Mrs Palfrey at The Claremont (2005)

One of my all time favorites.

Good concept, poorly executed.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

a simple friendship story. charming for the chemistry between the lead actors. for the presence of Joan Plowright . for the surprising performance of Rupert Friend. and for the spring air. for the passing time as a state who becomes almost material. for the forms of joy and delight and sadness and hope. and, maybe, for the status of refuge for the admirers not only of romanticism in different nuances but , maybe, first, for the conquerors of the lights and shadows and colors and flavors of the past. a film like an oasis. and, maybe, this is its basic meaning.

This film has everything - unique locations - lovable, quirky characters - a heartfelt story - honest, understated directing - superior acting.Mrs. Palfrey is an elderly lady who decides to spend some time in a residence hotel in London. There she leads a pleasant but lonely life looking back upon her life and memories of her deceased husband - her one true love. She has a grandson in London, but he doesn't even pay the courtesy of returning his grandmother's phone calls.One day, Mrs. Palfrey falls on the sidewalk outside the apartment of a young man, Ludovic Meyer, who immediately comes to her rescue. He is a handsome, charming failed writer who has recently been abandoned by his girlfriend because he won't follow a more practical lifestyle.There is almost an immediate bond between Mrs. Palfrey and Ludovic. To her, Ludovic is a substitute for her absent grandson and, more importantly, a reminder of her late husband. To him, Mrs. Palfrey is an intelligent woman who understands his art and his struggle for his art and, more importantly, a substitute for an unusual, distant mother. They share each other's memories and dreams.Surrounding the two main characters is a plethora of personalities in the supporting characters - most of whom are other residents at the Claremont. All of the actors in the film create intriguing, unforgettable people, but Joan Plowright and Rupert Friend as the leads are extraordinary.This little film is a joy to watch and a very important reminder of the need and necessity for true and supporting connections between human beings of all ages.

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.