61
Metascore
29 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasIt is a pleasure from start to finish.
- 75Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittDance's directorial debut isn't exciting, but it's deeply felt and engagingly acted. Why doesn't he take more advantage of the story's opportunities for fine music, though?
- 70Film ThreatJames WeggFilm ThreatJames WeggCharles Dance's début feature is an impressive achievement.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterMichael RechtshaffenThe Hollywood ReporterMichael RechtshaffenIt is to Dance's considerable credit that he never lets the filmmaking overtake the understated storytelling.
- 70Village VoiceVillage VoiceSo tastefully subdued it makes Merchant Ivory look like Gaspar Noé. And while they never look bored, Smith and Dench are clearly slumming, having played these roles in other costume pics.
- 60The A.V. ClubTasha RobinsonThe A.V. ClubTasha RobinsonIt's important to go in knowing the central secret of the movie: Nothing exciting is going to happen. Ever. Armed with that knowledge, viewers should be able to settle down and enjoy the extremely low-key, melancholy character study that plays out between a handful of excellent actors.
- 60The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenThe cinematic equivalent of a visit from a cherished but increasingly dithery maiden aunt.
- 60TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghTV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghIts appeal lies in the powerhouse performances delivered by Dench and Smith.
- 30L.A. WeeklyScott FoundasL.A. WeeklyScott FoundasLadies in Lavender oscillates between scenes so relentlessly nice they make you want to scream and others - particularly those depicting the crush Dench develops on her new housemate - creepier than anything in "The Amityville Horror."