Quartet (2012)

Residents of a Beecham House, a home for retired musicians, plan their performances for their annual celebration of Verdi's birthday.  A trio of retired opera singers (Billy Connelly, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins) conspire to get their estranged fourth member (Maggie Smith) to join them. 

Quartet is an exquisitely nuanced drama directed by Dustin Hoffman.  Hoffman leads the remarkable aforementioned cast plus Michael Gambon, Sheridan Smith and Andrew Sachs through a screenplay that is intelligent and respectful without being spiteful or contrite.  Connelly's Wilf keeps the film from being too serious.  Although the film drags in the middle while we work through some history between our characters, the film's climax is beautifully done and takes on added weight as the viewer will discover when the final credits roll  photos of each of the supporting cast members of retired musicians is shown beside a picture of them during their performing careers.  Needless to say, the score here is beautiful.  The production is set in the English countryside with the prerequisite window dressing.

As I see it, old age is fact.  But as Quartet so eloquently reminds us, old age is just like anything else.  It's what you make of it.  Excellent drama for young and old.  Fans of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) will certainly enjoy.