For opera buffs this is a pleasure to watch and listen to. If you don't like opera then you will be disappointed as there is a lot of singing (and, after the first few lessons, pretty good singing too). The storyline is solid if mostly predictable though there is a good twist at the end.
66 Reviews
Twinkle Twinkle
ferguson-629 September 2021
Greetings again from the darkness. There aren't many Opera singer-Romantic Comedies, so that alone made this one worth checking out. Writer-director Ben Lewin (THE SESSIONS, 2012) co-wrote the script with Allen Palmer (his first feature film) and cast the film perfectly, while also gifting us an inordinate amount of beautiful singing voices, as well as a uniquely picturesque setting in the Scottish Highlands.
Danielle Macdonald (PATTI CAKE$, 2017) stars as Millie, an American who has been living in London, and establishing herself as a highly successful fund manager. After an evening at the opera with her boyfriend (and co-worker) Charlie (Shazad Latif, "Penny Dreadful"), Millie makes a life-altering decision. Rather than accept a big promotion at work, she's going to sacrifice her career and follow her dream of becoming an opera singer. Of course, as with most rom-coms, none of this really makes much sense. Rather than compare this to reality, it's best to enjoy the fun parts (and there are plenty) and disregard the rest.
Those fun parts begin once Millie leaves London and lands in the Scottish Highlands. Her first comical interaction is with the proprietor of The Filthy Pig played by Gary Lewis (GANGS OF NEW YORK, 2002). This only pub in the village also serves as its only restaurant and motel. More zaniness ensues as Millie auditions for Megan Geoffrey-Bishop (a terrific Joanna Lumley, "Absolutely Fabulous"), a "retired" singing teacher who once made her own mark on the stage. Her only current pupil is Max (Hugh Skinner, LES MISERABLES, 2002), a local who has been training for years. Max and Millie have the same goal - qualify for the 'Singer of Renowned' competition. So we immediately know where this is headed ... and sure enough, it does.
While much of the story focuses on the 'will they or won't they' connection between Millie and Max, it's Ms. Lumley who steals every scene she's in. Her theory that opera singers must suffer is part of her curriculum for both of her students. At first we aren't sure whether she's just taking Millie's money because she needs it, but that answer comes soon enough. The actual competition is packed with amazing singing voices, and the three-way love story follows many of the rom-com clichés - though we don't seem to care because Millie and Max are so torn between their dream and each other, and Ms. Lumley just keeps cracking wise.
Of course we know that opera singers train most of their lives for competitions and stage roles, so it's absurd to think that a fund manager can take a year off work and reach this level. But again, this isn't about reality. No, this is about Millie singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" like you've never heard it before. It's about "fish and chips without the vinegar". It's about not wanting to rent a room because the floor would need to be mopped. It's about opening your heart and chasing a passion - following a dream. And we can all use a little of that right now.
In select theaters and on VOD beginning October 1, 2021.
Danielle Macdonald (PATTI CAKE$, 2017) stars as Millie, an American who has been living in London, and establishing herself as a highly successful fund manager. After an evening at the opera with her boyfriend (and co-worker) Charlie (Shazad Latif, "Penny Dreadful"), Millie makes a life-altering decision. Rather than accept a big promotion at work, she's going to sacrifice her career and follow her dream of becoming an opera singer. Of course, as with most rom-coms, none of this really makes much sense. Rather than compare this to reality, it's best to enjoy the fun parts (and there are plenty) and disregard the rest.
Those fun parts begin once Millie leaves London and lands in the Scottish Highlands. Her first comical interaction is with the proprietor of The Filthy Pig played by Gary Lewis (GANGS OF NEW YORK, 2002). This only pub in the village also serves as its only restaurant and motel. More zaniness ensues as Millie auditions for Megan Geoffrey-Bishop (a terrific Joanna Lumley, "Absolutely Fabulous"), a "retired" singing teacher who once made her own mark on the stage. Her only current pupil is Max (Hugh Skinner, LES MISERABLES, 2002), a local who has been training for years. Max and Millie have the same goal - qualify for the 'Singer of Renowned' competition. So we immediately know where this is headed ... and sure enough, it does.
