Unfinished Song (2012) User Reviews

Good Grief!

[davidgee · 8/10 · 27 February 2013]

How did they pitch this? QUARTET meets CALENDAR GIRLS? Vanessa Redgrave plays a Senior Citizen (in the north of England) dying from cancer who somehow finds the strength to sing with a local choir of fellow OAPs. Her grumpy old git of a husband (Terence Stamp) wants her to stay home and greet the Grim Reaper while he (Arthur) tenderly cares for her, but - guess what? The sub-plot involving Arthur and his estranged son (Christopher Eccleston) is over-familiar but also touching - he even has a cute smarty-pants daughter cloned from Shirley Temple.

OK, this is a very predictable story which shamelessly milks tears from the audience, but there is some pleasing humour as well as the somewhat heavy-handed tragedy. The performances - what did you expect from Redgrave and Stamp? - are nothing less than stellar. I see nominations for BAFTAs and maybe even next year's Oscars. Stamp gives perfectly judged grief. Gemma Arterton is excellent as the choir-mistress with an unhappy love life and it's a joy to see Anne Reid in the chorus line. All the supporting cast of yesteryear character players are splendid, as they were in QUARTET. Pensioner power is beginning to have an impact at the box office - about time too!

This is lightweight entertainment pitched at the Grey Pound and it is outrageously mawkish, but it sets out to warm the stoniest of hearts and it certainly warmed mine.

You'll be walking out of the cinema with a warm smile on your face.

[tomfoster-2 · 8/10 · 8 March 2013]

In his directorial debut Paul Andrew Williams gave us an impressive, gritty and bleak crime film, London to Brighton – a film shot in just 19 days on a budget of £19,000. In his latest work he goes on the complete other end of the spectrum to deliver us a heart-warming comedy-drama, Song for Marion. When looking at its exterior, most would easily jump to labeling it a sentimental film which it's one motive is to get you blubbering. It certainly succeeds in getting you to shed tears, but this is through the film's well developed relationships between the characters, especially that of Marion (Vanessa Redgrave) and Arthur (Terence Stamp). Marion is terminally ill and is cared for by her grumpy husband, Arthur – he reluctantly helps fulfil her wishes to attend local OAP choir sessions headed by a young music teacher, Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton). But of course as Marion's health begins to fade, Arthur finds himself becoming more and more desperate about the inevitable prospect of being alone without his beloved wife. This prompts him to become more involved in the choir's sessions, which builds up to the group's entry into a national choir competition – a beat very much in the vein of the 1996 film, Brassed Off.

The on-screen chemistry between Redgrave and Stamp is heart-wrenching; it's hard to fight back those tears as the two comfort one another during Marion's final months. But it's when Arthur finally confesses to Marion that he's scared about being without her that I finally let the tears subside – it's just beautiful stuff. Redgrave's singing performance of True Colours and Stamp's final belting delivery of Goodnight My Darling will also leave you and the theatre audience in a quiver of snivels. But on the side there is very funny and touching moments with the choir themselves which mix in well to not make you an emotional wreck for the majority of the film. Christopher Eccleston is effective on the sidelines as Arthur and Marion's son who struggles to bond with his stone-walled father. I felt Eccleston was slightly underused, but nonetheless enjoyable in the scenes he had; meanwhile Arterton is sweet and caring as Elizabeth, who tries hard to break down Arthur's cold exterior in order to get him involved with the choir.

This is a splendid British picture – Paul Andrew Williams proves here that he can tackle pretty much any genre, and if you take a look at his other genre films, you'll see that the man certainly has the knack – He's done horror, crime and now a beautiful British comedy-drama. The performances are splendid, the comedic and teary moments are balanced perfectly – but ultimately what makes the film work is that it doesn't try to break you down into an emotional wreck, it merely presents its characters in situations; bonding, caring and helping one another through the tough times. This is the kind of British film we need more of – you'll be walking out of the cinema with a warm smile on your face.

Please see this movie!

[Erica_li_7 · 8/10 · 11 February 2013]

I was lucky enough to have free tickets for the preview screening. To be honest, if it wasn't for free, this movie would not have been a movie that I would choose to pay to watch. I am 24 and I don't think I would be interested in watching a movie starring with some oldies but I was totally wrong and I am so glad that I had gone to watch this movie. AND I WILL PAY TO WATCH THIS AGAIN!

