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Dean Spanley 2009
Dean Spanley sees local boy Toa Fraser return to the director's chair after his successful debut project No. 2. This was warmly received by critics and audiences at its premiere at Toronto Film Festival 2008.
Set in Edwardian England, this is a fantastical dramatic comedy about the relationship between the cantankerous Fisk Snr (legendary Peter O’Toole) and son, Fisk Jnr (Northam). A passing interest in the "transmigration of souls" (that's reincarnation to you and I) develops into much more when Fisk Jnr meets new clergyman Dean Spanley (Sam Neill). An odd chappy, Spanley - upon sipping on his favourite, exotic wine - seems to recall a former life. These strange insights relate to the Fisk family's past, and arise unexpected emotions for father and son.
Starring Peter O'Toole, Jeremy Northam, Sam Neill, Bryan Brown
Directed by Toa Fraser ('No. 2')
Written by Alan Sharp (based on the novella by Lord Dunsany)
Music by Don McGlashan
Drama, Comedy, Adaptation | Rated (G) | Origin: New Zealand, UK | NZ Distributor: Paramount Pictures
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Flicks review
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It’s a really random choice of follow up film for No.2 director Toa Fraser, and it’s just about the least Kiwi-ish Kiwi film you’re likely to see, but Dean Spanley is a little gem regardless. You have to admire a film which revolves almost entirely around Sam Neill recounting tales of his past life in a shorter, hairier, more waggy tailed form but still ends up tugging at your heartstrings by the end.
Alan Sharp’s script is both laced with magic and expertly handled by Neill, Aussie veteran Bryan Brown, Jeremy Northam and the brilliantly irreverent Peter O’Toole. The latter’s confused and frequently apoplectic facial expressions add a number of laugh out loud moments too - while the 76-year-old Lawrence Of Arabia star does indeed look like he’s in ‘the anteroom of eternity’, his comedic chops are well intact.
Dean Spanley’s not for all tastes – things unfold at an unhurried, genteel pace and much of this is essentially a group of wrinkly blokes sitting about talking. But the storytelling draws you right in and Sam Neill handles his role with such a deft touch that what could have been a prohibitively weird premise is soon engulfed by humour and tenderness.
So, 2009’s umpteenth canine-focussed movie turns out to be both the oddest and the best so far. The fact that it’s a Kiwi co-production just makes that even sweeter.
By Ashley Bird, Flicks.co.nz
The Peoples voice
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Wonderful and touching
5
A charming and touching film with excellent lines and superb acting. One of those films that are able to warm up your heart and make you laugh, a story about finding oneself and the truth of love. Peter O'Toole is excellent and all the others don't let you down.
By Dedeko
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completely ridiculous
1
I can't believe this film is highly rated. It's a novel that should never have been turned into a film! The plot requires a huge leap of faith, relies on a series of untenable coincidences, and ultimately turns into The Incredible Journey. Which is fine. If you're 10.
By lyall
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Boring!run away
1
great acting but boring till dead
By Steel
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Delightful!
5
Amazing writing and acting. Can't imagine a better father-son-dog tale.
By Edward
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Superb and clever
5
This was a fantastic film. Brilliantly acted by great actors. Wonderful story line that gradually grows on you to a high point. It makes a change to see a movie that is devoid of death and destruction and four letter words of the type frequently used. Fantastic. I will see it again when I can
By Alan
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Loved it!!!!
5
This was just an amazing film. It made me laugh and cry. Brilliant acting, wonderfully scripted just fantastic.
By Krs
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Brilliant and uplifting.
5
A wonderful movie with a wonderul cast who are all quite unique yet meshed together well. Sam Neill was fantastic as Dean Spanley and the incomparable Peter O'Toole was, well, incomparable as always. The plot and narative was subtle and fun and it was great to see the concept of reincarnation dealt with in such an open and, in my opinion, realistic way. Dean Spanley is also a wonderful lesson in English for those interested in such things. Thank God for movies like this one as it brings dignity, good acting and inspiration to the screen - a breath of fresh air.
By Shardul
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Outstanding
5
Wow, what a gem. Interesting how divided the opinions are and I think that is testament to how good this film is. No doubt those giving it 1 star only would give fast and furious III 5 stars .... they probably prefer cats too!
By Mond
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A Masterpiece
5
Hats off to all who had a hand in the creation of this spellbinding story. 10 out of 10 for the intriguing storyline, the acting & the cinematography. I strongly suspect that this will be one of those rare examples where the film is better than the book that inspired it. I will enjoy watching it again & predict that it will become an enduring classic.
