By June Ramli
Rarely do I compel myself to venture to the cinema for a British film, but two nights ago, I made an exception and was pleasantly surprised.
I attended the preview screening of Bank of Dave, a captivating story inspired by true events, following a man from Burnleigh, UK, who dares to establish his own bank based on a friend’s advice.
If you’re familiar with the remarkable tale of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, where Muhammad Yunus realized his vision of empowering the poorest through accessible loans, Bank of Dave will strike a chord with you.
The storyline shares a similar essence—a dedicated and hardworking salesman in Burleigh embarks on a mission to create a bank that serves his local community.
The movie’s central plot intensifies when government officials challenge him to raise £12 million as the startup capital for his banking institution, among other hurdles that unfold gradually throughout the film. However, I won’t divulge all the details at once.
The story commences in a pub, with Dave brilliantly portrayed by Rory Michael Kinnear, receiving a cheque from his friend who profited handsomely from a loan Dave provided.
Curiously, Dave asks what he should do with the surplus money, and his friend simply suggests investing it and starting a bank.
And so, the story takes flight—a straightforward and purpose-driven narrative.
The subsequent scene transports us to a London firm dispatching a less-than-convincing lawyer to the countryside to assist Dave in his venture.
As expected, this is a common trope in many movies—initial resistance from the lawyer followed by a gradual appreciation for the place and its people, leading to a transformative experience.
It’s a formulaic but effective storyline.
Bank of Dave serves as a powerful source of inspiration, igniting the belief that the impossible can be achieved.
The film avoids explicit content, with minimal romantic scenes, culminating in a brief kiss at the end.
While the ending felt somewhat abrupt and could have been better executed, the story’s message resonates loud and clear: Never give up, regardless of the magnitude of the task before you.
Bank of Dave opens in cinemas on June 1, offering an uplifting and motivational journey that will leave viewers inspired to pursue their dreams.
June Ramli is the editor of DailyStraits.com. To stay in touch with June, look her up on Twitter @junesairaramli