This movie has a very simple storyline, but this story relates to all of us somehow. Many of us have had loved one(s) passed away and surely the hardship and grievance that Arthur has been through is not new to us. And the troubled relationship between the father and son.

It is this simple story with just good acting. It will make you cry! Not because of sadness but because of love. I don't see many people without a tissue wiping their eyes and noses during the movie. And this is what good movie does to you!

Please go and see this movie. You wont regret it.

Beautifully directed film...

[christine-705-717153 · 10 July 2013]

It's another movie about old people, (there have been so many recently) with an amazing cast and a storyline that tugs at the heartstrings and makes terrible faults bearable. Yep, Unfinished Song (released in the UK as Song for Marion) is a must-see, a nostalgic look back at a life we all share, filled with successes and regrets, that in the end is filled with the gray we all have in our own lives.

When we left the movie, my cousin Gary, a man of few words, indicated that he hadn't loved it. "It took me on too many rides," he said. "Happy, sad, mad, up and down, over and over. It was too much." The stories of our lives are sometimes too much, and the three months or so that we travel during Unfinished Song is a roller-coaster through all of it: missteps, loss, laughter, success. Gary's right, it's tough to take. But it's worth the ride. Just don't make plans for after you see it.

And the acting. Oh my God, the acting.

What is there to say about Vanessa Redgrave that hasn't been said? I think I've found something. Her body is old. Really old. And she wore it unabashedly, exposing herself and her oldness without one ounce of self- consciousness — unlike my friends and I, who find ourselves embarrassed to be aging around one another. I admire her. I am grateful for the lesson. Watch her in the opening scene, when she is singing with her choir-mates. Watch her body move, and ask yourself if you would let yours do the same in public.

Terrance Stamp. Who knew sir? Well done. Vanessa is not the star; you are. You embody all the qualities of that sons-of-WWII generation, who never quite learned to wear your feelings on your sleeves, let alone utter a word that might make you vulnerable. And you can sing? You should get kudos for this performance, although you won't because no movies that play in June and July ever do. I will give you an award, however, and I hope to see you at the Globes and the Academy Awards next February.

Billy Joel wrote "Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)" a lovely lullaby for his daughter, Alexa, which I downloaded and listened to years and years ago. It's the song our Arthur sings to his departed wife, about their departed life, and I love that song more now than I did then. Listen to it. Listen to the words and dare to hope that you might have someone you would like to sing it to.

Unfinished Song is a movie that has music, not to be confused with a musical. And if you want to cry, or you want to think about what you might want to fix now rather than waiting until later, take a trip to the theater and watch this beautifully directed film.

A simple film that doesn't pretend to be something it isn't

[LetwitJr · 6/10 · 17 September 2012]

This film was the closing night gala of the Toronto International Film Festival. It seems most of those were forgotten in past years but I hope this one gets more attention.

The story is quite simple, a grumpy old man finds the love of his life dying from cancer. She is in a local choir, lead by a joyful young woman. But the man, Terrence Stamp, wants nothing to do with it. The film is somewhat stereotypical and he's the old man you'd expect to see, seemingly allergic to anything remotely close to happiness, unless it has to do with his wife. Even his own son doesn't seem to bring him joy. But as the film goes on, of course, he will find that there are things in life that make it worth living, and that accepting people in your life will make it worth all better.

I wish I could give this a 6.5. The movie isn't the greatest comedy of all time, but it's light and it's fun. The elderly people in the choir are cute but it seems they all happen to be really weird and want to dress up as rappers and sing about sex. Yes, you know how it ends. It could only end one way and you see it coming from the opening scenes.

The film could have been better, had it not been so typical. It could have been quite good, if the movie had explored the themes it barely grazed in the film, such as Stamp's relationship with his son. The film teaches you that it's never too late to make things right. But I'm thinking for some elements in this film it may have been.

The actors were good, I wish we'd seen more of Vanessa Redgrave but Terrence Stamp upheld the film from beginning to end and I thin it would have been a lot worse without him as the lead role. I guess he learnt to sing for the film and he was quite good, but if the movie hadn't stayed at the surface of the themes it explored, it might have made for a more touching ending.

Song for Marion won't blow you away by its originality. But if you can get past that, it can still make for an enjoyable film. Keep it for a rainy day and don't expect anything it doesn't promise.