While much of the story focuses on the 'will they or won't they' connection between Millie and Max, it's Ms. Lumley who steals every scene she's in. Her theory that opera singers must suffer is part of her curriculum for both of her students. At first we aren't sure whether she's just taking Millie's money because she needs it, but that answer comes soon enough. The actual competition is packed with amazing singing voices, and the three-way love story follows many of the rom-com clichés - though we don't seem to care because Millie and Max are so torn between their dream and each other, and Ms. Lumley just keeps cracking wise.
Of course we know that opera singers train most of their lives for competitions and stage roles, so it's absurd to think that a fund manager can take a year off work and reach this level. But again, this isn't about reality. No, this is about Millie singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" like you've never heard it before. It's about "fish and chips without the vinegar". It's about not wanting to rent a room because the floor would need to be mopped. It's about opening your heart and chasing a passion - following a dream. And we can all use a little of that right now.
In select theaters and on VOD beginning October 1, 2021.
Well, that was interesting
lenclem11 February 2024
First off, Scotland is beautiful. The long shots of the crags and forests deserve a billing.
Second, if Scotland is part of the cast why only one costume? I understood the plot to suggest the preperation for the contest would take a year. Not sure if I saw early spring or late fall but don't feel I saw the whole year.
There were a number of humorous scenes in the movie but they lacked much connection and didn't do much to explain how the characters were growing through these situations.
Is it a spoiler to ask for more of Max's background? Or the nature of the relationship between Ramsey and Meghan? Or to see how Millie's growing talent and dedication transformed Meghan's cynicism into genuine belief in her students' potential?
I was happily entertained, and found I was even able to enjoy a few arias (spoiler alert - I generally tell people I appreciate all music except opera). Just disappointed that there were so many untended loose ends.
Second, if Scotland is part of the cast why only one costume? I understood the plot to suggest the preperation for the contest would take a year. Not sure if I saw early spring or late fall but don't feel I saw the whole year.
There were a number of humorous scenes in the movie but they lacked much connection and didn't do much to explain how the characters were growing through these situations.
Is it a spoiler to ask for more of Max's background? Or the nature of the relationship between Ramsey and Meghan? Or to see how Millie's growing talent and dedication transformed Meghan's cynicism into genuine belief in her students' potential?
I was happily entertained, and found I was even able to enjoy a few arias (spoiler alert - I generally tell people I appreciate all music except opera). Just disappointed that there were so many untended loose ends.
Enjoyable romantic comedy
Sergiodave1 November 2021
A wealthy city fund manager leaves her job to train as an opera singer under the tutelage of a retired foul mouthed Diva. This comedy is to opera singing what Brassed off (1996) was to Brass bands and Blow Dry (2001) was to hairdressing. Lighthearted but very entertaining, the three main leads are all great and the story works, no matter how far-fetched. This should definitely put a smile on your face.
"The Competition" for Opera
LukeCustomer219 February 2024
Not going to lie, I skipped this movie several times. I am not into Opera and I didn't find it that interesting. But after a while I thought I would give it a shot. Basically this is about a very successful woman who gives up her successful life to try to be an Opera singer. It is kind of a sports type allegory with her training and then entering one of those star maker contests. She has competition / love interest in her "coach's" only other student, Max, who has been trying for years and is irritated his coach is taking on a new student to compete with him. This movie doesn't suffer from the current trend of tell don't show. The screenplay takes you through the necessary scenes to believe people falling in love.
The only problems I had were that the main character Milly seems to be a Mary Sue for most of the movie. There is nothing she can't be great at and no man who isn't in to her. Perhaps that is so glaring because the main character actress is so overweight and it is disingenuous to act like that doesn't matter in the real world. So no I don't buy her as this high powered fund manager at some big firm in London with a loving boyfriend who is also a high powered fund manager.
I actually didn't have a problem with the relationship because Opera seems like a field where a woman could be larger and everyone would be used to it and the main love story takes place where there is not a single other woman the male character's age... never mind someone who is into Opera like he is. So I can see the love story. The male character is also not fleshed out enough. For a lot of the movie he is odd and you don't really understand how he came to Opera...I thought was going to turn out to be the son of the coach. However the final scene seems to do a lot of fixing of the character.
