Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2013

The amiable atmosphere enjoyed by friends Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins and a delightfully randy Billy Connolly at a palatial (and consistently musical) communal home for retired opera musicians is disrupted by the appearance of Maggie Smith, a divine diva and cheating ex-wife of Courtenay. It’s a pleasant time at the movies for the silver-haired set, done with delicacy and taste. But it succeeds more on its stars’ charisma than on first-time director Dustin Hoffman’s safe and straightforward direction. Also Michael Gambon. Note: the extras are real-live retired opera musicians. Stay for the credits.