Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

This film was the ideal one to relax & watch on the evening of Christmas Day. Loved everything about it - the setting, the music, the characterisation, and the music. I particularly liked picking out the actors I had seen in other roles ( such as Manuel from Fawlty Towers and Jim from The Vicar of Dibley). His Underneath the Arches was one of my favourite acts. For me though, in spite of opposition from Maggie Smith, Pauline Collins was the stand out, with her generosity, and her lapses of memory, and the way all the characters rallied around her. Good to see older people featuring in a film.A great British Movie

Yes, I know it is a bit clichéd and many of these elderly musicians seem to be pretty able for the facility they are in. Yes, there is the old lech, the scatterbrained diva, the intellectual, and so on. Still, when you have such stellar cast of some of the best of British drama, including Maggie Smith and Tom Courtenay, their charm and their chops come forward. The articulation and delivery of lines is wonderful. The plot involves the everyday doings of a home for retired composers, performers, and writers from the world of classical music. The chief conflict involves Smith and Courtenay who were once married but fell into the world of big time performance. She has a history of repeated marriages and affairs, leaving her lovers in the dust. Now, her beauty is gone and she has trouble negotiating stairs. She insists on meals in her room and special treatment. Everything centers around a quartet that she is asked to participate in. She shies away because of her age and the vocal demands. I found this a beautiful, subtle film. I know for some it is slow moving, but that is really joyful in the age of the blockbuster special effects film.

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.

Dustin Hoffman did ever so well to assemble such a fine cast and the set locations were excellent. But that's just about the only good points to be made. What Tom Courtenay and Maggie Smith are doing in this pointless tripe I'll never know? This is a cast of top actors who deserve better. Such a poor story line, bad script and nothing really going on to hold your attention. I made it to the uneventful very end, but I don't know how or why? Wet Sunday afternoon film when there's nothing better to do. My copy of this DVD is now in the charity box.Big chance missed Dustin, stick to acting you are so good at it.