Ladies in Lavender

Seattle Post-Intelligencer William Arnold

This is the most impressive directing debut by a "name" British actor in a long, long time.

The New Republic Stanley Kauffmann

The film is old-fashioned because it exists. No one, to use an ever-dubious line, makes films like this anymore.

Washington Post Michael O'Sullivan

The film is a small study in the dignity of letting go.

Variety Jay Weissberg

Full of delightful moments that throw into high relief the actors' craft.

Los Angeles Times Kevin Thomas

It is a pleasure from start to finish.

Christian Science Monitor David Sterritt

Dance's directorial debut isn't exciting, but it's deeply felt and engagingly acted. Why doesn't he take more advantage of the story's opportunities for fine music, though?

Portland Oregonian Marc Mohan

For his directorial debut, British actor Charles Dance tackles such familiar English themes as repressed desire and an arm's-length fascination with foreigners. Luckily for the slight story, he has recruited two of the most effortlessly brilliant grande dames of British film.

Charlotte Observer Lawrence Toppman

The unspoken heroes of the project are cinematographer Peter Biziou, who finds all the beauty in Cornwall's landscapes, and U.S. violinist Joshua Bell, who extracts beauty without schmaltz from every violin solo.

Philadelphia Inquirer Steven Rea

A wistful little thing about regret, jealousy and love.

Washington Post Ann Hornaday

A poignant portrait of one woman who has loved and lost, and another who never had a love to lose.

Village Voice David Ng

So tastefully subdued it makes Merchant Ivory look like Gaspar Noé. And while they never look bored, Smith and Dench are clearly slumming, having played these roles in other costume pics.

Film Threat James Wegg

Charles Dance's début feature is an impressive achievement.

The Hollywood Reporter Michael Rechtshaffen

It is to Dance's considerable credit that he never lets the filmmaking overtake the understated storytelling.

Salon.com Stephanie Zacharek

The sort of small, independent-minded picture that so much of American indie cinema strives, and often fails, to give us. It's a conventional picture, but it feels so deeply alive that it's practically a novelty.

Dallas Observer Melissa Levine

The film is rich with real feeling. And Dench's performance is a heartbreaker.

Chicago Reader J.R. Jones

This movie will hardly set the world on fire, but it's a worthy vehicle for the two old troopers; Smith has the stiffest upper lip in the business, and Dench is heartrending as the naive, lovelorn sister.

Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum

His (Charles Dance) cinematic style mixes the scent of mothballs with that of the lavender in which these ladies are preserved.

New York Daily News Elizabeth Weitzman

Ultimately, Dance is unable to connect the many threads of his rather flimsy script, leading to an abrupt and somewhat unsatisfying conclusion. But the journey is worth taking, thanks to the company of its stars.

Miami Herald Marta Barber

Doesn't stretch beyond the typical, period drama the Brits do so well. It is no more than a warm cup of tea on a chilly afternoon. The reward comes in seeing these two great actresses at work.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Jennie Punter

May be a slight film, but watching the Dames work in harmony in beautiful nuanced performances is a rich and fully satisfying reward.

TV Guide Maitland McDonagh

Its appeal lies in the powerhouse performances delivered by Dench and Smith.

The Onion (A.V. Club) Tasha Robinson

It's important to go in knowing the central secret of the movie: Nothing exciting is going to happen. Ever. Armed with that knowledge, viewers should be able to settle down and enjoy the extremely low-key, melancholy character study that plays out between a handful of excellent actors.

The New York Times Stephen Holden

The cinematic equivalent of a visit from a cherished but increasingly dithery maiden aunt.

New York Post Lou Lumenick

Well-acted but a bit creaky.

Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

Perfectly sweet and civilized.

San Francisco Chronicle Ruthe Stein

The material obviously had to be stretched to fill the big screen for almost two hours.

Boston Globe Ty Burr

Likably played by Bruhl, the castaway remains more dramatic device than living, breathing character. And without him truly being there, Dench and Smith are just volleying an imaginary ping-pong ball between them. That's not acting -- that's exercise.

Austin Chronicle Steve Davis

Any film in which grande dames Maggie Smith and Judi Dench share the screen is one worth seeing, if only to marvel at their deft skills in the art of acting.

LA Weekly Scott Foundas

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."