OK for kids 13+
Charming comedy about elderly opera singers fine for teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Quartet focuses on a retirement home for former opera singers and other professional musicians. With its older characters and mature themes, the movie isn't that likely to appeal to younger audiences, but if they're willing, there's nothing really inappropriate in it, save for a couple of uses of "f--k" and some suggestive humor (though no actual kissing or sex). A great choice for grandparents, parents, and teens to watch together, Quartet explores mature issues such as aging, fading talent, seeking forgiveness, and the importance of being passionate about the arts.
- 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?
The good stuff
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Messages: Not only will Quartet expose younger audiences to a musical style they might not be familiar with (opera/classical), but it will also make viewers of all ages think about what it must be like for renowned talents to age and for people to be passionate about the music they love. There are also themes of redemption, forgiveness, and true friendship.
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Role models: Wilf, Reggie, and Cissy are all fabulous friends who are unconditionally devoted to each other. Dr. Cogan seems to genuinely love her job, and she doesn't treat the seniors in her care as "charges" or "burdens." She's respectful to everyone and even lets Wilf's advances down amiably, not with any rancor or disgust. Jean shows how someone can ask for and receive forgiveness for past wrongdoings and move past their own narcissism to do what's best for someone else.
What to watch for
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Violence: Jean throws flowers and pushes Cissy, who subsequently falls and injures herself. An elderly man is shown being wheeled out on a stretcher.
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Sex: Wilf -- who's called a "naughty, naughty man" -- makes suggestive comments about the Beecham House's female staff members, particularly the beautiful head doctor. He jokes about an older man being like aged wine and "seasoned wood." Other sexual jokes are made using musical terminology. Two young staffers are caught in the woods, presumably fooling around, but when they surface, all disheveled, they claim they "weren't doing anything."
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Language: Two notable uses of "f--k." Other swear words include: "bitch," "twat," "t-ts," "sodding," "arse," "hell," "damn it, "bloody," "oh my God," and "for God's sake."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The "quartet" goes out to dinner and has a lot of wine to drink.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Sweet story by jjclemente
Love and romance know no age limits. Easy to like, clever dialogue, lush scenery and great casting. Nothing spectacular and nothing not to like. If you like the current collection of movies showcasing "elder" statemen and women (who doesn't like Maggie Smith?), you'll enjoy Quartet.
4
Quartet is a Charmer by donnahu
This is a nice feel-good flick, but very well acted and enjoyable. The music of course, is wonderful, and the chance to see a wonderful group of retired musicians actually playing and singing is great. The four main characters are excellent. I especially enjoyed Pauline Collins.
5
Quartet by wvbrierre
Thoroughly delightful. Beecham House is just the type of retirement community we would all like to move into when we get to be that age. If only we were all talented musicians.
5
Quartet is funny and charming by tonyhasit
Quartet is funny and charming. Even though I don't like opera, I do love music, and I appreciate the music throughout this movie. But the best part of this movie is it's humor.
5
Very moving by Classical_Music_Lover
I am a "senior musician," and I was very moved by this film The music is wonderful throughout, the setting is beautiful, and the story is "right on." The acting was superb, but reading the credits at the end was especially interesting - to learn about the musicians who performed in the film and where they were at the peak of their careers. They continue in their love and pursuit of great music. The young "rapper" and his classmates were wonderful - once again showing the impact that can be made with music education. Let's hear it for returning more music to our public schools! A wonderful movie that I'm telling my friends to see.
4
Charming - GREAT CAST! by ValkyrieNYC
Yes, of course I was going to see a film about aging opera singers, ESPECIALLY with the cast in this film. Seriously? Maggie Smith? Tom Courtenay? Pauline Collins? Michael Gambon? And Billy Connolly???? They are very simply wonderful, the dynamics are irresistable (as is Billy Connolly, but I've always had a thing for baritones, and he nails the type brilliantly). This is a charming, quiet film which deserves more attention. The music is wonderful, and although none of the actors are actually singers (with the wonderful exception of Dame Gwyneth Jones!), the director has handled that very well. I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves opera, great acting, and a good story.
5
Terrifically funny! by Silver_views
Superb cast of actors that give you their best in this hilarious look at aging opera stars. Treat yourself to a fun experience of the elderly perspective of themselves.
4
Quartet by Denver4106
Wishing there had been more actual music playing by the members of the musicians retirement home, and perhaps a bit more of the back stories of the principal players Quartet was, nonetheless, a pleasing, even uplighting, film about friends helping friends grow older, and about artistic temperament in all its varieties. Quite a novel treatment. I liked it.