On a Clear Day

On a Clear Day

Year: 2006

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Gaby Dellal

Drama

Frank, a Glasgow shipbuilder, finds his life upended when he loses his job. Facing an uncertain future, a friend encourages him to step outside his comfort zone. Inspired, he embarks on a challenging and unexpected journey to swim the English Channel. Through perseverance and determination, Frank discovers inner strength and finds heroism in the face of adversity, ultimately redefining his own limits.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen On a Clear Day yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – On a Clear Day (2006)

Explore the full timeline and setting of On a Clear Day (2006). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie does not specify a particular time period but depicts contemporary life struggles faced by individuals in a modern, industrialized society. Themes of unemployment, personal grief, and family dynamics resonate with current social issues.

Location

Glasgow, River Clyde, English Channel

Glasgow is a gritty industrial city known for its rich history in shipbuilding and heavy industries. The River Clyde flows through the heart of the city, symbolizing both the struggles and resilience of its people. The English Channel, a major waterway, represents Frank's monumental challenge and quest for clarity.

🏭 Industry 🌊 Waterway 🌍 Adventure

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:06

Main Characters – On a Clear Day (2006)

Meet the key characters of On a Clear Day (2006), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Frank Redmond (Peter Mullan)

Frank Redmond is a deeply troubled man faced with unemployment and the grief of losing a son. His character development takes center stage as he transitions from despair to determination through the challenge of swimming the English Channel. Frank embodies the fragility of the human spirit and the strength it can forge.

👨‍👧‍👦 Family 😞 Grief 🌊 Determination

Joan (Brenda Blethyn)

Joan is Frank's loving wife, navigating her own career challenges while trying to reach out to her husband. Despite the emotional distance, she embodies support and perseverance. Her character represents the importance of communication and connection in overcoming personal and familial crises.

💼 Career ❤️ Love 😔 Struggle

Rob (Jamie Sives)

Rob, Frank's surviving son, carries the weight of responsibility and guilt after the loss of his brother. His struggles highlight the pressures of family dynamics and personal sacrifices. Throughout the film, Rob seeks to balance familial obligations with his own aspirations.

👨‍👦 Responsibility 💔 Guilt ⚖️ Balance

Danny (Billy Boyd)

Danny is one of Frank's former colleagues who provides encouragement and support during Frank's training. His character signifies the importance of friendship and camaraderie in challenging times. Danny's loyalty adds a layer of hope and motivation to the narrative.

🤝 Friendship 💪 Support 🌟 Hope

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:06

Major Themes – On a Clear Day (2006)

Explore the central themes of On a Clear Day (2006), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌪️ Despair

Despair looms large as Frank grapples with unemployment and the emotional scars of his past. This theme exemplifies the toll of loss and isolation in modern life, pushing him to the brink. Frank's journey reflects the universal struggle to find purpose amid overwhelming challenges.

💪 Resilience

Resilience shines through as Frank confronts his fears and decides to take on the grueling challenge of swimming the English Channel. With support from friends and family, he embodies the spirit of determination. His journey emphasizes the importance of reclaiming one's life and mending relationships.

🤝 Family

Family dynamics play a crucial role in the film, showcasing the impact of loss and emotional distance. Frank's journey not only aims to heal himself but also seeks to reconnect with his loved ones. The film highlights the challenges and rewards of nurturing familial ties.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:06

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about working-class triumphs like On a Clear Day

Grounded stories of everyday people overcoming adversity through sheer determination.If you enjoyed On a Clear Day, you'll appreciate these similar drama movies about everyday people overcoming adversity. This list features gritty, hopeful stories of personal challenges and triumphs set against authentic working-class backdrops.

grittydeterminedhopefulworking-classtriumphantintrospectivegroundedperseverance

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a protagonist facing a significant personal or professional crisis, often related to identity or loss. They channel their frustration and grief into a formidable, tangible goal, with the journey of preparation and execution serving as a metaphor for their internal healing and rediscovery of self-worth.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a specific emotional core: a blend of gritty realism and hopeful determination. They feature steady pacing, medium emotional weight, and focus on character-driven arcs where physical or emotional challenges lead to personal redemption and stronger family bonds.

Movies about healing through physical challenges like On a Clear Day

Characters use an arduous physical feat to process grief and mend broken bonds.Find movies similar to On a Clear Day where characters use a difficult physical goal to overcome personal loss. These drama films explore themes of grief, self-discovery, and family reconciliation through the lens of a demanding personal challenge.

determinedmelancholicintrospectivetriumphantcathartichealingpersonal journeyperseverance

Narrative Summary

The emotional journey begins with a character burdened by loss—of a job, a loved one, or a sense of self. They channel their angst into a highly demanding, often foolhardy, physical goal. The process of training and enduring the challenge forces them to confront their pain, leading to catharsis and often healing strained family relationships.

Why These Movies?

This thread connects films based on a unique narrative mechanism: using a concrete, difficult physical task as the primary vehicle for emotional healing and character growth. They balance melancholic introspection with determined action, resulting in a hopeful and ultimately uplifting experience that feels earned.

Unlock the Full Story of On a Clear Day

Don't stop at just watching — explore On a Clear Day in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what On a Clear Day is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

On a Clear Day Summary

Read a complete plot summary of On a Clear Day, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

On a Clear Day Summary

On a Clear Day Timeline

Track the full timeline of On a Clear Day with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

On a Clear Day Timeline

On a Clear Day Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of On a Clear Day that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

On a Clear Day Spoiler-Free Summary

More About On a Clear Day

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about On a Clear Day: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About On a Clear Day

Similar Movies to On a Clear Day

Discover movies like On a Clear Day that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.