Ladies in Lavender

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Cast

Judi Dench
as Ursula

Maggie Smith
as Janet

Natascha McElhone
as Olga

Daniel Brühl
as Andrea

Miriam Margolyes
as Dorcas

Freddie Jones
as Jan Pandered

David Warner
as Dr. Mead

Toby Jones
as Hedley

Clive Russell
as Adam Penruddocke

Richard Pears
as Barry

Jack Callow

Tom Clarke Hill

Ian Marshall de Garnier
as Fisherman

Scott Hinds

Trevor Ray
as Very Old Man 1

John Boswell
as Very Old Man 2

Joanna Dickens
as Mrs. Pendered

Geoffrey Bayldon
as Mr. Penhaligan

Timothy Bateson
as Mr. Hallett

Rebecca Hulbert
as Fiance

Finty Williams
as Pretty Local Girl

Roger Booth
as Arthur

Jimmy Yuill
as Constable Timmins

Peter Cellier
as BBC Announcer

Alan Cox
as Obsequious Man

Gregor Henderson-Begg
as Luke Pendered

Joshua Bell
as Violin

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Critic Reviews for Ladies in Lavender

Audience Reviews for Ladies in Lavender

• Dec 25, 2011

  Excellent performances by the two Dames and Miriam Margolyes was hilarious as always. Every part she plays she seems to fit into perfectly. Anyone who ever had elderly aunts living together would see them reincarnated as Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. The interplay of the sisters' (Dench and Smith) personalities both within their household and with village characters and with their housekeeper was beautifully portrayed. It's true that some events are never explained fully, but I thought there was considerable psychological depth to the film. 'Ladies in Lavender', stars two stalwarts of British stage and screen, Maggie Smith and Judi Dench. They play sisters, Janet and Ursula, who live in a house on the cliffs in Cornwall. One night during a storm they discover a young man washed up on the beach below. Ensconced in their spare room, speaking no English, with a broken ankle he's the most exciting thing to happen in the women's lives in decades and Ursula develops a crush on him. Andrea who's played by Daniel Bruehl of Goodbye Lenin fame turns out to be a talented musician, stirring the interest of a German artist Olga (Natasha McElhone) who's staying nearby. The magnificent Cornish scenery should leave no doubt as to why people, artists especially have always been attracted there. The Cornish setting was breathtaking and the music glorious. The acting, the late 30's household setting, the village details, the music make this a superb story. This is not a film for teenagers. The emotional tenor of this film is absolutely haunting and exactly right for anyone of a certain maturity. It's a movie that explored in a subtle way themes of loss, love, ageing and that portrayed life and community from a bygone era. It's a very poignant and moving film. The flick gives a very lovely and sad insight into one woman's unfullfilled dreams of love and her grief. It was a delicate study about the denial of love which the two dames carried off superbly. The strength of this film was what was left unsaid -- there was enough given away to make one think about the deep emotions running just below the surface. Albeit the story has some holes in it, and is a bit cheesy at times but what is going on internally for Usrula (Dench) is protrayed subtely yet powerfully enough to carry the film.
  Cinema F Super Reviewer
• Mar 20, 2011

  'If music be the language of love, play on!' Absolutely beautiful film with superb acting and great photography...Who could be better than Dench and Smith...a treat to the eyes and a plus for acting. Both Judi Dench and Maggie Smith did excellent in portraying love and jealousy. It is amazing that by just one look on the face, you can tell how the characters are thinking.Superb fingering on the violin from an actor who, prior to this movie, had never touched one - you'd swear he was really playing. It is very strong in both story telling and in acting. The story telling is subtle by the acting is so direct. "Ladies in Lavender" draws me, captivates me and touches me. I think this film deserves a wider audience. Now that I've seen the film, I want to move to Cornwall and live between the pubs and the ocean dancing and dreaming all day.....
  Arianeta L Super Reviewer
• Aug 22, 2010

  It doesn't take us any effort to understand the genuine fascination created by the mysterious and handsome young man played by Daniel Brühl, but this unremarkable British drama is only worth it for the superb performances by Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.
  Carlos M Super Reviewer
• Sep 15, 2008

  yeh, it's kinda alright. it aint boring anyway. one of those feel good features. dench and smith are well... seasoned actresses and it's really needless to say how great they are... as they're sure to be in anything at all. the most engaging character was the fat old maid played by miriam margolyes. it's basic and obvious at times but has its charm
  Sanity Assassin ! Super Reviewer

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