Touching Variation on a Familiar Theme

[l_rawjalaurence · 7/10 · 15 November 2015]

Don't go looking for originality in Paul Andrew Williams's film. The plot recycles a familiar thematic chestnut: a curmudgeonly pensioner Arthur (Terence Stamp) resents his wife Marion's (Vanessa Redgrave's) participation in a pensioners' choir, especially as she is dying from cancer. When she passes away, Arthur shuts himself away from everyone, but with the encouragement of choir-master Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton), he rediscovers his ability to sing. The choir make it through to the finals of a competition, but they are about to be excluded on the grounds of being a laughing-stock compared to the other, more sophisticated entrants. Arthur makes a last-minute entrance, strides on to the stage, sings a song accompanied by the choir, and they end up finishing third.

More recent variations on this story have included ONE CHANCE, the story of BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT winner Paul Potts with James Corden (2014). In Williams's film the two protagonists don't have to do much other than provide contrasting characterizations: the perpetually scowling Stamp set against the more optimistically inclined Marion. There is one memorable sequence where she refuses to talk to him unless he accedes to her wishes.

What makes the film touching is the way in which Williams handles his subject-matter. He does not shy away from the idea that cancer is a killer; however much we like to pretend otherwise, Marion's death is imminent. Having one's partner cruelly taken away after years of happy marriage is traumatic, as it proves for Arthur - especially as he cannot seem to get on with his son James (Christopher Eccleston). A group of OAPs in a choir singing Motorhead might seem incongruous, but the experience gives them a renewed belief in life.

The film makes some telling visual contrasts between the prison-like suburban life Arthur follows, and the beauties of the sky above. As he watches the sun rise and set, he understands how there are far more important things in life than sitting in the house. Marion looks down upon him from the heavens; and it's his duty to honor her.

It's a cliché to say that films like this are life-enhancing, but A SONG FOR MARION proves the truth of this statement.

Fun, Funny and a Fresh Style

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 12 September 2013]

Grumpy pensioner Arthur (Terence Stamp) honors his recently deceased wife (Vanessa Redgrave)'s passion for performing by joining the unconventional local choir to which she used to belong, a process that helps him build bridges with his estranged son, James (Chris Eccleston).

The director, Paul Andrew Williams, made a name for himself in darker territory -- the wildly successful horror comedy "The Cottage" and the gritty home invasion story of "Cherry Tree Lane". The latter is so nasty that it left me (a hardened horror fan) squirming in my seat because of its realistic approach to the subject matter.

With that background, Williams is just about the last person I would have expected to take on a heartwarming tale of curmudgeon and his wife's elderly singing troupe. And yet, he weaves everything together expertly. I smiled quite a bit (I rarely laugh). I was captivated. And what seemed like a pretty lame story from the plot was actually rather entertaining and the characters were people I could identify with.

Really, though, the core of this film that separates it from others is the group of old folks singing rock and hip-hop songs. Maybe the joke is not completely new (Betty White has been pushing the envelope for a decade) but how can you argue with crotchety old fogies thrusting to Salt N Pepa and Motorhead? Definitely worth checking out, and fairly appropriate for the whole family.

Honestly the Best Film I Have Ever Watched!

[bethany-lewis · 10/10 · 2 February 2013]

I am 16 years old and therefore someone who should typically prefer Pitch Perfect to a movie starring pensioners. And I loved Pitch Perfect. But Pitch Perfect only made me laugh. Not cry. I prefer movies that do both. And this film was one of those. One minute I was roaring with laughter and the next my mum rushed into the room wondering if I'd broken my ankle. This is probably the most fantastic movies of all time, and certainly the most underrated. A story about family, living life to the full and trying out something new -- life might just surprise you. I now feel so much better about life -- I know not to get anything for granted, particularly life, and even if people laugh at me, so what if they're laughing at me for doing something I enjoy? Great acting from Terence Stamp, Vanessa Redgrave, Christopher Eccleston and Gemma Arterton. Other members of cast portrayed convincing characters too.

So if you haven't seen this movie, I recommend you watch it now. If you're 45, ask a 12 year old and a 90 year old to watch it too...I'm sure it'll be smiles all round.

While not particularly believable, it is entertaining.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 16 March 2015]

Marion and Arthur are an oddly matched couple. Marion (Vanessa Redgrave) is a sweet old lady and Arthur (Terence Stamp) is a nasty and thoroughly unlikable old misanthrope. Marion is also dying from cancer. However, this isn't destroying her spirit and she spends what time she has left singing with a senior center choir. As for Arthur, he's very sad she's dying, as he does love her but he shows absolutely no love for anyone or anything else.

