Movie Review - Quartet

I just watched a truly delightful movie.  There were no car-chases or guns.  There was no sex, although there was a romance of sorts.  It was funny and sweet and very well done and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The story is set at an English country estate which has been turned into a home for retired musicians.  A number of the people who live there are former opera singers.  Every year, on Verdi's birthday, they do a gala presentation for the patrons of the home to raise money to keep it open.

This particular year, a new resident has moved in - an opera diva - played by Maggie Smith.  She comes in to the home determined not to participate or get comfortable there.  She is determined that she has lost her operatic voice, and she makes it clear that she has no interest in "playing" with the other residents.  It just so happens that one of the men living here is a former husband of hers.  He never stopped loving her, and she realizes that she still loves him as well.  He and 2 other friends convince her to sing with them at the gala.

This movie was directed by Dustin Hoffman, and there is a "bonus" on the DVD where he talks about the experience, and where others are interviewed about him as a director.  The actors agreed that one of Hoffman's strengths as a director was that because he has been an actor so much, he "gets it".  That gives him a valuable perspective as a director.   Maggie Smith commented that one of the things she liked about the movie is that it shows that elderly people can still have fun and can still have a valuable life.  I would have to agree - that is one of the things I liked about the movie.  These people are not sitting around waiting to die, as is often the case in nursing homes.  In spite of their various ailments and weaknesses, they get up and get dressed every day, and socialize with each other.  They play music and sing and dance and try to make the most of each day.  It is inspiring!  Some of them teach young people as well.

Scottish actor Billy Connolly is one of the friends of Maggie's character, and he is hilarious.  Most of the funniest moments in the movie involve him.  He is constantly hitting on the staff members as well as on the very attractive female doctor who runs the home.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants a pleasant 2 hour diversion which will leave you feeling good.  Music lovers and opera lovers will especially enjoy it!