Ladies in Lavender.
Metascore
61 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
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  1. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Scott Foundas
    30
    Ladies 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."

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. TECfilms
    9
    Great performances of both the two "Grandes Dames" of acting, Maggie Smith and Dame Judi Dench, and German newcomer Daniel Brühl and Star-Trek-star David Warner. A musical drama film with great emotions and music, some lacks in story but outstanding performances of the actors.… Full Review »
  2. SaleriaJ.
    8
    A lovely, charming film with exceptional acting. It's meant to be a fairy tale and not analyzed to death. Just a wonderful, heartwarming confection. Dame Judi, once again, proves she's one of the greatest living actors of our day.… Full Review »
  3. MichaelP.
    5
    I'd have to agree with most of the positive reviews...with one exception. There was a hole in the plot larger than the colossal multiplex screen on which I saw this film. Namely, the teenage boy seems to come from nowhere, apparently with zero background, family, or any other history. Furthermore, neither of the sisters is remotely interested in where he comes from or where he was going or are concerned that his family might be sick with worry about his whereabouts and safety--apparently, just learning that he is Polish satisfies them in all such matters (oddly). There is no concern about the wrecked ship that he supposedly came from, no concern about the fate of the other passengers--nothing. In short, these characters do not behave in a realistic way. It bugged me for the first half of the film, and I heard other people in the audience complaining about it when I left the theater. I'm all for artsy films that explore elements of human nature that are rarely touched upon (like an older woman falling madly in love with a boy young enough to be her grandson--very well done here), but I believe that it's still possible to stick to the basics of good storytelling when making this kind of film. Without the fatal flaw--which, sadly, would have been easy to fix in the script--I would have given the film a high score.… Full Review »
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