Dean Spanley (M)

This whimsical period comedy-drama of loss, grief and healing springs from father-son and master-dog relationships and revolves around reincarnation, bottles of rare Hungarian tokay wine and canine recollections.

Set in Edwardian London, it's a theatrical chamber piece about the title character, who's an eccentric vicar (Sam Neill), a publisher (Jeremy Northam) who's our narrator, his widowed, cantankerous father (Peter O'Toole) and an Aussie conveyancer (Bryan Brown).

It's about how remarkable events can have ordinary beginnings, much like this movie itself. A New Zealand-British co-production, it's one of those tales where it's best to let viewers discover its surprises.

Some initial patience is required but the film eventually becomes a warm-hearted, quirky spiritual tale, made enjoyable by a witty screenplay, sensitive if deliberate direction from Kiwi Toa Fraser and admirable performances, especially Neill, who's in barking mad form, and scene-stealer O'Toole who brings humour and poignancy to his role. 

People with open minds and a liking for shaggy-dog stories should most enjoy it.

• Reviewed by David Manning. DVDs for review supplied by United Video, Nelson.

- © Fairfax NZ News