By Eric
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Boring
1
Anything with Sam Neil sucks, I should have known
By Helen Gong
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Brilliant
5
A wonderful heart warming film, especially appealing to those of us with canine companions. The dialogue is gorgeous. The sentiment is lovely. Peter O' Toole is just fabulous.
By Katy
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Don't Miss the Last Half Hour
2
Too much narration - too slow - the previews are misleading....but then it all comes together in the last half hour and that section rates 4 stars. If you have the patience to sit still and stifle the yawns go for it.
By LJ
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Wonderful in many ways.
5
An absolute gem. Superb acting by everyone. You laugh and you cry. It's far more than just a doggy tale, as delightful as that is. It's also about coming to terms with loss and grief. Congratulations to everyone concerned with this gem of a film. Well done N.Z.
By Ann
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The mature age will really enjoy this
5
A slow start but gradually draws you in. And what a fine group of actors Loved it and may well go to see it again. A really great short story from a former great author.
By Dennis
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Congrats to Toa fraser, but
3
whimsical and a slightly charming is about it.
By brian
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Sooo tedious!
1
A numbingly boring film, devoid of drama, conflict, tension or incident. What a terrible waste to use such a wonderful cast in such a self-indulgent, plodding movie. After the first hour I would have welcomed Death's sweet kiss to save me from this awful film.
By Malcolm
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Sooooo boring!
1
By Malcolm
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Dont miss it.
5
I loved it, best movie in a long time. Not a Neill fan but he was outstanding. I giggled throughout and it still brings a smile. Might go again.
By Robbie
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Warm, intelligent, a great tail!
4
We only went to see this because we couldn't get a seat to Slumdog and what an unexpected and pleasant surprise. Perfect cast who are a delight to watch in this quirky but soul-warming story.
By Rebs
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Marvelous
5
We saw this in London and it is a marvelous film. It has a slow start but it draws you into the tale in a sly way. Sam Neill was simply wonderful was a great script. You don't have to love dogs to love this film.
By pdc
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hmm
3
Have not seen the film as yet, but judging by the reviews and glimpses of the movie, it will be on my list to watch when its released here in New Zealand!
By Tj
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Superb!!!
5
I saw this in Toronto and laughed and cried and stood with everyone elase to give this wonderful film a standing ovation.
Great acting and praise to Toa Fraser for getting Peter P'Toole, Jeremy Northam, Sam Neill and Bryan Brown all together for an unforgettable experience.By bwlass
Press Reviews
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Christchurch Press (Margaret Agnew)
Ingenious and absorbing, nothing is over-played in this English-New Zealand co- production, which was shot in both countries. From Don McGlashan's perfect score to Leon Narbey's gorgeous cinematography in muted shades that give way to golden tones of memory, this is a gently amusing, thoroughly entertaining and moving film. The theme of bereavement and reincarnation gives way to rebirth and the recreation of a thwarted relationship with great grace and style. Recommended for dog lovers and anyone with a heart.
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Empire [UK]
4 4 out of 5 stars
Wilfully whimsical and determinedly eccentric, this faintly bonkers period tale won’t be for everyone. But if you fall for Dean Spanley, you’ll fall hard.
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Guardian [UK]
This is a delightful, oddly moving film, immaculately acted, carefully skirting whimsy, and nicely located in its period.
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Hollywood Reporter
A dull and thoroughly stilly British drama based on the idea of canine reincarnation.
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Little White Lies [USA]
It's a rather ludicrous setup for Toa Fraser’s Edwardian comedy; if it’s a premise you can swallow, you’ll probably enjoy the whole ripping yarn. The banter is quietly pithy, and the daft story eventually builds to a surprisingly moving conclusion – thanks largely to yet another masterful turn from O’Toole.
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NZ Herald (Peter Calder)
3 3 out of 5 stars
Obscure Edwardian whimsy, but finely filmed and acted.
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Sutff.co.nz (Michael Field)
It is an intelligent, kind and gentle movie, with a lovely tale and a message about the glories of dogs and baying at the Moon. And every man, it seems, should have a dog.
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Time Out [UK]
Small film, big delight.
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TV3 (Kate Rodger)
4 4 out of 5 stars
A touching story of filial love and a delight to watch.
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Variety [USA]
It's a dog's past life in "Dean Spanley," an immaculately cast, nicely handled and wafer-thin slice of Brit period-dress whimsy. Represents an odd sophomore feature choice for New Zealander Toa Fraser, whose big-hearted Maori family drama "No. 2" should have made more waves internationally... it does have its peculiar charms. But it's a talky, narrowly focused piece that feels like an after-dinner anecdote presented with the full ceremony of a formal meal. Pic will flit through theaters before finding more comfortable smallscreen berths.
