A Late Quartet
User Score
8.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18

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  1. makrtik2
    Nov 14, 2012
    9
    A rare film, an ensemble cast (nearly every performance stood out in sharp relief) brings the life of a quartet fading into age, ill health, and the convoluted relationships that are the fabric, ruin, and making of people and the intense musical conversations that evolve over decades of making music together. There were standout performances by Philip Seymour Hoffman, Christopher Walken and Catherine Keener. This is a small film, yet with a richness that belies it's lack of an adequate advertising budget, and which stands out singularly against the tide of popcorn sequels and violent mush. This film ought to see several oscar nominations, but will likely be overlooked.. See it while you can, it is a dying breed of film, that focuses on quality of portrayal, character development, and an keen honesty that leaves you entertained, and like good poetry... with a razor sharp grasp of the intimate relationships that are the musical world of quartets.… Expand
  2. drchoc
    Nov 11, 2012
    10
    This is a terrific film. It is well-written and directed by one of the screenwriters (Zilberman). The acting is superb, especially by Seymour and Walken. It is a story of relationships, starting with individual needs and desires and strengths and weaknesses, but all held together when they are one in a string quartet. It demonstrates the individuality of four people who are then welded together to produce a great unit producing lovely music. The whole cannot function without the individuals, a microcosm of society in general. The story begins with the deterioration of Walken who is the glue that holds them all together, and then the unit falls further apart only to come together at the end in a great final scene. This film will not receive thenumber of viewers it should, which will be a great loss for those who do not see it, and a great film for those who do.… Expand
  3. NightReviews
    Jan 8, 2013
    9
    As the film opens and the four members of the renown, Manhattan based Fugue string-quartet grace their humble audience and stage, they slowly bow
  4. NoirAlley
    Nov 13, 2012
    10
    One of the best of the year, with possible Oscar nods for Walken Hoffman, Keener and Poots. The story was varied and fascinating and it nicely gave time to each character's struggle. Exciting shots of NYC, great music, and nice work by the cast to make us believe they were really playing.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Empire
    Reviewed by: Angie Errigo
    Apr 1, 2013
    60
    Measured performances from the seasoned cast balance out a script that errs towards the melodramatic. Hours sweating over those instruments pay dividends too.
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  2. Total Film
    Reviewed by: Neil Smith
    Mar 25, 2013
    80
    The leads make sweet music in an affecting four-piece that, if not note perfect, plays well to their individual strengths. A marked improvement overall on this year’s other Quartet.
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  3. New Orleans Times-Picayune
    Reviewed by: Mike Scott
    Dec 14, 2012
    60
    The sort of movie you should go see with someone you love. You should also hold their hand during the movie. And be thankful that that hand is there.
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