Mrs Palfrey at The Claremont (2005)

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

I rarely take the time to write a review on any website, but after watching this film, I had to add my comments in the hopes that more people will watch this movie. This is one of the finest films I have ever seen, and to be sure, one of the most touching. Joan Plowright deserved at least an Oscar nomination (and probably a win) for this movie. There are films you see, and then there are films you feel, this is one of those you feel. I cannot recommend this film enough for anyone who loves quality movie making at its finest. Utter perfection in the acting, direction, cinematography, and a perfect musical score. I give this film an 11 out of 10. I saw it for the first time last month (July 2008) and tonight watched it for the 2nd time, and it surely won't be the last. If you have a heart, this one's for you! A touching, romantic lovely story (one of the only films I have liked better than the book) that is the type of film which is very hard to come by these days. From the moment it began until the end, I was captivated by the story and the performances of the film. I really do wish more films like this were made. I recommend this film, which is now on my list of the top 20 of all time.

"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.

"Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont" is one of the best movies I have ever seen. This movie made me think about life, about things that should really matter. It truly touched my heart and reminded me of time passing by and also of the surprises fate can bring. The acting was great. You could actually be a part of the whole story and you simply do not feel like just watching it. You live it from the beginning to the very end. I highly recommend this movie as it nicely enriches one's inside and leaves the viewer with some kind of a hope. True love, and friendship exist and there is never too late to experience them. It's good to stop for a while and gather memories just to be sure that they are still there as in the end the pictures we carry in our souls make us happier and make us feel much safer and complete.

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.