Elsa & Fred

PG

Released Jun 27, 2008

1h 48m

Romance

Comedy

List

55%

Tomatometer

31 Reviews

92%

Audience Score

5,000+ Ratings

A fender bender on a Madrid street brings together 78-year-old Alfredo (Manuel Alexandre), a widowed hypochondriac, and Elsa (China Zorrilla), close in age to Alfredo but as free-spirited as he is uptight. The unlikely pair begin a late-life romance, with Elsa tempting the man she renames "Fred" into such acts of daring as ordering a hugely expensive meal at a restaurant and skipping out on the check. Alfredo in turn decides to make the one great wish of Elsa's life come true.

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Critics Consensus

Boosted by charming performances by the octogenarian leads, Elsa and Fred overcomes its schmaltzy premise to make for a satisfying romantic tale.

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Ty Burr

Boston Globe

Rated: 2/4

Nov 24, 2011

Full Review

Ben Kenigsberg

Time Out

Rated: 2/5

Nov 18, 2011

Full Review

Maitland McDonagh

Time Out

Rated: 3/5

Nov 17, 2011

Full Review

Stephen Schaefer

Boston Herald

Rated: B

Oct 18, 2008

Full Review

Peter Calder

New Zealand Herald

Shamelessly sentimental but beautifully handled story of septuagenarian love features two sublime lead performances.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 18, 2008

Full Review

Sarah Boslaugh

Playback:stl

Director Marcos Carnevale makes sure to get his ticket punched at every station in this journey through cinematic convention.

Rated: 5/10

Sep 19, 2008

Full Review

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Maria G

Yes, it is overly cheesy, but also fun and so entertaining. The actors are AMAZING, you laugh most of the movie. It may be my favorite love story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/30/22

Full Review

vivian m

I haven't stopped thinking about this wonderful movie. Regrettably the American version did not match up . Highly recommend, however regret not being able to find streaming allowing me to enjoy again....and again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

adorably grumpy old couple falling in love :) #hope

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Incredibly touching and sweet!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Elsa me estresaba jeje

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is a sweet and silly comedy. Emotional at times, funny at others, you really a good time.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

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Marcos Carnevale

Director

Manuel Alexandre

Fred

China Zorrilla

Elsa

Blanca Portillo

Cuca

Roberto Carnaghi

Gabriel

José Ángel Egido

Paco

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Synopsis

A fender bender on a Madrid street brings together 78-year-old Alfredo (Manuel Alexandre), a widowed hypochondriac, and Elsa (China Zorrilla), close in age to Alfredo but as free-spirited as he is uptight. The unlikely pair begin a late-life romance, with Elsa tempting the man she renames "Fred" into such acts of daring as ordering a hugely expensive meal at a restaurant and skipping out on the check. Alfredo in turn decides to make the one great wish of Elsa's life come true.

Director: Marcos Carnevale
Producer: José Antonio Félez
Screenwriter: Marcos Carnevale, Marcela Guerty, Lily Ann Martin
Distributor: Mitropoulos Films
Rating: PG (Some Mild Thematic Elements|Language)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 27, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 22, 2017
Runtime: 1h 48m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital