Frankie and Hazel

Frankie and Hazel is a charmingly delightful film, first released in the year 2000. Director JoBeth Williams brings together a splendid cast, including the illustrious Joan Plowright, a young Mischa Barton, and the talented Edith Belmont, breathing life into a heartwarming tale of comradery and the pursuit of improbable dreams.

The plot intimately explores the lives and friendship of two young girls living in a small town in Upstate New York. Mischa Barton intriguingly portrays Hazel, an ambitious and astute preteen who, despite her young age, possesses an incredible amount of determination and political savvy. Hazel's best friend, Frankie, is a young ballet enthusiast who dreams of breaking free from the confines of her hometown to study ballet. The bond between Hazel and Frankie is warm and enduring, guiding the narrative through various highs and lows faced by the giggly preteens.

Joan Plowright plays Phoebe, Hazel's spirited 70-year-old grandmother who, despite her advancing age, has an undying desire to navigate her path. This multi-generational trio shares a symbiotic relationship, supporting each other through their unique challenges. Throughout the narrative, the parallels in the struggles faced by both Phoebe and Frankie, despite their difference in age, form an intriguing comparison, linking the perspectives of youth and aging in a beautiful narrative tapestry.

Hazel is far from about an average 12-year-old girl; she is politically assertive and bold. With her sights set on improving the town, she decides to run for mayor, showcasing the monumental strength in believing the impossible. Meanwhile, Frankie is a sensitive ballerina with dreams much larger than her small town, battling societal pressure and the fear of abandonment. Their contrasting personalities and passions provide comic relief while encouraging valuable life lessons.

The film also digs deeper by examining generational prejudices and how they negatively impact not only individuals but also communities. Phoebe, equally endearing and eccentric, is a whimsical former screen actress who, despite experiencing ageism firsthand, refuses to allow society's opinion to dominate her own life, whether it be in her pursuit to get her driver's license or satisfying her theatrical yearnings.

Frankie and Hazel are not only childhood friends but also soul sisters, navigating through life's hurdles together. Their friendship is impeccably portrayed, establishing the strength of their bond, which teeters between selfless support and interdependent reliance. The film perfectly captures how this fascinating young duo profoundly influences one another's lives, compelling them to stand up for their beliefs, nurture their talents, and follow their dreams, no matter how improbable.

On the production side, JoBeth Williams does a commendable job in directing this family saga. William's ability to draw authentic performances from the cast makes this film enjoyable. The screenplay by Jenny Bogart and Mia Certic wonderfully presents the complex, intertwined life of the three principal characters, while Michel Colombier's music complements the narrative with its beautiful semplicity.

On the whole, Frankie and Hazel is more than just a tale of two inseparable friends. It portrays an engaging narrative around family bonds, cross-generational friendships, and the universal human longing to pursue dreams and individuality transcending stereotypes and societal norms. It does a great job of making comedy, drama, and profound life lessons coexist in a refreshingly entertaining way, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy uplifting, feel-good movies with meaningful messages. Therefore, if you're looking for an adventure of friendship and persistence, Frankie and Hazel is sure to deliver.