Two elderly English sisters discover a young man washed up on their beach after a storm and this event catalyzes a series of reactions in the local village and an unusual love story. The emotional power of this vignette is in the character of Ursula played by Dame Judi Dench who is supported by Maggie Smith in her role as Janet. They are the two 'Ladies in Lavender'.

From beginning to end, this is Dench's showcase. She shines in the role.

Yet Smith is no small power in the world of showing emotions with her expressions and it's wonderful to see disapproval, awe, surprise or shock sweep across her face. Still your heart goes out to Ursula and it was only with an effort that I could remember while watching that she was an actress doing a role. There is also the treat of some very lovely classical violin played by Joshua Bell and backed by the London Symphony Orchestra.

Even with all this good news, I thought the screenplay was weak and lacked both logistical credibility and dramatic motivation for some of the key events that occurred. That is not to say that this was not good entertainment. It was enjoyable, once I suspended my disbelief about things I thought missing or remiss. I doubt this film would ever win any awards, but it was good to see these two aging powerhouses show their talent.

The Elderhostel seniors, of course, loved this film, even though it was much less complex than most of the offerings on PBS Masterpiece Theater albeit the same style. This was a joint effort by Miramax and UK Studios and considering the shift in the U.S. demographic toward the over 50 crowd, I'm sure it'll be shown here.

Reviewed January 13, 2005 at the International Film Festival.

Not rated, but probably "G".