xx131 What a brilliant idea Dustin Hoffman had to make a movie about old people. This can sound like a very boring and dull idea at first, but watching Quartet will prove you that there isn't actually more lively environment than a retirement house. The plot is really good and creative (I mean, a retirement house specially for old opera singers? who would've thought of that?), and Dustin Hoffman entirely deserves the award he got for Breakthrough Directing. The choice of actors was incredibly good. Dame Maggie Smith (Jean Horton) is really one of those actresses that'd be the right choice to play anything. I wouldn't even be bothered if she had to play Batman, and I'm convinced she'd be the right choice. Paulie Collins (Cissy Robinson) is absolutely adorable in her slightly-going-nuts rendition of an old opera performer. She's adorable and will her innocence will probably make you go "awww" a couple of times. And the idea of using actual retired opera performers as extras? Jesus that deserves all the credit in the world (plus you get to see what they looked like while performing in their career, another good reason to stick to the end). But actors aren't just what makes this movie awesome. Some shots are just magnificent. The way some scenes are filmed is mesmerizing. The setting is beautiful, typically British, and it will dazzle your eyes. Overall, Quartet is one of those movies that doesn't even remotely look interesting at first sight, but truly, once watched, your opinion won't be the same.

S WG I must admit I am a sap for films such as 'Qaurtet', which enlightens viewers of other topics after watching (The Opera). If you have ever been watching a film and wished it was three hours long instead of one, or you wish it would never end, I would pin this film to such a feeling. Apart from stunning performances by the actors featured, the set was absolutely beautiful! However I got the feeling that there were some plot holes in the film and that always keeps me up trying to finish the story. I was interested to see if Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay, and Pauline Collins would actually sing and I was a bit disappointed when they did not, but the choice of adding the recording of Rigoletto's Quartet was a better move that voice overs any day!

sergepesic If you ever desire to see age as a fact of life, not as shameful mishap, you'll have to turn to British. Something weird happened to the American culture. People never lived longer, but they were never more invisible as they get older. Faces pulled so tight that they resemble Halloween mask, moronic slogans about 60's being new 40's, and elderly shoved out of the way all around. Except, of course the elderly that never upset anybody about realities of aging. And here comes this gentle, predictable, but nevertheless deeply touching light comedy about getting to terms with the inevitable. A lively group of marvelous actors, some magnificent classical music, beautiful manor. Nothing too original, but still such pleasure. And now we can go back to being terrified of the thing we can't possibly avoid, aging. And we wonder at the state of the world.

heathermcneillcrawford 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.