Quartet (2013)

All Critics (120) | Top Critics (36) | Fresh (95) | Rotten (25)

The first thing to note is that Hoffman has apparently had a grand time working with these professionals, all of whom as residents of the home are splendid.

February 7, 2013 Full Review

Stanley Kauffmann

The New Republic

Top Critic

"Quartet" is one of those movies that looks so effortless, it's easy to forget just how much could have gone wrong.

January 25, 2013 Full Review

Ann Hornaday

Washington Post

Top Critic

'Quartet" is a lovely little charm bracelet of a film, a fairy tale for the geriatric set blessed with a wonderful cast and a carry-on attitude.

January 25, 2013 Full Review

Tom Long

Detroit News

Top Critic

Hoffman, in his directorial debut, has crafted a hopeful movie with a warm atmosphere, but one that's realistic, too.

January 24, 2013 Full Review

Mick LaSalle

San Francisco Chronicle

Top Critic

The premise may sound insufferable, but this light comedy about a nursing home for retired classical musicians isn't half-bad.

January 24, 2013 Full Review

Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

Top Critic

Whatever his imprint on the film might be, it's overshadowed by the performances of its stellar, veteran cast, to whom Hoffman wisely gives ample rein.

January 24, 2013 Full Review

Kristin Tillotson

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Top Critic

A quick and charming story of late life revival so surprisingly lithe you'd hardly believe it was a directorial debut.

March 18, 2013 Full Review

Sara Maria Vizcarrondo

Movies With Butter

Dustin Hoffman, directing a film for the first time, gives us a film as comfortable as an old stuffed chair.

February 21, 2013 Full Review

Mark R. Leeper

Mark Leeper's Reviews

The point isn't that Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut suffers in comparison with other films about old age, such as Amour. The point is that it's so spectacularly silly and sentimental, it simply suffers in comparison with other films.

February 20, 2013 Full Review

Rick Kisonak

Film Threat

After Quartet, actor/director Dustin Hoffman should never direct again. Perfection like this cannot be repeated, and from here, everything is downhill.

February 15, 2013 Full Review

Gary Wolcott

Tri-City Herald

As the film's characters are reaching the end of their lives, loose ends will be tied and soul searching will be done. Hoffman gracefully orchestrates the story's emotional arc. Quartet is a lovely late-career surprise from a master actor.

February 15, 2013 Full Review

John Wirt

Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)

Unfolds with a respectable, well-heeled polish, seeming to believe that its admittedly wonderful cast lends it an automatic sophistication which inoculates it against charges of tedium.

February 7, 2013 Full Review

Brent Simon

Shockya.com

At 75, Dustin Hoffman makes his directorial debut with 'Quartet' and demonstrates some real promise if the acting thing doesn't work out.

February 1, 2013 Full Review

Dan Lybarger

KC Active

Plays nice -- too nice

February 1, 2013 Full Review

Robert Denerstein

Movie Habit

Though sweet of demeanor, Dustin Hoffman's directoral debut is purely lightweight stuff, built around a flimsy plot and obvious choices every step of the way.

February 1, 2013 Full Review

Mike Scott

Times-Picayune

"Quartet" asks the musical question, "Is there such a thing as too much Maggie Smith?" and answers it with a resounding "No."

January 31, 2013 Full Review

Duane Dudek

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The film is quiet and personal, as are others based on Harwood's work ("The Dresser," "Taking Sides") and that trait is enforced by Hoffman's straightforward and unforced direction.

January 27, 2013 Full Review

Michael A. Smith

MediaMikes

Unlike the devastating portrait of aging in Michael Haneke's Amour, Quartet favors cheeky over honest.

January 26, 2013 Full Review

Matt Pais

RedEye

While 'Quartet' seems to be part of a double feature with 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,' it does lack 'Exotic's' breadth of characterizations and humor.

January 25, 2013 Full Review

Steve Crum

Video-Reviewmaster.com

Of course, let's take care not to oversell this piece, which is the sort of genteel art-house offering that will thrill older audiences but seems unlikely to break out with those who don't know Downton Abbey from Howards End.

January 25, 2013 Full Review

Matt Brunson

Creative Loafing

Charming, funny, and sentimental, the film is exactly what you expect it to be, but very satisfying in achieving that goal.

January 25, 2013 Full Review

Louis Black

Austin Chronicle

'Quartet' is one of the best movies you'll ever see about old age and while it does wind up as a celebration of life it doesn't flinch when dealing with some of the unpleasant realities of growing older.

January 25, 2013 Full Review

Mathew DeKinder

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Coasts on the charm of its performers, the gloss of the visuals (the cinematography by John de Borman keeps us alert to Hedsor House's loveliness) and the genteel fantasy of its oh-so-civilized setting.

January 25, 2013 Full Review

John Beifuss

Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)

• 1. Jean: You must understand, I was someone once.
  – Submitted by Christine H (3 months ago)
• 1. Dr. Lucy Cogan: We have the chair lift, which will be much easier for you.
  2. Jean: What do I do when I get to the top, ski down?
  – Submitted by Thomas R (4 months ago)
• 1. Dr. Lucy Cogan: The room has a beautiful suite in what we call the B-room.
  2. Jean: Sounds like a prison.
  – Submitted by Thomas R (4 months ago)
• 1. Jean: Are you telling me to go home and smell the roses?
  – Submitted by Chris P (4 months ago)
• 1. Jean: You must understand, I was someone once.
  – Submitted by Chris P (4 months ago)