The only problems I had were that the main character Milly seems to be a Mary Sue for most of the movie. There is nothing she can't be great at and no man who isn't in to her. Perhaps that is so glaring because the main character actress is so overweight and it is disingenuous to act like that doesn't matter in the real world. So no I don't buy her as this high powered fund manager at some big firm in London with a loving boyfriend who is also a high powered fund manager.
I actually didn't have a problem with the relationship because Opera seems like a field where a woman could be larger and everyone would be used to it and the main love story takes place where there is not a single other woman the male character's age... never mind someone who is into Opera like he is. So I can see the love story. The male character is also not fleshed out enough. For a lot of the movie he is odd and you don't really understand how he came to Opera...I thought was going to turn out to be the son of the coach. However the final scene seems to do a lot of fixing of the character.
Pleasant but could have been so much better
tm-sheehan26 July 2022
My Review- Falling for Figaro
In Cinemas now
My Rating 6/10
A film written by Polish born Australian Ben Lewin Falling for Figaro is a bit of a tired old plot line that's been done before and much better featuring a young unknown singer dancer actor who yearns for stardom and finds it eventually with the help of the right teacher.
The trouble for me unfortunately I have to say in this light weight but pleasant film is Joanna Lumley . I really admire Dame Joanna , her travel documentaries are sublime and a few of her movies like Finding Your Feet and of course her portrayal of Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous is one of the great comedy roles of last century.
In this film though her performance really irritated me . I have to blame Director Ben Lewin for letting Joanna overact in the first half of the movie appearing more like a nasty aged Patsy than a retired reclusive ex Opera singer.
She drinks too much she is foul mouthed and worse totally insults and degrades her two students Millie Cantwell and Max Thistlewaite . I wondered if this reincarnation of old Patsy was done for humour or drama ?
It didn't work for me as any young singer would be out the door in a flash.
Later in the film she calms down to a more reasonable tone and becomes almost proud but her early appearance in the film builds up a real dislike for her character Meghan Geoffrey - Bishop .
The plot is simple and very predictable Millie Cantwell who is delightfully portrayed by Australian actress and Sydney born Danielle MacDonald decides to become an Opera singer leaving her highly paid investment banker job in London and her long term boyfriend to re locate to The Highlands of Scotland. Her reluctant and nasty singing teacher Meghan Geoffrey -Bishop (Joanna Lumley ) a retired Opera singer takes her on as a pupil after insults and ego deflation at depth . No one including Millie is sure if it's for the high fees she's demanding or if she sees Millie as a challenge.
Meghan's other pupil is Max Thistlewaite a young villager who she treats with even more disdain it's a wonder either pupil gets any confidence from her constant put downs and that's the problem of this story for me .
Max played by Hugh Skinner is Millie's competition in The prestigious Singer of Renown contest in Edinburgh and it soon is obvious that both young singers have formed more of an attraction than just as singing students.
Both Hugh Skinner and Danielle Mac Donald effectively lip synch their arias to the voices of Australian Opera singers Stacey Alleaume and Nathan Lay both of these fine singers have won several prestigious awards .
This is a pleasant enough film with attractive locations in the Scottish Highlands that that include Glencoe, Loch Lomond and theatres in Glasgow . It was financed by Screen Australia, Screen Scotland .
Worth a look pleasant viewing but could have been much better in my opinion.
A film written by Polish born Australian Ben Lewin Falling for Figaro is a bit of a tired old plot line that's been done before and much better featuring a young unknown singer dancer actor who yearns for stardom and finds it eventually with the help of the right teacher.
The trouble for me unfortunately I have to say in this light weight but pleasant film is Joanna Lumley . I really admire Dame Joanna , her travel documentaries are sublime and a few of her movies like Finding Your Feet and of course her portrayal of Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous is one of the great comedy roles of last century.
In this film though her performance really irritated me . I have to blame Director Ben Lewin for letting Joanna overact in the first half of the movie appearing more like a nasty aged Patsy than a retired reclusive ex Opera singer.
