Ladies in Lavender

Ladies in Lavender (2005)

  • 63% of critics liked it
    (89 reviews)

  • 64% of users liked it
    (7,844 ratings)

Two sisters engage in a subtle war for the affections of a man half their age in this British comedy drama. It's 1936, and Janet Widdington (Maggie Smith) and her sister, Ursula (Judi Dench), are a pair of elderly spinsters who share a home in Cornwall on the coast of England. After a storm, the… More

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PG-13,
Directed By
Written By
William J. Locke, Charles Dance
Genres
Drama, Comedy
In Theaters
Apr 29, 2005 Limited
On DVD
Dec 6, 2005
IDP

Critic Reviews

  • Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

    It's a British period piece, full of the sylvan Cornish coast and countryside, vintage motorcars, steam threshers and sensibilities. Pity they left out a compelling plot.

  • Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

    A fascinating and involving chamber piece for two superb actresses.

  • Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

    A wistful little thing about regret, jealousy and love.

  • Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post

    Under Dance's sure hand, and the even surer performances of Smith and Dench, who know that underplaying an emotion often increases its punch, the film is a small study in the dignity of letting go.

  • Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

    A funny, civilized little romantic drama in which Smith co-stars with the equally estimable Judi Dench.

Read all 24 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Anthony L


    Ladies in Lavender is a gentle and pleasant film, full of good nature and subtlety. Although it may not blow you away, the performances by Judi Dench and Maggie Smith are exquisite. You could be fooled into thinking you were watching a couple of 18 year old girls, that is how… More

  • Carlos M


    It doesn't take us any effort to understand the genuine fascination caused by the mysterious, handsome young man played by Daniel Brühl, but one should only watch this unremarkable British drama for the superb performances by Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.

  • Jeremy S


    Lavender Ladies Lose Their Way. Aesthetically pleasing without much content. Although the story is good and told beautifully it lacks drama.

  • Red L


    Two grand old English ladies find a Polish kid washed up on their beach. They nurse Andrea back to life, and find out he is an accomplished violinist. I enjoy this sort of movie where the characters have to make difficult decisions.

  • Walter M


    [font=Century Gothic]"Ladies in Lavender" takes place in 1930's on the English coast where sisters Ursula(Judi Dench) and Janet(Maggie Smith) Widdington enjoy their quiet lives together until one day a young man(Daniel Bruhl) washes up on shore almost on their doorstep.… More

Read all 8 featured audience ratings

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