So, I'm not a "movie snob", but (like art) I know what I like. I like this movie, very much. It was a chance to see actresses I haven't seen in a while, so it's time of a review of each of them. First, they ALL look older. And that's perfectly fine with me. I'd rather movies show me the reality of growing older than glamorize looking young and beautiful. If you still haven't a clue..."IT'S ALL ABOUT THE ACTING!!!" I LOVE seeing Maggie Smith, as I've loved her since "Jean Brodie". Kathy Bates, LOVED in "Unconditional Love", as well as 99% of her acting catalog. And Laura Linney...another GREAT actress I LOVE from the "Tales In the City" series. EACH of them show their talents with great intuition and conviction in this piece. Outstanding performances from ALL involved, with a "BRAVA!" However, this movie has dark point that even made a jaded, old gay man shed many tears. OK. It's not that difficult to make a gay man cry, but BELIEVE ME when I tell you that you, too, shall shed some tears. Maybe only a couple, but tears SHALL be shed. All in all, a FANTASTIC movie that covers the late 1950's/early 1960's opinions and life styles. VERY authentic! Of course, this is coming from an Anglophile Yank...