"Quartet"

Welcome to Beechwood House.....it being a retirement home for aged musicians and singers etc. Upon our arrival at the home, we find that there is a hive of activity. The home does at times struggle for funding, so when required, the residents perform a benefit gala event, aimed at raising funds for the home.

Cedric (Pronounced Cee-dric, beware for incorrect pronunciation) is in his elements, wearing his kaftan with pride, organising and bawling at artists as they prepare their own section of the gala. We are introduced to residents Wilf, Reg and Cissy, Wilf being a stroke victim, but still keen to engage with any kind of fornication with either resident or staff. Both Reg and Cissy go about their daily routine, trying not to upset the apple cart. But their daily life is soon interrupted with the arrival of Jean Horton, a major star in her time, and the ex-wife of Reg.
Reg feels betrayed by the Staff at the Home for not informing him before her arrival. There is a frosty atmosphere between the two, and the events of what caused their break-up is unveiled.

With the arrival of Ms. Horton, this presents Cedric, Sorry Ceedric, with a truly great opportunity. As Wilf, Reg, Cissy and Jean had performed a piece by Verdi, the theme for their Gala, as a quartet, and now having the foursome back together, he sees chance to hugely increase ticket sales. Naturally Jean has no intention of performing in the quartet, or at all. Her singing days are over.
The other players look to Reg to resolve his differences with Jean in the hope that this will persuade her to change her mind, and reform for the gala performance.

This is a beautiful little story, talking of lives past, what is still to come, is there still life in those golden years ahead, and of missed chances, and forgiveness. You warm to the characters straight away, little wonder given the amazing cast that bring them to life.Naturally it would be difficult to single out any one performance, though if push came to shove then it would have to be Tom Courtenay as Reg, a wonderful piece of work. A real delight to watch, as indeed they all are.
And who is keeping control of this motley crew in the Director's Chair?  None other than first time Director, 75 year old Dustin Hoffman. Some may find it strange to find a new career at this time in his life, but this he does, and does so with an assurance and warmth, skill and grace that indicate he has learnt much from who have directed him over his many acting years.
 
There seems to be a trend lately of making movies with a more mature cast. Last year we had the charmingly delightful "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", now we have "Quartet" and coming soon is "A Song For Marion". Yes they may feature an older cast, but their message is not just for the pensionable aged members of the audience.

I was intrigued as to if and how the Quartet would perform. Would the cast be singing like those from "Les Miserables"? Would they be miming?  Would it be obvious?  All I can say is that the end result is resolved in a genius fashion. It was the icing on the cake.

I cannot think of a reason for anyone NOT to see this film, and just look at the cast list and there are five easy reasons why it should be viewed, and there are many more on top of that. They may be in their senior years, but this film has plenty of life in it.

Music to my ears............9 out of 10.