Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Thank you Mr. Ireland for not only making a movie that is intelligent, but one that the American ear can understand. I cannot even begin to describe how frustrating it is to try to watch a movie, even American-made, where it's mostly mumbling, or English accents that are difficult to understand. What we have here is a movie for adults, and one that does not make the viewer go HUH? at the end. No special effects are needed, or mad car crashes, or violence to tell the story. Just a good story and script and actors who can actually act and not have to rely on a computer to make the movie a success. Not to say that a younger person would find this movie boring. The story is simple and plausible, and in its simplicity is beauty. An elderly widow moves to London in order to be closer to her family, which like most families, tend to want to forget about their aging relatives and do their best to avoid them as much as possible. The movie makes a wonderful point about how sad and lonely aging can be, and what is particularly sad is the place where Mrs. Palfrey ends up. The scenes in the dining room are some of the best. Why is it that there are assigned tables and that no one takes it upon themselves to sit with someone else, even if they do not speak to one another, so that no one is eating alone? It is a reminder of how lonely life can be. Surrounded by people but lonely, unwanted and unappreciated. Then an accident occurs that brings a young man into Mrs. Palfrey's life, and somehow life seems worth living again and is not so lonely. There is something to look forward to, even if it's just reliving one's memories. What is especially good about this movie is that every actor does a superb job, even if the part is minor. Joan Plowright, as Mrs. Palfrey, is wonderful, as usual. What happens in a lot of movies with an outstanding actor is that the other actors seem to pale in comparison. Not so in this movie. Rupert Friend is perfect as the "adopted" grandson and I hope to see the 2 of them together in other projects.

"Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont" is perfect for Joan Plowright. Directed by Dan Ireland, the film is based on one of Elizabeth Taylor's brilliant novels.Mrs. Palfrey is a woman of limited independent finances who decides to spend her declining years in a seen better days London hotel.The hotel is home to many older women and men of her ilk - retired and retiring but who want to maintain their interests in culture and cuisine and a discreet curiosity in each other.Mrs. Palfrey meets Ludo, a young busker/writer when she falls on the sidewalk in front of his apartment. Mrs. Palfrey has a grandson, Desmond, who proves to be not as attentive as she had hoped and after a short acquaintance with Ludo along with the misunderstanding of the guests at the Claremont, she decides he can play the role of her grandson magnificently.Their friendship transcends the yawning gape of years between them, a few of the books points were dropped or changed, but I could understand this as it enhanced the movie treatment admirably.Joan Plowright, always a joy, has the time her life in this meaty role. I applaud the producers of this film, it sings from beginning to end even though it would have a limited audience.Rupert Friend is a most attractive Ludo and holds his own with Dame Joan. Zoe Tapper has a minor role as Gwendolyn, the girl he meets at the video store when they are both after the rental of the one copy of "Brief Encounter", which is Mrs. Palfrey's favorite movie. Anna Massey (daughter of Raymond) and Millicent Martin amongst others shine in minor roles.9 out of 10.

My wife and I enjoyed this movie, very warmth and very sensitive to the needs of the elderly. Modern society has lost the sense of the extended family and with it we have lost the wisdom and love that our elderly citizens can provide to society. The acting was very good and the film score a pleasure to listen to. The director needs to be commended for not allowing this film to become a caricature of the elderly, but to bring realism to the problems of growing old and alone.I would suggest that you see this movie with your children and discuss their feelings afterward. It should prove interesting to hear their comments.We recommend this movie for the whole family.

I watched this movie simply because Joan Plowright was the lead. I actually had no idea what the movie was about. I was enthralled immediately, especially when I saw the cast surrounding Ms. Plowright. All seasoned and wonderful actors that helped make this movie more than a bit of fluff. This will probably not appeal to Action/Adventure addicts or most men, but it was a wonderful little movie. The friendship and love that develop between Mrs. Palfry and Ludo is believable because both people needed each other at that time. I know that young men can be that kind and caring. While in London a week ago I had taken the underground to Gloucester Rd. from Heathrow. My friend and I both had 50 lb. suitcases with us and we are both women over 60. As we turned the corner and saw the steps we had to climb to reach the street, a young man of around 25 was on his way down. He saw us struggling, picked up our suitcases, one in each hand and carried them up both flights of stairs!! We tried to pay him and all he said was, "Just enjoy the rest of your visit to London ladies". So there really are young, handsome men that don't knock you over in their haste to get somewhere. The young man in the movie went to Mrs. Palfry's aid in almost the same fashion.This movie is definitely sentimental, but not in a cloying, unctuous way. I enjoyed it thoroughly.