On a Clear Day (2005)

Frank determines to salvage his self-esteem and tackle his demons by attempting the ultimate test of endurance - swimming the English Channel.

Director:

Gaby Dellal

Writer:

Alex Rose

Stars:

Peter Mullan, Brenda Blethyn, Sean McGinley

3 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Mullan	...	Frank
Brenda Blethyn	...	Joan
Sean McGinley	...	Eddie
Jamie Sives	...	Rob
Billy Boyd	...	Danny
Ron Cook	...	Norman
Jodhi May	...	Angela
Benedict Wong	...	Chan
Anne Marie Timoney	...	Michelle
Shaun Dingwall	...	Observer
Tony Roper	...	Merv the Perv
Paul Ritter	...	Mad Bob
Andrew MacLennan	...	Andrew
James MacLennan	...	James
Irene Ann Burt	...	Vera

Storyline

After decades of laboring as a Glasgow shipbuilder, Frank Redmond, a no-nonsense 55-year-old working-class man, suddenly finds himself laid off. For the first time in his life, he is without a job or a sense of direction, and he's too proud to ask for guidance. His best mates - rascally Danny, timid Norman and cynical Eddie - are there for him, but Frank still feels desperately alone. An offhand remark from Danny inspires Frank to challenge himself. Already contemplating the state of his relationships with loving wife Joan and all-but-estranged son Rob, Frank is determined to shore up his own self-confidence. He will attempt the near impossible - swimming the English Channel. As Frank plunges headlong into his new daily life, his astonished friends are swept along with him. Prodded by stalwart fish-and-chips shop owner Chan, the men support Frank, train him - and keep their goal secret from his wife and son. Frank is unable to confide in those closest to him, but as the big day and ...

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Plot Keywords:

swimming | swimming the english channel | self esteem | love | working class | 

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Taglines:

This Spring, dive head first into life.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 September 2005 (UK)

Also Known As:

An einem klaren Tag

Filming Locations:

Dover, Kent, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$48,602 (New Zealand) (26 May 2006)

Gross:

$358,948 (New Zealand) (7 July 2006)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Baker Street, Forthcoming Productions, Glasgow Film Finance

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The toy that Rob takes away from his son at school is Thunderbird 2, based on the television series Thunderbirds. Ron Cook played Parker in the theatrical remake Thunderbirds.

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Goofs

When Rob is in the café, the words on the front glass window are facing inside - not outside, towards the street.

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Quotes

Frank: I knew a guy once. He could fart in German.

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Soundtracks

"For he is a jolly good fellow"
(traditional)

User Reviews

Fantastic Film...plus Hobbit sightings....great night all around

I also had the opportunity to see "On a Clear Day" at the world premiere on Friday night and thoroughly enjoyed it. I really hope that this film gets picked up because its main themes would probably be well received by mass audiences.

There was humor, family conflict, drama, and some great Scottish dialogue (some of which I do need to hear again in order to get ALL of the jokes.) It was just a great experience to be able to watch the film on location with all of the people who worked so hard to make it happen.

On a side note, my friends and I were able to meet Elijah Wood(even though he was not in the movie, he came to support Billy) and Billy afterwards. Being a hard-core Lord of the Rings fan, the experience was great. Please go and see it if you can!!