She drinks too much she is foul mouthed and worse totally insults and degrades her two students Millie Cantwell and Max Thistlewaite . I wondered if this reincarnation of old Patsy was done for humour or drama ?
It didn't work for me as any young singer would be out the door in a flash.
Later in the film she calms down to a more reasonable tone and becomes almost proud but her early appearance in the film builds up a real dislike for her character Meghan Geoffrey - Bishop .
The plot is simple and very predictable Millie Cantwell who is delightfully portrayed by Australian actress and Sydney born Danielle MacDonald decides to become an Opera singer leaving her highly paid investment banker job in London and her long term boyfriend to re locate to The Highlands of Scotland. Her reluctant and nasty singing teacher Meghan Geoffrey -Bishop (Joanna Lumley ) a retired Opera singer takes her on as a pupil after insults and ego deflation at depth . No one including Millie is sure if it's for the high fees she's demanding or if she sees Millie as a challenge.
Meghan's other pupil is Max Thistlewaite a young villager who she treats with even more disdain it's a wonder either pupil gets any confidence from her constant put downs and that's the problem of this story for me .
Max played by Hugh Skinner is Millie's competition in The prestigious Singer of Renown contest in Edinburgh and it soon is obvious that both young singers have formed more of an attraction than just as singing students.
Both Hugh Skinner and Danielle Mac Donald effectively lip synch their arias to the voices of Australian Opera singers Stacey Alleaume and Nathan Lay both of these fine singers have won several prestigious awards .
This is a pleasant enough film with attractive locations in the Scottish Highlands that that include Glencoe, Loch Lomond and theatres in Glasgow . It was financed by Screen Australia, Screen Scotland .
Worth a look pleasant viewing but could have been much better in my opinion.
Yes, it had it's moments
kymrox52 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
As someone pointed out, it's ridiculously PC with not much rooted in reality. In real life could a plus size woman have 2 hunks fighting over her? Don't think so. Could an amateur opera singer make it to the big leagues out of the blue in one year? Probably not. Would any self-respecting accomplished PC woman put up with the verbal abuse she endured from a teacher that she's ridiculously overpaying? I hope not.
And to top it off, why couldn't they pick out arias that haven't been played to death already? That would have been nice. Meh, waste of time.
And to top it off, why couldn't they pick out arias that haven't been played to death already? That would have been nice. Meh, waste of time.
Watchable.
destiny_west4 March 2023
I wanted to love "Falling for Figaro", but it just was way to predictable for my taste.
Don't get me wrong, the cast was stellar, the locations beautiful and the music mesmerizingly beautiful. But it just fell really flat for me.
The highlight of the movie for me was definitely Joanna Lumley, she played the part of the stern, eccentric opera teacher very well, and was amusing.
Danielle Macdonald was also good in the film.
Again though, it felt like it was missing something for me personally.
I will recommend it though, as I am sure there are plenty of people who will definitely enjoy the film.
Don't get me wrong, the cast was stellar, the locations beautiful and the music mesmerizingly beautiful. But it just fell really flat for me.
The highlight of the movie for me was definitely Joanna Lumley, she played the part of the stern, eccentric opera teacher very well, and was amusing.
Danielle Macdonald was also good in the film.
Again though, it felt like it was missing something for me personally.
I will recommend it though, as I am sure there are plenty of people who will definitely enjoy the film.
Bet you've never heard twinkle, twinkle little star like this before.
StevePunchard20 November 2021
I've never been a big fan of opera as it's really long and never in english. This movie delivers the best of opera in sound bits we can handle...the pieces they perform are not only surprising but moving.
It also helps that it's just a good movie overall with good acting and a compelling storyline. Not only that it is the quintessential definition of a romantic comedy where the romance is uniquely played out in performance and the comedy comes naturally.
If you're looking for something relaxing and for sure entertaining, don't hesitate. Watched it again...too much fun!
It also helps that it's just a good movie overall with good acting and a compelling storyline. Not only that it is the quintessential definition of a romantic comedy where the romance is uniquely played out in performance and the comedy comes naturally.