When Marion dies, Arthur is understandably lost and alone by his own choice and actions. However, the leader of the choir, Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton) makes an effort to try to connect with this old jerk. Eventually, she does and after a while she even gets him to come to choir practice. But he's still proud and a grouch. So what's next?

The film is enjoyable and it's a two or three Kleenex sort of film. However, based on my own personal experience with family and as a psychotherapist, Arthur's change came way too fast and it was hard to believe a 70-something old man would that suddenly stop being the creep he was his entire life. I think the film would have been more memorable and effective had the change been much slower in coming. But, if you can ignore this, it is a nice film. By the way, I noticed that the summary called this movie 'hilarious'. Whoever wrote that has a very sick sense of what's hilarious!!! It's mildly funny in parts but is really NOT a comedy.

A small film with a big heart

[neil-476 · 8/10 · 1 March 2013]

Grumpy old Arthur (Terence Stamp) takes terminal cancer sufferer wife Marion (Vanessa Redgrave) to weekly practice at her pensioner choir even though he has little patience for it. But after Marion's death he feels strangely drawn to it...

Carefully sold in the trailer as Britain's latest geriatric comedy, this is not a comedy at all. Yes, there are amusing moments, but most of them are in the trailer. And, although it is unashamedly sentimental, it isn't entirely a schmaltzy heartstring tugger, either.

It is a portrait of Arthur. All the joy in Arthur's life has come from Marion, who had enough for them both and for everyone else her life touched. Once she is gone, Arthur's morose nature leaves him stranded, incapable of connecting easily with others, and estranged from son James with whom he has never had an easy relationship. Perhaps the choir, and jaunty choir leader Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton) will enable him to make those connections for himself.

I'll be honest, I have never greatly rated Terence Stamp. I have always felt that he has coasted on the back of his extraordinarily striking looks (still every bit as striking as he marches into his seventies) and that his performances have showed little variation, skill or technique. But here – and without downplaying the wonderful support he gets from Redgrave, Arterton and Ecclestone – he is superb. It helps that the part suits his "less is more" approach, but that is not to disparage the way that a small performance highlights big emotions. It is a subtle, wise and touching performance in a film which has no great truths to impart, but which always entertains nevertheless.

Tear-jerking and funny, like life

[yris2002 · 7/10 · 1 September 2013]

There's nothing exceptional in this movie, except the way it reflects life, which can be indeed unexceptional but intense at the same time. Everyone who has experienced the loss of a dear one, or simply everyone who can feel cannot but enjoy a movie like this. So the saddest side is counterbalanced by the happiest side of life, I cried and laughed and in the end I enjoyed the picture. The story is simple and predictable but it also manages to embrace the most important feelings of life very simply. Probably a little unrealistic in the way the main character evolves, since it is rather improbable for an old man to abandon his morose nature, it is however to appreciate the belief that there's always hope for everyone and that it is never to late to make things right. The cast is great, Vanessa Redgrave proves superb as she is always, but also Terence Stamp offers a very touching performance. The closing dedication "to family" gives an idea of what the movie wanted to communicate, without ever sounding pretentious or mawkish.

Film for all ages

[greenheart · 9/10 · 24 February 2013]

We had the choice of seeing this or Die Hard 27 or whatever we're up to now. Chose this & what a delight it turned out to be. A very simple story. A group of OAP's, sorry OAPz (It's more street!) are taught to sing current pop songs by a young music teacher and entered into a choir competition. Marion is a member of this choir but desperately ill with cancer and her grumpy husband tries to stop her going s he fears it is too much for her. I won't add any spoilers as to how the plot progresses. You will laugh, my wife cried for about an hour constantly and took out my handkerchief, it will tap into relationships and make you think about what you have yourself. It will ensure you never listen to 'Ace of spades' again! Terence Stamp, not a favourite actor of mine, was just brilliant and spot on with his grumpy old man performance. Vanessa Redgrave just gives a beautiful, touching master class. Christopher Eccleston is gritty as ever and Gemma Arterton as the plucky, strong willed young teacher just makes you smile throughout. The cast of the choir also all have their priceless moment. This may not be for everyone but there is something in it for everyone and although it may appeal to the older market, the message is equally strong for all age groups.

knew where it was headed - still enjoyed where it went

[domdel39 · 6/10 · 17 June 2014]

Predictable. Very predictable. Very enjoyable.

