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

This had all the makings of a lovely film, especially the retirement home...when I can I book a place there?...It was great. And it housed a wealth of British acting talent anchored by the directing debut of Dustin Hoffman. All well and good.The trouble with Quartet was its plot was too thin,not allowing for much character development and inter action among the ensemble cast. This would have been more adept at being a made for TV movie. But it was too short and shallow for the cinema.As for the cast, I somehow couldn't picture Maggie Smith as an opera diva. And having Pauline Collins' deeply senile character as part of an operatic quartet to be performed at the home was really stretching it a bit.Yet the film was entertaining,while also being disappointing.

This probably isn't a film that I would typically go and see – it's not really aimed at me. I, therefore, decided to watch it in Brixton to add some credibility. Essentially, a cast of British ageing British stars have been brought together to be told what to do by an ageing American star in Dustin Hoffman. Cue hilariousness with jokes about being old.That's probably a bit harsh, with this more a piece about fear of losing gifts when growing old, a bit like being part of QPR's squad. Identified at the end for their talents, much of the wider cast are stars of the stage from yesteryear showcasing their talents in a retirement home for elderly musicians.The titular quartet are star opera singers famed for their foursome that have grown apart by failed marriage and senility. With the fourth member finally being old enough to make residence, the four are reunited and everyone suggests that they should perform at the 'big show' which obviously isn't anywhere near as big as what they would have done in the past. Overcoming their past differences and fears, the four take the stage to have the film end before we realise that Billy Connolly isn't actually a master opera performer after all.The addition of Billy Connolly is a wise one, however, as the film is just a bit too twee without him. The film is not particularly long, but seems to drag on a bit, possibly due to the lack of any real event and not too much depth into each of the characters. Connolly provides the comic relief which is welcome, but other than that it's just a bit too nice. Even the resident doctor, played a bit too emotionally by Sheridan Smith, is nice, with not an abusive word nor demeaning act forced upon the olds. Where's the fun, or reality, in that?politic1983.blogspot.com

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.