Reviewed by: Avril Carruthers
This delightful period drama marks the writing and directorial debut of accomplished actor Charles Dance in an adaptation of the original short story by William J Locke. Deceptively gentle and old-world in its manners and characterisation, Ladies in Lavender is a mood piece which insinuates its way through a subtle, character-driven poignancy and humour, deriving most of its strength from the multi-layered acting of the cast.
Set in 1936 in Cornwall, it's the story of two sisters, Ursula and Janet Widdington, played by Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, who rescue a young man washed up near drowned on the beach near their home. When he recovers consciousness, they discover he is Polish and speaks no English. Communication is difficult until the older sister Janet enlists the help of a German/English dictionary. As the young man, Andrea Markowski (Daniel Brühl) regains health and strength, he reveals he has a talented gift in playing the violin. Both the ladies, but especially Ursula, who has never been engaged or married, form a protective interest in Andrea. After she hears him play, Olga Danilof (Natascha McElhone), young and beautiful sister of famous violinist, Boris Danilof, is also interested in helping him, though to the sisters her interest seems more predatory.
Andrea is handsome as well as talented and despite the difference in age, a tender longing for love, as tentative and receptive as a green shoot emerging after a long dry season, awakens in Ursula. The delicacy with which this is conveyed shows the director's skilful, light touch while Judi Dench gives us an Ursula who is childlike and eager as well as a dreamer. She has always been the ‘younger, unmarried' sister, less worldly wise than her sister. The dynamic between Janet and Ursula is of a no-nonsense older sister, practical but also sensitive to and protective of the younger's emotions. Maggie Smith's Janet is the salt and vinegar to Ursula's wistful honey. It is Maggie who indignantly dispatches the authorities when they come with British pre-WWII apprehension, to investigate the Polish castaway, as perhaps, a German spy.
Despite obstacles and obscurity, if given the chance, talent will find its worthy audience. Ursula's dream vanishes as suddenly and unexpectedly as it arrived and the ending is as bittersweet as the dream of a gift only temporarily given.
Daniel Brühl's Andrea shows all the sensitivity and depth of his character in Goodbye Lenin!, Natascha McElhone plays the Polish Olga, on a painting holiday in Cornwall, with a hint of mischief sufficient to alarm the sisters and a serene independence to madden the smitten doctor (David Warner). Miriam Margolyes as the brusque housekeeper Dorcas brings more humorous texture to round out this little drama, as do the delightful Cornish fisher folk and townspeople. Scenes of the town's social gatherings with its fiddle-playing merriment give perspective to the virtuoso violin playing of Andrea – played by Joshua Bell – and the superb soundtrack, rich cinematography and gorgeous Cornish coastline scenery make this film, with its wistful, other-time, other-place mood a rich and lovely experience.
Special Thanks: Movie-Vault
