Quartet

A lovely movie. A gentle look at ageing in a British seniors home for those with musical backgrounds. I found myself seeing emotional glimpses of my parents in their final years, while recognizing much of the music, and remembering the nerve-wracking hustle and bustle of preparing for a performance that are captured well here.

Apparently this is Dustin Hoffman's directing debut. He does a nice job - I have a few quibbles about the progression and development of some of the relationships, but generally it all rings true. (Sir) Tom Courtenay (The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner 1962 and Dr Zhivago) gives a very strong performance, as do Pauline Collins (Shirley Valentine) and Michael Gambon (the HP series). And of course, Maggie Smith (the underrated Ladies in Lavender, with Judi Dench) is herself, and superb.

Not a 'great' movie - it is, after all, showing in January which are the 'dog days' of the movie year. But solid and I'd see it again for the performances and to catch the nuances I missed the first time.