I don't find myself saying that very often. Predictability can kill a film's momentum - its' impact. I guess the lesson here is - if you have a predictable script, make sure that you hire Vanessa Redgrave and Terrence Stamp as the leads. Got it? Good.

From the first time we see them, the elderly coupling of Redgrave and Stamp seems perfect. Though they do make an odd couple - she full of life, he down in the permanent dumps - never did I question their being together. There is a comfort between them, an ease in each other's presence that immediately conjures up a whole history. Amazing.

Fine supporting work all around - particularly by Gemma Arterton as the young, perky singing teacher. Handling both comic and dramatic moments with ease, Gemma lights up the screen and more than holds her own opposite those two heavyweights of the British screen.

At a crisp 93 minutes, all the fat has been trimmed. Keep a tissue handy.

A Song For Marion

[natashabowiepinky · 5/10 · 22 September 2014]

Observe the common tearjerker. Check out our characters: A sad old gruff (Terence Stamp) with no joy in his heart, and his jolly terminally ill wife who sings in a local pensioners choir. Old people? SINGING?! BAH HUMBUG!! The young choir master, played by Gemma Arterton, encourages him to sit and watch, but nope. He'd rather sip his tea, or play a stimulating game of dominoes. He's got problems of his own too... Like a fractious relationship with his son. He NEVER told his lad "I love you". Isn't it sad? *SNIFF*

After the elderly glee club get themselves onstage and murder songs like Let's Talk About Sex, wearing stupid costumes with much facial gurning, they somehow impress a judge who puts them through to some national finals. Sadly, and not at all predictably, the grouch's wife dies before the big day arrives. Hmm... Who'll take her place... Could it be a) Lord Lucan b) Mr Majeika or c) The Living Embodiment Of Scrooge Himself. Place your bets now...

It's admirable in a way, the plot throws up artificial contrivances then snuffs them out a few minutes later in an equally asinine way . Like the scene towards the end, when the oldies choir is kicked out of the competition JUST before going on stage... because the organisers don't want to be accused of 'dumbing down'. Well, on that score I CAN agree with them, but... why bother sending down a guy to judge them and why invite them all the way to the big event, only to inform them of their disqualification just before the performance?

ANSWER: Because the movie needed a BIG MOMENT of Terence Stamp rebelling, forcing his way onto the stage, all his fellow pensioners in tow. And of course, despite blatantly ignoring their instructions, the organisers let them proceed. It's just bad scriptwriting, where the ends justifies the means no matter how unconvincing the execution is. A better film would have found a way of pushing all the right buttons, without all this film-flammery.

And guess who's in the audience cheering on his dad, after receiving a 'surprise' package in the post containing all the old photographs of him having fun with his pater when he was just a nipper, proving ONCE AND FOR ALL he was 'loved'? Is it: a) Elvis b) Puff The Magi... Oh, what the heck, you know the rest.

So anyway, as you may have guessed, I'm not exactly the intended audience for this blubfest, which is supposed to looked on with an uncritical eye by those who want to have a good ol' sob into their duvet. Those of more clear thinking are advised to put their faculties on hold for the duration, lest you end up spoiling the entire story for yourself by predicting everything in advance. It isn't difficult.

On the plus side, it's nice to see so many actors and actresses of er, 'senior years' being given a chance, despite the fact most of the time they're just in the background, miming terribly. And it's impossible to dislike any aspect of the movie to be honest, after all... It's intentions are good. It just all feels like they're going through the motions rather than giving us anything of substance, and I came away feeling as hollow as an Easter egg.

I haven't got a heart of stone, I HAVE enjoyed stuff like this before. See Brassed Off for details. This is just risk-free, no frills, playing to the gallery fluff in comparison. 5/10

Touching and simple

[george-sorovakos-alexand · 7/10 · 30 July 2013]

Terrence Stamp is once again spectacular in his role. The chemistry between him and Vanessa Redgrave is quite moving.

This is a great ensemble of lovely actors, depicting a simple, fragile but utterly beautiful situation. There are wrongly rooted stubborn opinions in all of us. We get carried away by the bitterness over time. It is only when we manage to "leap over our own shadow" that we remember to cherish and celebrate life as it comes.

