Dean Spanley main backdrop
Dean Spanley main poster

Dean Spanley

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7.4/10 • 64

2008-12-121h 40m

ComedyDrama

Set in Edwardian England where upper lips are always stiff and men from the Colonies are not entirely to be trusted, Fisk Senior has little time or affection for his son, but when the pair visit an eccentric Indian, they start a strange journey that eventually allows the old man to find his heart.

Directors
Toa Fraser
Editors
Chris Plummer

Top Billed Cast

View Credits
  1. Jeremy Northam

    Jeremy Northam

    Fisk Junior / Narrator (voice)

  2. Sam Neill

    Sam Neill

    Dean Spanley

  3. Bryan Brown

    Bryan Brown

    Wrather

  4. Peter O'Toole

    Peter O'Toole

    Fisk Senior

  5. Judy Parfitt

    Judy Parfitt

    Mr. Brimley

  6. Art Malik

    Art Malik

    Swami Nala Prash

  7. Ramon Tikaram

    Ramon Tikaram

    Nawab of Ranjiput

Reviews1

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sykobanana Avatar

sykobanana

Jan 24, 2018

9/10

This is one of those films that I recommend to everyone who love movies and great acting. It was little seen upon its release which is a shame because it has some of the most sublime and subtle acting as well as a moving and at times hilarious screenplay. Set in Edwardian England, we meet Fisk senior, an elderly gentleman looked after by his son, Fisk Junior, and house keeper, Mrs Brimley. Fisk senior has withdrawn from life and as a part of his son trying to keep him involved in society, they visit a talk on reincarnation where they briefly meet local clergyman, Dean Spanley. Following a further chance meeting, Fisk junior decides that he would like to spend more time with the reclusive Spanley, but he can only do so if he can procure a bottle of Imperial Tokaji (formerly spelled Tokay in English). As I mentioned, the acting in this film is superb by all, Northam with his quiet frustration with his father as Fisk junior and Brown does his “abrasive” Australian. But it is Sam Neil and Peter O'Toole who are the highlights – their acting, particularly during close ups, is at times incredible. Full credit to Toa Fraser for bringing these performances out with his light-handed direction. The beginning of the film can be a bit slow but I believe that this was done on purpose as a reflection of Fisk senior's life...as we journey with him, the film opens up more. I highly recommend this film, especially if you can try some Tokaji when you watch it. 9/10.

Media

  • Dean Spanley poster
  • Dean Spanley poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
based on novel or bookenglandvictorian englanddoggentlemen