The heartwarming biographical film “Bank of Dave” on Netflix is a tale of tenacity and grit contrasted with discovering a purpose and wanting to see it through to completion. The story centres on a working-class man who became a self-made millionaire in Burnley and follows his struggles to establish a community bank that will support the growth of the town’s small enterprises. Despite the admirable goal, he will have to contend with some of the most prominent and elite financial institutions in London as he goes about his quest to obtain the first banking licence in more than a century.
The main theme of this novel has been overcoming several obstacles and struggling against all odds in an attempt to overthrow a system that does not fairly serve all facets of society. Viewers have been inspired by the touching story of a larger-than-life figure and are left wondering whether “Bank of Dave” is a well-crafted work of fiction or if it is based on a true story.
Bank of Dave is Based on the Inspiring Life of Dave Fishwick
Indeed, the true story of Dave Fishwick, the founder of Burnley Savings and Loans Ltd. (BSAL), is the basis for the television series “Bank of Dave.” The title of this Chris Foggin film, which is derived from the lending company’s catchphrase, “Bank on Dave!” tells the tale of a businessman in Burnley who, fed up with the broken banking system, decides to start his own independent lending company. The company was established to support the town of Lancashire following the 2008 financial crisis, which had resulted in a dearth of prospects for the people and a decline in sales for small-scale enterprises.
Following a severe downturn in his business, Dave decided to start the “bank” after the banks stopped making loans to his clients. Although his company was performing well, the little enterprises that made up his main clientele suffered greatly since they were unable to obtain financing for no apparent reason. As a result, Dave began lending his own money to the minibus buyers on his own terms. After six months, he decided to establish a formal bank because there had been no defaults. But the obstacles were so great that his plans had to be shelved.
In order to be granted a licence to take deposits, Dave was required to keep a minimum of £10 million in reserve. The main obstacle he faced was the London financial establishment, which had not issued a new banking licence in more than 150 years and was reluctant to give one to a truck salesman from Burnley. In spite of these obstacles, Dave managed to launch his company in 2011. Still, he keeps fighting to obtain a banking licence for his company. Meanwhile, in order to promote his charity, Dave contributes the money he makes to a variety of charities, which makes him incredibly popular with the people.
In a conversation about the character and the real Dave Fishwick, actor Rory Kinnear, who plays the movie’s title character, stated, “There was something about his tenacity of spirit and purpose, as well as him being equally filled by rage and goodwill.” The idea of the movie specifically addresses the problems faced by the underprivileged and illustrates how someone chooses to take a messianic stance and fight for them. Enraged by the high street banks’ lack of support and assistance for small businesses and individuals, Dave takes action to stand up for his people. He chooses a crowdsourcing model wherein borrowers can take out loans and then assume repayment obligations.
Hugh, a lawyer from London, Alexandra, a junior physician, and Dave’s favourite band, Def Leopard, all support him in his battle. Storytelling requires a great deal of artistic licence in order to present a humorous movie to the audience, and “Bank of Dave” is no exception. To advance the plot, a few themes and subplots have been introduced and dramatised. Although Hugh is a fictional character, it is accurate to say that Dave was assisted in making decisions by a group of lawyers. Similar to this, Dave experienced hurdles along the road, but the deplorable plans and unfair harassment that were concocted to keep him from realising his dream were made up.
Even though the film focuses a lot of attention on a single victory, it’s impossible not to feel pleased and satisfied knowing that victory actually had a significant impact. Watchers have been pondering about the wholesome reality behind the story with its humorous storyline, real-life places and happenings to support the fantastic music and superb acting (Dave from real life makes a special cameo). The film’s premise is therefore based on the real-life hero Dave Fishwick, who went from being a van salesman to becoming the largest minibus supplier in Britain and a hero the people of Burnley adore and look up to. However, “Bank of Dave” has fictionalised and dramatised several elements of the story thanks to creative liberty.
In a conversation about the character and the real Dave Fishwick, actor Rory Kinnear, who plays the movie’s title character, stated, “There was something about his tenacity of spirit and purpose, as well as him being equally filled by rage and goodwill.” The idea of the movie specifically addresses the problems faced by the underprivileged and illustrates how someone chooses to take a messianic stance and fight for them. Enraged by the high street banks’ lack of support and assistance for small businesses and individuals, Dave takes action to stand up for his people. He chooses a crowdsourcing model wherein borrowers can take out loans and then assume repayment obligations.