Ladies in Lavender.
Roadside Attractions | Release Date: April 29, 2005 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
61
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 29 Critic Reviews
Positive:
20
Mixed:
8
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
83
Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam Arnold
This is the most impressive directing debut by a "name" British actor in a long, long time. Read full review
80
VarietyJay Weissberg
Full of delightful moments that throw into high relief the actors' craft. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKevin Thomas
It is a pleasure from start to finish. Read full review
80
The New RepublicStanley Kauffmann
The film is old-fashioned because it exists. No one, to use an ever-dubious line, makes films like this anymore. Read full review
80
Washington PostMichael O'Sullivan
The film is a small study in the dignity of letting go. Read full review
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Dance's directorial debut isn't exciting, but it's deeply felt and engagingly acted. Why doesn't he take more advantage of the story's opportunities for fine music, though? Read full review
75
Portland OregonianMarc Mohan
For his directorial debut, British actor Charles Dance tackles such familiar English themes as repressed desire and an arm's-length fascination with foreigners. Luckily for the slight story, he has recruited two of the most effortlessly brilliant grande dames of British film. Read full review
75
Charlotte ObserverLawrence Toppman
The unspoken heroes of the project are cinematographer Peter Biziou, who finds all the beauty in Cornwall's landscapes, and U.S. violinist Joshua Bell, who extracts beauty without schmaltz from every violin solo. Read full review
75
Philadelphia InquirerSteven Rea
A wistful little thing about regret, jealousy and love. Read full review
70
Film ThreatJames Wegg
Charles Dance's début feature is an impressive achievement. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterMichael Rechtshaffen
It is to Dance's considerable credit that he never lets the filmmaking overtake the understated storytelling. Read full review
70
Village VoiceDavid Ng
So tastefully subdued it makes Merchant Ivory look like Gaspar Noé. And while they never look bored, Smith and Dench are clearly slumming, having played these roles in other costume pics. Read full review
70
SalonStephanie Zacharek
The sort of small, independent-minded picture that so much of American indie cinema strives, and often fails, to give us. It's a conventional picture, but it feels so deeply alive that it's practically a novelty. Read full review
70
Dallas ObserverMelissa Levine
The film is rich with real feeling. And Dench's performance is a heartbreaker. Read full review
70
Chicago ReaderJ.R. Jones
This movie will hardly set the world on fire, but it's a worthy vehicle for the two old troopers; Smith has the stiffest upper lip in the business, and Dench is heartrending as the naive, lovelorn sister. Read full review
70
Washington PostAnn Hornaday
A poignant portrait of one woman who has loved and lost, and another who never had a love to lose. Read full review
67
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
His (Charles Dance) cinematic style mixes the scent of mothballs with that of the lavender in which these ladies are preserved. Read full review
63
New York Daily NewsElizabeth Weitzman
Ultimately, Dance is unable to connect the many threads of his rather flimsy script, leading to an abrupt and somewhat unsatisfying conclusion. But the journey is worth taking, thanks to the company of its stars. Read full review
63
Miami HeraldMarta Barber
Doesn't stretch beyond the typical, period drama the Brits do so well. It is no more than a warm cup of tea on a chilly afternoon. The reward comes in seeing these two great actresses at work. Read full review
63
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Jennie Punter
May be a slight film, but watching the Dames work in harmony in beautiful nuanced performances is a rich and fully satisfying reward. Read full review
60
The A.V. ClubTasha Robinson
It's important to go in knowing the central secret of the movie: Nothing exciting is going to happen. Ever. Armed with that knowledge, viewers should be able to settle down and enjoy the extremely low-key, melancholy character study that plays out between a handful of excellent actors. Read full review
60
The New York TimesStephen Holden
The cinematic equivalent of a visit from a cherished but increasingly dithery maiden aunt. Read full review
60
TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonagh
Its appeal lies in the powerhouse performances delivered by Dench and Smith. Read full review
50
New York PostLou Lumenick
Well-acted but a bit creaky. Read full review
50
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Perfectly sweet and civilized. Read full review
50
San Francisco ChronicleRuthe Stein
The material obviously had to be stretched to fill the big screen for almost two hours. Read full review
50
Boston GlobeTy Burr
Likably played by Bruhl, the castaway remains more dramatic device than living, breathing character. And without him truly being there, Dench and Smith are just volleying an imaginary ping-pong ball between them. That's not acting -- that's exercise. Read full review
40
Austin ChronicleSteve Davis
Any film in which grande dames Maggie Smith and Judi Dench share the screen is one worth seeing, if only to marvel at their deft skills in the art of acting. Read full review
30
L.A. WeeklyScott Foundas
Ladies in Lavender oscillates between scenes so relentlessly nice they make you want to scream and others - particularly those depicting the crush Dench develops on her new housemate - creepier than anything in "The Amityville Horror." Read full review
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