‘Coming-of-old-age-movies’ have become increasingly popular in recent years. To accommodate the ever-growing numbers of mature cinema-goers, the best of these films reassure their viewers that a youthful sense of adventure can survive the sacrifices of old age, challenging the stereotypes of what it means to be elderly. To celebrate the release of Edie on DVD and Blu-ray on Monday, October 29, we highlight the most memorable coming-of-old-age films of the past few years.
Sheila Hancock takes on the titular role of Edie
Edie
One of the year’s most heartwarming films, Edie champions a message to audiences around the UK that they can come of age at any age. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish highlands, it tells the inspirational story of Edith Moore (Sheila Hancock), who at the age of eighty-three embarks on the gruelling climb to the top of Mount Suilven. A recent widow, Edie leaves her home behind in the hopes of recapturing the magic from her youth, but what she discovers is much more than that. Through an unlikely friendship with young local Jonny (Kevin Guthrie - Dunkirk, Whisky Galore!), Edie learns just how strong and resilient she can be, and in doing so, finds herself.
Join Edie on a journey of self-discovery and heart, as she fulfils the adventure of a lifetime.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Judie Dench leads an all-star cast in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, arguably the most successful of recent films to cast older characters centre stage. Following a mixed bunch of grey-haired English folk who choose to spend their twilight years in a ramshackle retirement home in Jaipur run by the love-struck and eager-to-please Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel), Marigold achieves a rare balance of charm and emotional substance. Each of the seven protagonists have fully realised backstories that explain their pilgrimage to India, captured here through a flurry of bright colours and bustling market streets. Particularly memorable is Maggie Smith’s Muriel, whose exposure to Indian culture softens her stubborn character.
The World's Fastest Indian
Anthony Hopkins stars as renowned motorbike racer Burt Munro, who spent years perfecting his classic Indian motorcycle. In the year 1967, Monro set multiple land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Based on a true story, the record Munro set more than three decades ago still has not been broken to this day = proving that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams, even if at first thought impossible.
Up
Up’s heart wrenching opening ends with an embittered Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner) struggling to find some sort of comfort after losing the thing that means most to him. Alienated by his ever-changing surroundings, Carl decides to launch the rickety house he built with his wife Ellie, up and out of the city using helium-filled balloons to help him fly. Accidentally stowed on-board is Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai), the young Wilderness Explorer desperate to earn his “Assist an Elderly Person” badge. Pixar’s gloriously colourful and evocative animation compliments the humanness of Up’s themes, whose joyful affirmation of a spirit of adventure appeals to both young and old audiences alike.
Quartet
Dustin Hoffman’s glittering directorial debut stars an incredible cast with Academy Award-winner Maggie Smith, Sir Tom Courtenay, comedian Billy Connolly, OBE Pauline Collins and BAFTA winning Michael Gambon. Set in a retirement home, the team discover a new lease of life when they must rekindle their love of music to raise money for their home. The chemistry between the stars is electric and the musical performances are not to be missed. Quartet is a film that explores the playfulness and joy of reconnecting with your past hobbies, no matter your age.
Edie is available digitally now, and on Blu-ray and DVD from Monday, October 29.