MartinHafer Marion and Arthur are an oddly matched couple. Marion (Vanessa Redgrave) is a sweet old lady and Arthur (Terence Stamp) is a nasty and thoroughly unlikable old misanthrope. Marion is also dying from cancer. However, this isn't destroying her spirit and she spends what time she has left singing with a senior center choir. As for Arthur, he's very sad she's dying, as he does love her but he shows absolutely no love for anyone or anything else.When Marion dies, Arthur is understandably lost and alone by his own choice and actions. However, the leader of the choir, Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton) makes an effort to try to connect with this old jerk. Eventually, she does and after a while she even gets him to come to choir practice. But he's still proud and a grouch. So what's next?The film is enjoyable and it's a two or three Kleenex sort of film. However, based on my own personal experience with family and as a psychotherapist, Arthur's change came way too fast and it was hard to believe a 70-something old man would that suddenly stop being the creep he was his entire life. I think the film would have been more memorable and effective had the change been much slower in coming. But, if you can ignore this, it is a nice film. By the way, I noticed that the summary called this movie 'hilarious'. Whoever wrote that has a very sick sense of what's hilarious!!! It's mildly funny in parts but is really NOT a comedy.

g-bodyl 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.

rps-2 An enthusiastic ten!!! This is a very sad film but also one that is human, charming, humorous, superbly acted and creatively filmed. I don't cry at movies. But my eyes were moist several times during this one. Yet it's neither maudlin nor exploitive. And the heart tugging scenes are followed by lighter ones; subtle and smooth pacing that gives you a chance to dry your eyes. Terence Stamp does wonders portraying Arthur, the sad, conflicted, curmudgeonly husband and soon to be widower. It is a difficult, multi faceted role and he interprets it superbly. Vanessa Redgrave, who has played so many great roles so well over the years may have given her best performance ever as Marion, a woman who lives so well while dying so sadly. Gemma Arterton is a charming and lovely youthful counterpoint to the largely geriatric cast. Little Orla Hill is a granddaughter any parent or grandparent can identify with. The love between Marion and Arthur is touching and beautiful.I can't think of one negative thing to write about this beautiful work of cinematic art. I recorded this on a DVD-RW. The disc will not be rewritten but kept on the shelf with my very special movies.

simona gianotti There's nothing exceptional in this movie, except the way it reflects life, which can be indeed unexceptional but intense at the same time. Everyone who has experienced the loss of a dear one, or simply everyone who can feel cannot but enjoy a movie like this. So the saddest side is counterbalanced by the happiest side of life, I cried and laughed and in the end I enjoyed the picture. The story is simple and predictable but it also manages to embrace the most important feelings of life very simply. Probably a little unrealistic in the way the main character evolves, since it is rather improbable for an old man to abandon his morose nature, it is however to appreciate the belief that there's always hope for everyone and that it is never to late to make things right. The cast is great, Vanessa Redgrave proves superb as she is always, but also Terence Stamp offers a very touching performance. The closing dedication "to family" gives an idea of what the movie wanted to communicate, without ever sounding pretentious or mawkish.