dara-fink Charles Dance (Tywin Lannister from Game of Thrones) amply demonstrates that he understands how to tell a great story. There are no tense action sequences to drag missing plot elements along. Just a well told story masterfully acted by (arguably) some of the best female actors in cinema history.One surprising element is how music seamlessly integrates into the narrative. Although the person performing the pieces isn't actually playing, the illusion is good enough.For people with very short attention spans or requiring fast paced action, this film just isn't for you. This is no action flick. It is a charming story of how a chance house guest changes the lives of the sisters and their town.For anyone wanting a quiet evening of even-paced, masterfully acted, work of film: it is a sure bet.

ianlouisiana Normally I would rather walk a mile over broken glass than watch a film featuring mesdames Smith and Dench in cosy Cornwall with a cast of several,all using their best R.A.D.A. general purpose "country" accent,and a whimsical storyline about a handsome young man washed up on the beach who turns out to be a brilliant violinist,but......... Somehow "Ladies in lavender" manages to considerably exceed the sum of its parts due in no small way to the subdued (and there's a first) playing of the two aforementioned Dames. In trepidation of a repeat of the appalling histrionics of "Tea with Mussolini" or the terminal cuteness of the even worse"Calendar girls",I was pleasantly surprised by strong hand Mr C.Dance obviously exercised(charmingly,I'm sure) over his principals. Miss N.McElhone lends her spectacular beauty to the production in a part that does not stretch her but does allow her to outcharm even the two stars. It is a little sentimental,of course,but if,like me,you want to believe in the unifying power of music,you may find it oddly moving despite yourself.

TheLittleSongbird "If music be the language of love, play on"- Very true statement you know.I wasn't expecting to like Ladies in Lavender, but being a lover of both Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, I knew I had to see it. And you know what? I loved it, admittedly it is very slow and perhaps the ending a little abrupt, but essentially it is beautifully-acted, directed and rendered, that I actually found very moving.First of all, I loved how it was filmed. The setting is old fashioned, but it is exquisite to look at as well. Some parts are like looking at a watercolour painting, seeing how picturesque it all was. The scenery was sumptuous and the costumes gorgeous. And the music from Nigel Hess was utterly amazing, some of the melodies played on the violin is close to heart rending. Although the violin can play sinister and devilish pieces like Danse Macabre, it also works bringing to life poignant works like Meditation from Thais and Tchaikovsky's Melody. The music composed I think was one of those elements that made the film so touching, it was extremely beautiful.The direction from Charles Dance, who acted so well in Bleak House, is subtle, and this allows each actor to bring their character and the sophisticated screenplay to life. The story is nimbly told, about the upheaval and yearning when a handsome young man(with a catch-he can't speak English) is found washed up on the beach, and goes into very subtle emotional regions.And the cast is exceptional. Maggie Smith doesn't get as much screen time as Dench, but she gives a very strong performances as always as the voice of reason. Judi Dench is also exceptional in a difficult role as Ursula, and Daniel Bruhl is indeed handsome as the handsome stranger Andrea. The supporting cast were outstanding as well, Natascha McElhone, David Warner and Miriam Margoyles give suitably deft performances and it works for this sort of film.Overall, very beautiful and touching, particularly worth seeing for the acting and the music. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Gordon-11 This film is about two elderly sisters' lives being turned upside down after they found an ailing young man on the beach."Ladies in Lavender" is a captivating film. It is very strong in both story telling and in acting. Both Judi Dench and Maggie Smith did excellent in portraying love and jealousy. It is amazing that by just one look on the face, you can tell how the characters are thinking. The story telling is subtle by the acting is so direct. "Ladies in Lavender" draws me, captivates me and touches me. I think this film deserves a wider audience. It is a pity, that many people may not give this film a chance because they think the target demographic is towards the older generation.