Ben Larson Just look at the cast and you know this is likely to be a film that will entertain you: Michael Caine, two Oscar wins (The Cider House Rules, The Quiet American, and one BAFTA win (Educating Rita), with numerous nominations; Tom Courtenay, two BAFTA wins (A Rather English Marriage, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner) and many BAFTA and Oscar nominations; Bob Hoskins, BAFTA for Mona Lisa, and many more nominations; Helen Mirren, Oscar and BAFTA for The Queen, BAFTAS for Prime Suspect 1,2 and 3, and many more nominations; David Hemmings, and Ray Winstone.That is an ensemble that works, and works well, indeed.Things done, and not done over the years of the lives of friends, and what is important and what is not. A great reflective story.

daviddouglas This is a well told poignant story with a collection of great actors unsurpassed in any films of the past 10 years. Other than the regrettable casting of Kelly Reilly, a good actress, in the roll of the young Amy played by Helen Mirren who looks nothing like Helen Mirren nor has similar body language or general presence to her. However; this one small flaw does not keep this from being a very memorable film experience for the viewer.This well-crafted film has the appeal of being a learning experience as well as one of entertainment. I am a 'baby boomer' and most of us are coming to grips that life is a limited proposition and that the truth of life is that if one has made good friends and brought joy to the lives of others that we have lived a rich and full life and can face death without regret. If you have not seen this film watch it. If you have only seen it once, see it again as the second time viewing is even more rich with new learning and reward.

Boba_Fett1138 It's a typical light-heavy movie, if you know what I mean. It's a movie that's heavy on its subjects but gets always told in a light and somewhat fun way. Typically British. It makes the movie at all times a pleasant one to watch.The movie has an original way of storytelling, with the use of flashbacks. The flashbacks are however not always told in chronological way, which should had strengthened the story but it just doesn't do this and the leaps in time just get a tad bit overdone. I mean, not every flashback really serves a significant enough purpose, other than making the movie more melodramatic, which in return doesn't make this movie the most believable or realistic one around.The main plot line is good and simple on its own, so it's too bad that the movie feels the need to put in more story lines to make the movie even more dramatic. The movie just didn't needed that. The movie now often feels more like a soap-opera than a honest realistic drama.But all this negativity aside, this is a perfectly watchable movie.The movie is told slowly in a pleasant pace. The dialog and characters are kept as realistic as possible but it's also most definitely due to the fine actors that the characters of the movie work out so well as they did. It's a real character movie.The Michael Caine character is only featured in the flashbacks of the movie but yet due to the way the story is told, he becomes the central character of the movie. Basically he once more plays his "Alfie" role again but who complains about it? All of the other actors certainly aren't the least in their business. Oscar-winner Helen Mirren shows her versatility as an actress. Bob Hoskins also plays a good humble role and so does Ray Winstone, whose career really took off the last couple of years. The movie is nicely shot with some good looking locations. It's really English all, as is the overall cultural atmosphere of the movie. It works out really pleasant for the movie, even the more depressing locations.Nothing too impressive, just a perfectly fine watchable little movie.6/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

philip-ct Atmospheeric, brooding, and thought-provoking, this film is not to be missed. I saw it on TV, and cannot recall it having a run on circuit (in SA) in 2000.It is a totally non-pretentious film: some drinking, lifelong mates are going to scatter the ashes - the Final Orders - of a buddy who has died. Through flashbacks, we see the intricacies of relationships, decisions that are made, and memories that are shared.It's a deeply moving film, with excellent ensemble acting. I heartily recommend this film: it's rich, multi-layered and well worth watching. It's a story about life and living, although it deals with death!