Imagine two old ladies with their housekeeper living at the beach in a Cornwall village. There they are with their pretty garden, a daily walk by the sea and memories of their younger days. A violent storm one night throws up an unconscious man on to the beach. The old ladies find him. He is breathing . They call for help. From that day on their lives are changed for ever.
This is a beautiful film, exceptionally well-acted with emotions simmering below the surface throughout. There are no serious outbursts, no explosive arguments but the old ladies continually vie for the young man's attention. They take him to their home, feed him and care for him until his broken ankle is healed. He is Polish and knows no English. They give him daily lessons. What a handsome treasure the sea has yielded.
There are some sad moments in the film and some amusing moments too. The ladies watch each other all the time each trying to find a reason to enter the young man's bedroom. He is truly spoiled with love and attention. Much to their surprise he turns out to be a competent violinist so when he can walk he plays some merry tunes for dances at the local pub.
When Olga a Russian artist holidaying by the sea learns he can play so well, she persuades him to meet her brother who is a top musician in London. The old ladies begin to feel that their pearl from the ocean is being stolen from them.
By the end of the film you feel you know the ladies so well. You understand their feelings and their changing moods, their hopes and disappointments. Maggie Smith and Judi Dench are priceless as Janet and Ursula and Daniel Bruhl makes a handsome Andrea a foreigner who puts a sparkle back into their lives.
The theme of the film gives an ample opportunity to introduce some fine music and Daniel makes a convincing concert violinist. All in all a really handsome film not to be missed.
This is a beautiful film, exceptionally well-acted with emotions simmering below the surface throughout. There are no serious outbursts, no explosive arguments but the old ladies continually vie for the young man's attention. They take him to their home, feed him and care for him until his broken ankle is healed. He is Polish and knows no English. They give him daily lessons. What a handsome treasure the sea has yielded.
There are some sad moments in the film and some amusing moments too. The ladies watch each other all the time each trying to find a reason to enter the young man's bedroom. He is truly spoiled with love and attention. Much to their surprise he turns out to be a competent violinist so when he can walk he plays some merry tunes for dances at the local pub.
When Olga a Russian artist holidaying by the sea learns he can play so well, she persuades him to meet her brother who is a top musician in London. The old ladies begin to feel that their pearl from the ocean is being stolen from them.
By the end of the film you feel you know the ladies so well. You understand their feelings and their changing moods, their hopes and disappointments. Maggie Smith and Judi Dench are priceless as Janet and Ursula and Daniel Bruhl makes a handsome Andrea a foreigner who puts a sparkle back into their lives.
The theme of the film gives an ample opportunity to introduce some fine music and Daniel makes a convincing concert violinist. All in all a really handsome film not to be missed.