User reviews

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.

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.

Loved this story. Couldn't help myself. Cried all the way through it. A story about love and regret. A story about letting go and going forward. Well cast, well acted.

Does anyone have a tissue?

Great acting. You're really pulled into the story and its characters. Well done!!

This film is really touching. I seldom feel anything so deep for the usual commercial films. This one is much different, death is involved (old people), songs are there, deep feelings.

When you see old people, of course, you'd love to help, but here, much more is done for them. And what would you expect from old people, awaiting death? They certainly made a great piece of work with this film. Actors did a great job. All natural.

It's definitely a MUST-WATCH. Good for married couples and families.

No foul language used. Nothing offensive.

It's not a film about old people, it is just a film showing how the elderly can live better and how we can make them laugh, and enjoy their last moments, with their families, happily.

Unfinished Song is a great and I'm sure underseen musical drama about family and the effect it has on people. This is one of those "Scrooge" stories where we see negative people use positivity to better their lives, such as the main character in this film. This film is part of a niche genre for older adults and it follows in the footsteps of such recent films such as 2012's The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I also love how this film allows the older generation choir to perform rock/hip-hop genres.

Paul Andrew William's drama is about a very grumpy man named Arthur Harris who has a terminally ill wife named Marion, who happens to be a member of the community choir led by the young, fruitful Elizabeth. As Arthur's wife is dying, he reluctantly agrees to join the choir which happens to be a very trying experience for him.

This film is well-acted thanks to the charming work of the veteran actors, Vanessa Redgrave and Terrence Stamp. Redgrave was brilliant in her limited scenes and her one scene where she serenades her husband will be sure to choke you up. Stamp, in a non-typecast role, was excellent as Arthur who somewhere deep inside, has the will to be a good man. Gemma Arterton does a lovely job as the leader of the choir and Christopher Eccleston does a good job as the sad, estranged son of Arthur.

Overall, Unfinished Song is a pleasant surprise as I didn't expect it to be much. But it's a charming British comedy/drama and it does slide into tearjerker mode quite often, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. I also give credit to the way the film use Salt N Pepa's song, "Let's Talk About Sex." A rather good film that more people should see. I rate this film 9/10.

A small picture from England that was renamed upon U.S. release as Unfinished Song. An absolutely amazing movie! Almost perfect. Terence Stamp pretty much is perfection. He was nominated for Best Actor at the British Independent Film Awards. Vanessa Redgrave was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. The movie follows a senior citizen and how he deals with his wife's cancer. In England they're called OAPs or Old Age Pensioners. I knew nothing about the movie going into except the title. Soon enough it's clear how predictable it will be but the events that unfolded tore me to pieces. There was crying from sadness but 5 times as much crying from overwhelming joy. Gemma Arterton? Never heard of her (because I haven't seen any recent Craig 007 movies) but now I am in love with her. So pleasant to watch! Christopher Eccleston was great as was the little girl who played his daughter. Everything here works. Almost. Some of the free outdoor concert scene was a little lame and could have been much better but otherwise an all-around outstanding movie. If it doesn't make you cry, you have no soul! I'm probably gonna watch it again in a few days and it will be one of the very few movies that I burn to disc to keep.

9.2 / 10 stars

--Zoooma, a Kat Pirate Screener