Quartet (2013)

I love this movie so much

Perfect cast and a good story

Crappy film

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

Dustin Hoffman's directorial duties was uncredited for 1978s Straight Time. Therefore Quartet is his proper directing debut and given his reputation as the infant terrible of the method acting school in the 1970s and 80s, Quartet is an unlikely story for Hoffman to direct.Hoffman has gathered Maggie Smith, Tom Courtney, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly and Pauline Collins as patients in a retirement home putting on a show in this case an operatic and musical one to raise funds for the home for retired performers.It is a genteel, slight film and a kind of thing you feel you have seen it all before. The acting is fine not only from the main stars but also many of the supporting and smaller roles all veteran performers of stage and screen.Smith plays a retired star who is adjusting to life in the home, she is a new arrival and she has history with Courtney's character as they were once married. The trouble is we saw Smith play a new arrival in the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel as well although she was less posh in and more embittered in that one.Connolly plays his part with relish as the randy retiree, Collins character is suffering from dementia as she has frequent lapses. Its enjoyable but very unrealistic. They all seem to be too energetic to live in a retirement home as well as the home being very luxurious. I have stayed at 5 star hotels that is less luxurious than this retirement home.

First of all, I wish this is more popular in my country. This movie has a lot to share in its story and characters. While watching, you'll get flashbacks and flashforwards (if this word even exists) about your own life. It'll give you very many new perspectives about life, about the past, the present, and the future. Of course, without making you feel desperate and stressed.It's packed really well in the plots, the characters brought the atmosphere to such a heavy and tense but breathable gravity. It talks about facing getting old, expiration of gifts, forgiveness, love, memories, in beautiful ways.The only thing that makes me let two stars lost from the rating is it's too short, I really want it to be more. I want to see more about the characters in the movie. They are enchanting, their stories are wondrous, their interactions are spellbinding. Great salute for everyone who made this movie happen.

This probably isn't a film that I would typically go and see – it's not really aimed at me. I, therefore, decided to watch it in Brixton to add some credibility. Essentially, a cast of British ageing British stars have been brought together to be told what to do by an ageing American star in Dustin Hoffman. Cue hilariousness with jokes about being old.That's probably a bit harsh, with this more a piece about fear of losing gifts when growing old, a bit like being part of QPR's squad. Identified at the end for their talents, much of the wider cast are stars of the stage from yesteryear showcasing their talents in a retirement home for elderly musicians.The titular quartet are star opera singers famed for their foursome that have grown apart by failed marriage and senility. With the fourth member finally being old enough to make residence, the four are reunited and everyone suggests that they should perform at the 'big show' which obviously isn't anywhere near as big as what they would have done in the past. Overcoming their past differences and fears, the four take the stage to have the film end before we realise that Billy Connolly isn't actually a master opera performer after all.The addition of Billy Connolly is a wise one, however, as the film is just a bit too twee without him. The film is not particularly long, but seems to drag on a bit, possibly due to the lack of any real event and not too much depth into each of the characters. Connolly provides the comic relief which is welcome, but other than that it's just a bit too nice. Even the resident doctor, played a bit too emotionally by Sheridan Smith, is nice, with not an abusive word nor demeaning act forced upon the olds. Where's the fun, or reality, in that?politic1983.blogspot.com

I thought the movie was a perfect blend of humor, drama and inflection. I have seen it four times now and still tear up at each viewing! Dustin and the actors have done a wonderful job of entertaining for an evening. I know I'm going to buy it! The performances (lead and character) are compelling. I felt drawn in as if in a family setting and these people were my aunts and uncles. (or perhaps my grandparents) Some movies these days are full of special effects and warring factions. This was acting as it's best without all the extras. This is an enchanting thrill ride to your heart. High appraisals for all. I truly believe that some movies take us away from the human element but here is an example of simply humans at play regardless of their age. "Older" people have the same emotions of young people; love, jealousy, and fear. Seniors have extras however; forgetfulness being one of them. It was handled very well by the writers to have the group of this home look after each other as a family.