3.5 out of 5 stars
David and Goliath is a Bible story that continues to resonate in modern society. Whenever someone can unexpectedly win against a formidable force in business, sport, law, or many other fields, they are credited with taking on a giant. Another Dave from a different era did this by taking on London's most significant financial institutions and asking to start a bank in Burnley.
Based loosely on actual history in the Northern England community, events are put into motion when local businessman Dave Fishwick (Rory Kinnear) proposes to open a new bank. This may sound like a compelling story once viewers understand that this has not been done in over 150 years. Hugh (Joel Fry) is a London-based lawyer who’s firm has been retained to assist the local car salesman in working through the legal aspects of this request. All of his work is merely a formality since he knows the inevitable rejection that will come after he puts forward Dave’s proposal to the Federal Reserve of the Bank of England. Yet, once he is introduced to the community and the man behind this request, the young lawyer is inspired to see this process through to the end.
When a story begins to include nefarious Lords, romantic trysts, and legendary rock bands, one may wonder what is true within this inspirational tale. Even Dave Fishwick will admit that the filmmakers took exceptional artistic licence with his story. Still, no one will really care after seeing the movie. Every aspect of this giant toppling tale will inspire the most skeptical heart, and the result will make people want to know more about the events surrounding this historical business venture.
Rory Kinnear is perfectly cast as a small-town businessman with a heart of gold. He convincingly plays this true-to-life character without any irony while managing to inspire those on and off the screen. This over-the-top personality is counterbalanced by the reserved manner of Joel Fry’s well-meaning lawyer. They manage to play the game of representing the endearing community of Burnley while working their way through the unscrupulous methods of the English banking leaders.
Bank of Dave turns out to be uplifting and entertaining for those inside and outside of the world of finance. Admittedly, there are elements of the film that are hard to believe. Still, every aspect does help to make this a story worth discovering.
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REEL DIALOGUE: Serving others
Only the most skeptical in society could not see the inspirational aspects of Dave Fishwick. This David and Goliath tale will draw audiences in and motivate some to consider what they would be willing to take on in their lives. When you see someone overcome incredible odds and then go on to support the community he loves, this can profoundly affect people’s hearts.
Realistically, we may never achieve something to the level of Dave’s work in Burnley, even if we are inspired by this man’s story. This shouldn’t dissuade us from striving to do all we can to achieve life’s goals and to help others along the way.
This film does not mention God or the Bible. Yet, it does show a biblical principle of serving the community we have been put within. We can read that Jesus’ purposes in this world were not for his selfish gain, but to serve others with his life. This should inspire us to do all we can to help those in need and give back to society.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. - Mark 10:45
