of the sea.

"One Clear Day" is basically a heartwarming little family dramedy, which avoids the usual cliches and schmaltz, even in scenes where it could have easily become goopy. It takes a pretty talented director to handle things like government layoffs and racism without being heavy-handed, or dealing with emotional trauma without being soppy about it.

The plot seems even more colourful against the grey skies and seas of Scotland -- there are sad flashbacks and some melancholy moments, but Dellal balances it out with kooky good-ol'-lads comedy, such as Danny joyously careening around on a tiny motoboat. And the dialogue is nothing short of hilarious, whether it's bawdy jokes or banter ("Shark. Thirty-five footer." "Fell off my bike. Two-wheeler!").

Mullan has a very challenging role -- his character has repressed his grief, and doesn't want to let anyone see his problems. So Frank is gruff, secretive, but has moments of unbridled delight. Blethyn and Sives round out the family beautifully, as Frank's loving wife and emotionally starved son -- the beach scene with the three of them is enchanting.

But the supporting cast is also great -- Jodhi May has a small, good role as Rob's wife, and Ron Cook and Sean McGinley are snappily solid as two of Frank's pals. And Billy Boyd simply steals every scene he's in, as the perpetually upbeat, charmingly troublesome Danny. But comedy isn't his only skill: his best scene would have to be when Danny sadly confesses that he's always wanted to be like Frank.

"On A Clear Day" is a sweet, small Scottish movie with plenty of heart and joking-around, and the ability to warm your heart without turning your stomach. Definitely worth swimming to. June 5, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...