Parents' Guide to

Quartet

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Charming comedy about elderly opera singers fine for teens.

Movie PG-13 2013 95 minutes
Quartet Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 18+

Based on 2 parent reviews

nimswa
nimswa Adult
April 8, 2013
age 18+

For over 50.

The language was disappointing. I'm so tired of F bombs in movies, even said only once. I loved the concept of a retirement home for musicians. I did wish the end showed the quartet actually singing.
Parrot10
Parrot10 Parent
January 24, 2013
age 18+

Disappointing and forgettable

My wife and I found this film disappointing and forgettable. I would not take my grandchildren of any age to see this film - it was embarrassing. The acting of the key characters was good and redeemed the film slightly but the script let them down. Although classified as comedy it was not funny, the story line was weak, and there was no depth to the characters; the humour was often crude and bawdy, e.g. an elderly man peeing into trees and bushes on several occasions, and the jokes were often sexually suggestive or vulgar. The "f***" word was used very loudly and unnecessarily on 2 occasions. Apart from the age of the characters it shares nothing in common with 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' which we enjoyed immensely and was all that this film sadly is not.
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What's the Story?

The Beecham House for Retired Musicians in the English countryside is a gorgeous manse filled with former opera singers, composers, and other professional musicians. Every year, the home hosts a fundraising gala in tribute to Italian composer Verdi. But this time, as preparations are underway, the residents are abuzz with news that a new diva is moving in. "Who could it be?" wonder distinguished Reggie (Tom Courtenay), randy Wilf (Billy Connolly), and sweet-but-senile Cissy (Pauline Collins). The answer is Jean Horton (Maggie Smith), the Maria Callas of England, who was once married to -- but quickly left -- a still-hurt Reggie. And after Jean's arrival, the gala's imperious director, Cedric (Michael Gambon), wants Cissy and Wilf to convince Reggie and Jean to reconcile long enough to perform their signature QUARTET from Verdi's Rigoletto.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Director Dustin Hoffman does a good job of highlighting the many charms and talents of his esteemed cast, from Dame Maggie down to the various supporting actors who really are retired musicians. The plot is simpler than the sleeper hit dramedy The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, but some of the themes are the same: Aging adults still want to feel vibrant and have much to contribute -- in this case, their literal voices. That said, the script doesn't delve too far into Reggie and Jean's past relationship, nor does it explore some of the heavier questions about the characters' medical problems, their lack of visitors, or the circumstances leading up to their stay in an assisted living home.

But the movie's light, nostalgic tone is fine; not everyone wants to see older actors in films as heart wrenching as Amour. As the youngest member of the ensemble, Connolly gets to be the flirtatious retiree who harmlessly comes on to the attractive doctor and her staff. Known for his blue material, the Scottish comedian tones it down with playful one-liners and music-themed double entendres. Gambon, who's costumed like a Muggle version of Dumbledore, is hilarious as the demanding Cedric, and Courtenay is excellent as Jean's jilted ex. If only all retirement homes really were this beautiful and filled with joyful septuagenarians.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Quartet depicts retired artists. Why does Jean say it would be a dishonor to her former self to sing again? Do you think older musicians should stop performing just because their voices might not sound the same or they can't hit high notes the same way?

  • Reggie has an educational conversation about opera being similar to rap; what is the filmmaker trying to say about various musical styles?

  • Why are there so few movies and TV shows that feature older characters? Teens: Does a movie's appeal to you depend on the age of its cast/characters? Why?

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