Title: Quartet
Director: Dustin Hoffman
Cast: Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins, Michael Gambon
98 Min./ UK / Comedy, Drama

Reviewed by: Sieto Kooijker

As a fan of British cinema I was surprised to see that the great American actor Dustin Hoffman delivered his debut as a director with this quintessentially British film. Dustin Hoffman has managed to find a stellar cast for his film. Great actors like Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay and Michael Gambon are involved, but also the screenwriter Ronald Harwood (The Pianist, The Diving Bell And The Butterfly and Australia) linked his name to this movie.

Beecham House is a home for retired musicians and opera singers. Many of them have made ​​a name in world famous operas and orchestras. Every year there is a benefit concert in honor of the birthday of Verdi. The proceeds of this concert go to Beecham House. The film begins with residents jointly preparing this Concert.

When Jean Horton (Maggie Smith) arrives at Beecham House as a new resident there is a lot of commotion. After many years the big quartet of British opera is complete again. How wonderful would it be if this quartet would sing at the benefit concert for the threatened with closure Beecham House. It would certainly bring in the necessary amount to avoid closure. Nevertheless. However it is not that easy to bring the four together again.

With Quartet Dustin Hoffman has an managed to deliver an excellent debut. Although the film is primarily carried by the fine acting, especially Maggie Smith and Tom Courtenay. The story is somewhat predictable, but it does not affect the quality of the film. In the credits it even becomes clear that many supporting roles in this film were played by former musicians. Quartet is a wonderful British feelgood drama full of beautiful music and beautiful people.

Rating: 4/5
Reviewed by: Sieto Kooijker