Sure, the story is very predictable, there's nothing new world changing in there, nothing that we haven't seen before in some other way. The story is heavy. No matter how one puts it, it is not easy to be reminded of ones mortality. Most of us have lost beloved people and all of us will have the same fate. It is however the beautifully interwoven humor and humility in this urban movie that makes it all a little lighter.

Very Good

[alexouli85 · 7/10 · 1 August 2013]

Vanessa Redgrave was the initial reason i choose to see this movie. Her performance as always is really really good. It's powerful and pristine, but its not only the acting but the choice of playing in a movie with such a theme.

The concept of this movie as i perceive it is that you have to find peace and balance with yourself and you family and usually this happens when you are close to death.

You have to be involved with things that fulfill you and make you feel content and complete, make you and your surrounding people feel better.

Share your problems because when you open up you find support from people who care and understand that things aren't black or white but you must be open and then you find the balance and peace you didn't know you where missing.

This movie is a must see.

Sincere

[CutUncut2021 · 7/10 · 10 February 2021]

How innocent we were back in 2012: pre-Trump era with "executive" producers including Harvey Weinstein. Whatever next, vegan sausage rolls? Again, reading the worst reviews is revealing of how embittered people are these days, and how eager they are to elevate their opinions, which say more about themselves than about the film itself. Makes one wonder if someone couched in a velvet seat at the theatre or slouched on their sofa at home with microwaved popcorn had done anything more in their lives than drive to the local pizzeria and stuff themselves. Even a low-budget movie involves hundreds of professionals working together in unison, and whatever the result, it deserves pondered consideration rather than cheap asides and snide remarks. Did any of the reviewers who whine that they lost a chunk of their tawdry lives they'll "never get back" ever work in theatre or on set for a movie? The simple fact is that this film reached the hearts of many people from all over; young and old, viewers identified with the story and the characters in it. That is what art is about. You stare at a Brueghel or a Rothko and connect, either way. And cinema is art. My thanks to all those involved in this heartwarming movie, whatever its perceived faults.

Enjoyed This!

[gsawrie · 8/10 · 2 July 2013]

I saw this show as a screening several months ago, but under the title "Song for Marion." At the time, I told several people about it and recommended it when it came out in wide release.

It reminded me of the 2007 documentary "Young@Heart," where an older group of people form a choir and sing rock and pop music.

This movie follows the lives of an elderly couple (Marion and Arthur played by Vanessa Redgrave and Terence Stamp), their son (Christopher Eccleston) and granddaughter, and the senior adults in a choir led by a young woman (Gemma Arterton), who encourages them to sing pop and rock favorites. At the beginning of the movie, Marion is already in the choir and attempts to get the loving, but sometimes curmudgeonly, Arthur to join.

While the plot was predictable, the characters still warm the heart. The songs selected were terrific, especially when you see the choir members reactions to some of them. It was fun to watch the characters' progression as time went on. Performances by all were amazing!

formulaic tear jerker

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 29 January 2015]

Arthur Harris (Terence Stamp) is an angry pensioner taking care of his beloved wife Marion (Vanessa Redgrave). He doesn't get along with their son James (Christopher Eccleston). She is sick with her cancer coming back. He hates that she is spending time and energy singing at an old age choir led by Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton). Her sickness gets the best of her and he's forced to help her with the choir.

The movie is very formulaic with simple one-dimensional characters. The comedy is light and not really that funny. There is one good solid joke but nothing much else. There isn't anything wrong with the movie but it's not necessarily great either. It's constantly pulling on the heartstrings and sometimes it hits on some good notes. Terence Stamp is hitting on the anger note very hard. Vanessa Redgrave is brilliant. Gemma Arterton is lovely. Christopher Eccleston has an one-note role. I just wish it has many more funny moments.

If you're going to be predictable...

[annie421 · 8/10 · 24 April 2013]

From the very first trailer, you can see what kind of movie it is. The challenge is showing you something that makes the predictability worth it and this movie had it. it showed London suburbs, it showed old people doing funny things (which in my book never actually gets old), it showed Great performances and you know what... It even had a cute kid who wasn't annoying, :) so yeah.., it definitely is a predictable weepy, touching family story but by golly I think it was worth it and would recommend it.

Plus HUGE doctor who fan talking here but it's always nice to see Chrisptoher Eccelston. :)

Oh and Gemma Arteton. She is a gorgeous actress and has done all these really big pictures where she does always seem to play a type, so it's nice to see her play something quiet- I would recommend Lost in Austen too.

