Quartet

A concert is held every year at a home for retired musicians. A soprano who has just moved in meets again the former husband living there and the quartet that broke up years ago. The film handles old age through crankiness rather than sorrow; the narrative asks whether someone who has lost her voice can go back on stage. The ending meets that question in an unexpected way. It is Dustin Hoffman's first feature as director, with Maggie Smith and Tom Courtenay. Real retired musicians are in the cast and are introduced with photographs of their younger selves over the closing credits. Who it's for: those who like calm English drama and classical music. Who it's not for: viewers wanting pace; the film gives its weight to the performers.