User reviews

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!

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.

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 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))

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

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.

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. ***

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.

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.

A very heart warming movie. Very good acting and perfectly setup for being a movie based on a true story. It is not overly dramatic, it is very well placed in the reality. Acting, dialogue is good. Message of the movie is great.

The best thing about Bank of Dave is the fight that a normal man takes to the status-quo. Challenging the elite in modern capitalistic world is just about the hardest thing we can do. And this movie demonstrate that we can fight the system, if we try hard enough and surround ourselves with the right people. Highly recommended and a brilliant watch. You won't regret it.

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!

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 :) :) :)

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.

Dave Fishwick, the inspiration behind this movie did!

So given the premise of this and it's setting in Burnley don't expect a glitzy Hollywood style setting. Instead expect a heart warming Dave(id) v's Goliath battle of trying to open a community focused bank and the challenges and obstacles faced during such an audacious endeavour.

The acting is very natural and fluid and I really liked the slow burning chemistry between 2 of the main characters (Hugh and Alexandra).

Phoebe Dynevor who played Alexandra is so delightful to watch and really does light up the screen. I hope to see her in more in the future.

Joel Fry who played Hugh gave a very endearing performance, and I really did admire his unique style of acting (brave but smart casting there).

Rory Kinnear who played Dave really did his character justice and obviously did his research to remain faithful in portraying aspects of the personality of the creator of the Bank of Dave aka Burnley Savings and Loans Limited

So kudos to Netflix for bringing this great story to our screens.

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!

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.

When a local businessman tries to set up a local bank to help out his neighbors, he runs into obstacles on all sides. To help him wade through the legal issues, the law firm sends hugh (joel fry) to assist dave. But all the legal eagles expect that dave will run out of time, energy, or money before he can actually start a new, local bank. It's a good story, if a bit slow. I did recognize hugh bonneville of downton abbey, paddington, and so many more! Here, he is sir charles, shown as the bad guy, the cruella figure. Also paul kaye, from thrones, doctor who, and midsomer murders. Lots of time spent on a small, local band. And a couple songs performed by def leppard. And just when we think it's clear sailing, there's still another thirty minutes of film. Clearly, there are more roadblocks to come! Good story, good acting. Directed by chris foggin. Based on a true-ish story, screenplay by piers ashworth. It's good.