Ladies in Lavender

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Ladies in Lavender

PG-13

Released Apr 29, 2005

1h 43m

Drama

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

64%

Tomatometer

90 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Aging spinster sisters Ursula (Judi Dench) and Janet (Maggie Smith) discover a young man (Daniel Brühl) near death on the beach by their home in a small Cornish fishing village. Taking him in, they discover that he is Andrea, a violinist from Krakow, Poland, who had been swept off an ocean liner on which he was sailing to a fresh start in America. Although Ursula feels an unfamiliar spark of infatuation for the handsome young musician, propriety suggests the attraction must remain unspoken.

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Critics Consensus

A charming, if slight, period drama that quietly showcases fine performances by its two stars.

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Empire Magazine

Rated: 3/5

Apr 1, 2006

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Steve Davis

Austin Chronicle

Rated: 2/5

Jul 5, 2005

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Eleanor Ringel Cater

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A fascinating and involving chamber piece for two superb actresses.

Rated: B

Jun 4, 2005

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Kat Halstead

Common Sense Media

The two Dames at the heart of the movie could hold viewers' attention making tea, and it's their performances that elevate what is otherwise a consistent, but not particularly memorable production.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 2, 2021

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Mattie Lucas

The Dispatch (Lexington, NC)

Gives two of the cinema's greatest grande dames a chance to show off their enormous talents.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 5, 2019

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Jim Lane

Sacramento News & Review

Rated: 3/5

Aug 7, 2008

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Colo K

While a bit slow moving the basis for the story was actually quite Devine! Actual movie critics don’t give this a good rating but I believe the writing, acting, and overall storyline was Fabulous! Yes, it moves along at a slower pace but it’s the Underlying story as well as the tremendous acting history that weaves an intriguing movie. I thought it was well created, had the acting power of 2 tremendous ladies, and a story of a bygone era we must not forget. IF you’re looking for something with a good story, a bit mysterious, an era of long ago war time, and woven brilliantly, then This Is the movie for you! It’s not the Marvel universe for sure, nor the 007 action pack, but a story of love for a talented human, sisters who love each other but are nothing alike, and set in the deep coastal countryside of long along England…. This IS the right movie to watch! Relax and enjoy!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/23/25

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Anna J

I love this movie! It's a great story and Maggie Smith and Judi Dench are absolutely amazing. It's a joy to watch them. How they tried to speak German was so funny.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/28/24

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Alexandra H

I very much enjoyed this film. The beauty of nature and community life in the English countryside shines through everything. Both Judi Dench and Maggie Smith are superb and enjoyable to watch. The violin music is lovely. Altogether, an engaging and pleasant watch.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/28/24

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Cornel P

Nice Story, great Entertainment, brillantly playing Dench and Smith. Those WHO think that only a problematic subject IS good for entertainment, are proven wrong with THIS charming movie...because ITS NEVER boring!💪

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/15/23

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fer b

I absolutely loved this movie. There is a message in it many people nowadays need to hear. There is a natural and unnatural way of things. Trying to manipulate nature and reality to fit an unnatural outcome could have horrendous consequences. In the end all the characters fall in place as they should and natural balanced is achieved. There is pain and sorrow in the human cycle of life but it all makes sense in the end when you are able to take a step back and embrace nature.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

Beautifully filmed and touching. There are plot issues, but still very much worth the watch for the acting and scenery alone.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/21

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Charles Dance

Director

Judi Dench

Ursula Widdington

Maggie Smith

Janet Widdington

Daniel Brühl

Andrea Marowski

Miriam Margolyes

Dorcas

Natascha McElhone

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Synopsis

Aging spinster sisters Ursula (Judi Dench) and Janet (Maggie Smith) discover a young man (Daniel Brühl) near death on the beach by their home in a small Cornish fishing village. Taking him in, they discover that he is Andrea, a violinist from Krakow, Poland, who had been swept off an ocean liner on which he was sailing to a fresh start in America. Although Ursula feels an unfamiliar spark of infatuation for the handsome young musician, propriety suggests the attraction must remain unspoken.

Director: Charles Dance
Producer: Nicolas Brown, Elizabeth Karlsen, Nik Powell
Screenwriter: Charles Dance
Distributor: IDP Distribution
Production Co: Scala Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Brief Strong Language)
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 29, 2005, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 15, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $6.8M
Runtime: 1h 43m

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