Anyway, watch it if you just need a good laugh and a good cry. :)

I predicted some of it but not how very good it was

[johnmcc150 · 8/10 · 27 February 2013]

I had guessed some of the plot just from the trailer, but don't let that put you off. There is much more to this film than I had guessed in advance. How well it does it is remarkable. It could have been trite, but the dialogue and the acting from Terence Stamp, Gemma Arterton and Vanessa Redgrave turned this story into heart-warming and heart-breaking reality. Although only a small part, Christopher Ecclestone was also worth the admission price on his own. I am a true cynic when I detect attempts to get at my emotions, but this film is irresistible. My one gripe is probably something that probably ended up on the cutting room floor. The relationship between Elizabeth and Arthur changed too quickly. I reckon there had to be another scene in between Arthur's stubborn resistance and sodden Elizabeth's opening up on the doorstep. However that sudden discontinuity was soon forgotten. It might even do good for some families who see it.

Dying it through

[stensson · 5/10 · 7 July 2013]

That ugly part of England which we've all learned to love. Marion has cancer, but attending this old-age choir keeps her up. Her husband hates it, as he hates everything except his wife. He comforts himself by smoking.

But the choir will also keep him up. Sad thing, there are so many of the common feel-good-clichées here. Dealing with cancer this way is making it far too easy. The good people are good in the way you start to expect after a couple of minutes.

Doesn't help there's lot of good acting and an ugly part of England you've learned to love.

Simply a Gem of a Film

[Dan_L · 9/10 · 27 July 2013]

There wasn't a dry eye in the house when we saw Unfinished Song tonight. It's a shame there were only about 50 people in the theater who got to see this gem of a film. Terrance Stamp and Vanessa Redgrave give Oscar caliber performances while Gemma Arterton just charms everybody (and she is incredibly beautiful without all the glamour make up that makes her look like every other starlet in her publicity photos posted here at IMDb). While the film certainly touches the heart of any baby boomer who sees it, I can't help but think that it will move anybody of any age who has a heart. I'm not going to suggest that it's one of the great films of the 21st Century, but it is a very entertaining and extremely moving film that is driven by its characters and story rather than mindless CGI etc. It's a welcome reprieve from a summer of lousy blockbusters. But bring some Kleenex because you'll need it, but in an ultimately happy way.

Golden Performances

[aharmas · 9/10 · 4 July 2013]

What do you do when you have closed yourself all your life and can't seem to connect with those you love? What happens when you have no reason to live because you lost your soul mate? "Unfinished Song" explores some of these topics by giving us a look into the lives of a fictional couple who is facing the end of their lives. Little by little we learn how this bond has been created, and how painful their separation might be.

With a superb performance by Terence Stamp as the cranky old husband who is feeling overwhelmed by the impending loss of a loved one, we get to understand how difficult it is to communicate, even with those close to us. Arthur has not allowed others to know him. He has slowly separated himself from his son and neither knows the reason. Now as Marion is slowly fading away, it is crucial that they reconnect. Instead, things take a turn for the worse.

Arthur eventually gets another chance through the relationship he develops with the choir teacher. It is a beneficial relationship, as the last third of the film has Arthur rediscovering himself, finding a way to purge himself of those demons that have plagued him forever, and the film continues to touch and entertain us as we see the choir practices, Arthur's soul slowly opening up, enjoying life, paying tribute to his wife.

It will be difficult to find a dry eye during the final performance in the film, and it feels honest, real because of the acting we have witnessed so far. Stamp is solid all the way through. Redgrave is a lovely as the frail Marion, and Arterton is energetic, a spark of love and dedication to make others enjoy every moment of their existence. Great film.

Performances for your consideration

[maggiebodek-1 · 10/10 · 29 July 2013]

The plot is simple enough about love and loss and old folks finding joy in music, but it is so much more. This is a film for anyone who has ever loved, lost, or been less than perfect. In other words, it is a film for everyone. All the reviewers have mentioned the stellar performances by the lead actors and that is definitely true. This film does deserve awards for acting and directing. Vanessa is brilliant and Terence Stamp has come full circle from his "give us a song, Billy" days and has shown his magic has not diminished. I saw the film a few hours ago and I am still crying. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I almost missed it because it is in very limited release. This is crazy. There is so much fantasy and stupidity in films today, but an honest and important film like this just slips through the cracks.