🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Chris Foggin
- Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama
- Release year: 2023
- Runtime (length): 1h 47min
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10 (15K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Local legend Dave starts a bank because the big banks are being mean, proving anyone can become a banker as long as they’re really, really nice.
🍿 Bank of Dave: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Dave Fishwick and Burnley
The movie introduces Dave Fishwick, a self-made millionaire from Burnley, a working-class town in Northern England. Dave is a successful businessman who cares deeply about his community and wants to help local businesses thrive. He observes the struggles of Burnley’s residents and identifies the need for accessible financial support after the 2008 financial crisis.

The Idea for ‘Bank of Dave’ and Initial Obstacles
Dave decides to start a community bank, aiming to provide loans to local businesses and individuals who are underserved by traditional banks. He faces immediate resistance from the established banking institutions in London, who haven’t granted a new banking license in over a century. These institutions are portrayed as elitist and unwilling to support Dave’s unconventional approach.

Hugh Arrives: A London Lawyer Enters the Picture
Dave hires Hugh, a young lawyer from London, to help him navigate the complex legal process of applying for a banking license. Initially skeptical, Hugh gradually becomes convinced of Dave’s genuine intentions and the potential positive impact of his bank. Hugh’s experiences in Burnley begin to challenge his preconceived notions about the North and its people.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Dave Fishwick (Rory Kinnear): A working-class Burnley millionaire who fights to establish a community bank to support local businesses.
- Hugh (Joel Fry): A London lawyer hired by Dave to navigate the complex British banking system.
- Alexandra (Phoebe Dynevor): A local doctor and Dave’s niece who becomes involved in the fight for the bank.
- Clarence (Angus Wright): A representative of the established banking system who opposes Dave’s efforts.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Dave: “The question I want you to answer isn’t can The Bank of Dave exist, but should The Bank of Dave exist.” – Dave challenges Hugh to consider the moral imperative of a community bank.
- Dave: “We got Google up here too, you know.” – Dave says this to Hugh, a London lawyer, implying that Burnley isn’t as backward as he might think.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $630,943
💥 Bank of Dave Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved ‘Bank of Dave’! It was such a feel-good movie, and the story of Dave taking on the big banks was so inspiring. The scene where he finally gets the license for the bank was incredibly emotional – I actually teared up! I recommend to all moviegoers.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of feel-good British comedies”
- “Viewers interested in stories about overcoming adversity”
- “Anyone who appreciates movies about community and social change”
- “Those looking for an uplifting and inspiring film”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Some thematic elements related to financial hardship”
Professional Reviews
- The Guardian: “‘Bank of Dave’ is a heartwarming, if somewhat predictable, tale of community spirit. While it doesn’t break any new ground cinematically, its genuine charm and feel-good factor make it an enjoyable watch, especially for those seeking an uplifting story.
- Empire Magazine: “While the film follows a familiar underdog narrative, ‘Bank of Dave’ succeeds in portraying a compelling story. The performances are earnest, and the film manages to capture the essence of a small community fighting against larger institutions. It’s a well-intentioned and ultimately satisfying film.
Audience Reactions
The film’s genuine heart and David vs. Goliath story resonated strongly with viewers.: Audiences praised the film’s uplifting message and relatable characters.
Overall Consensus: ‘Bank of Dave’ is a heartwarming and inspiring film that resonated with audiences due to its relatable characters and uplifting message. Critics acknowledge its predictable narrative but appreciate its genuine charm and feel-good factor.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the true story of Dave Fishwick, who fought to establish a community bank in Burnley to support local businesses.”
- “Dave Fishwick himself makes a cameo appearance in the council meeting scene at the beginning of the movie.”
- “While the film is based on a true story, some elements were fictionalized for dramatic effect.”
- “Def Leppard’s appearance at the end of the film is a dramatization; they did not actually play a role in Dave Fishwick getting his banking license.”
- “Filming took place in Leeds and other locations in West Yorkshire, England.”
🖥️ How to Watch Bank of Dave?
Bank of Dave is readily available for streaming on Netflix. While it’s not currently available for purchase on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV, keep an eye out as availability can change. Check your local streaming services for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Bank of Dave, you might like these similar films:
- The Full Monty (1997): Shares the theme of working-class individuals overcoming adversity and societal norms with humor and heart.
- Brassed Off (1996): Explores similar themes of community spirit and economic hardship in a Northern English town.
- Pride (2014): Like Bank of Dave, it is based on a true story about an underdog group fighting for a good cause, blending humor and heart.
- Fisherman’s Friends (2019): Another feel-good British film based on a true story about a group of ordinary people achieving something extraordinary, written by the same writer as Bank of Dave.
🛒 Bank of Dave Related Products
- Bank of Dave: The Man Who Took on the Banks: Dave Fishwick’s autobiography that inspired the movie. Discover the real story behind the film.
- Burnley Savings and Loans T-Shirt: Show your support for Dave’s community bank with this exclusive T-shirt.
- Def Leppard – Hysteria (Deluxe Edition): Immerse yourself in the iconic sounds of Def Leppard, prominently featured in the movie’s soundtrack. Experience the full album with bonus tracks and exclusive content.
🎧 Soundtrack
Bank of Dave features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Bank of Dave is based on the true-life experiences of Dave Fishwick, a businessman from Burnley who fought to establish a community bank.
Bank of Dave was primarily filmed in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, using it as a stand-in for Burnley.
The main message of Bank of Dave is about the importance of community, challenging established institutions, and the power of individuals to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
🔥 Bonus Content
Tucker & Dave Debate: Revolution of Banking
Ever wondered what Dave Ramsey *really* thinks about the state of banking? Check out this fiery debate where he and Tucker Carlson go head-to-head. It’s surprisingly relevant to the ‘Bank of Dave’ storyline – you might be shocked at how much these real-world issues play out on screen!
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