If you're looking for something relaxing and for sure entertaining, don't hesitate. Watched it again...too much fun!
Entertaining if you like rom coms and/or opera
mail-87-75600424 February 2024
I liked it. Loved the singing (but then I do love opera). Loved the Scottish scenery. Loved Danielle McDonald in The Tourist and Dumplin' and it's so nice to have a romantic lead who is not so skinny (even though she is also very pretty). Even Joanna Lumley was bearable. The two male leads were good too; Shazad Latif is always good to look at and the other one was ok too(!). And I've always liked Gary Lewis in anything I've seen him in.
I was just in the mood for something light hearted and sweet and this really hit the spot for me. I would not have bothered going to a cinema to watch it but on TV it was just right.
I was just in the mood for something light hearted and sweet and this really hit the spot for me. I would not have bothered going to a cinema to watch it but on TV it was just right.
A Disney villain of a main character
thekarmicnomad22 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is such a hard film to like.
The main character is simply awful and Danielle Macdonald isn't strong enough to pull it off (to be fair I am not sure who could)
Millie's boyfriend (Charlie) wishes her good luck on her promotion and she is like "yeah I will be earning more money than you LOL", which is a funny joke I often share with my partner. Then, as she is offered the promotion she blindsides everyone (including Charlie) by turning it down.
Over dinner she announces to him that she is leaving to go to Scotland for an unspecified amount of time to pursue her dream, which she has never mentioned before the previous night, to become a famous Opera singer.
When Charlie doesn't jump for joy at this revelation she pulls him over the table and orders him to toast her success or F off!
That is our introduction to Millie.
Charlie then spends the rest of the film bending over backwards to prove how sorry he is for not believing in her enough. She obviously can't stand the guy but won't break up with him. Perhaps he is paying the rent or maybe she just enjoys kicking puppies.
To be fair to Millie though she is right in her attitude, because it turns out she is awesome at everything! Everywhere she goes people love her and she is just fantastic!
The actual training period and the remote, hostile environment are irrelevant as Millie is so amazing you could drop her in Afghanistan and she would end up as Prime Minster.
I don't see how this can be sold as a comedy as I couldn't detect any attempt at humour.
The romance between Millie and Max is quite sweet.
The characters in Scotland are interesting but quite irrelevant.
The opera scenes are good if you are into that.
There seems to be a growing trend of making films around recklessly selfish and narcissistic people then labelling them as impowering - I just don't get it.
The main character is simply awful and Danielle Macdonald isn't strong enough to pull it off (to be fair I am not sure who could)
Millie's boyfriend (Charlie) wishes her good luck on her promotion and she is like "yeah I will be earning more money than you LOL", which is a funny joke I often share with my partner. Then, as she is offered the promotion she blindsides everyone (including Charlie) by turning it down.
Over dinner she announces to him that she is leaving to go to Scotland for an unspecified amount of time to pursue her dream, which she has never mentioned before the previous night, to become a famous Opera singer.
When Charlie doesn't jump for joy at this revelation she pulls him over the table and orders him to toast her success or F off!
That is our introduction to Millie.
Charlie then spends the rest of the film bending over backwards to prove how sorry he is for not believing in her enough. She obviously can't stand the guy but won't break up with him. Perhaps he is paying the rent or maybe she just enjoys kicking puppies.
To be fair to Millie though she is right in her attitude, because it turns out she is awesome at everything! Everywhere she goes people love her and she is just fantastic!
The actual training period and the remote, hostile environment are irrelevant as Millie is so amazing you could drop her in Afghanistan and she would end up as Prime Minster.
I don't see how this can be sold as a comedy as I couldn't detect any attempt at humour.
The romance between Millie and Max is quite sweet.
The characters in Scotland are interesting but quite irrelevant.
The opera scenes are good if you are into that.
There seems to be a growing trend of making films around recklessly selfish and narcissistic people then labelling them as impowering - I just don't get it.
Antidote to blockbusters!
wendystowesmith30 November 2021
Wonderful Scottish scenery, straightforward plot, slightly stereotypical locals. Joanna Lumley is memorable if only for her dragged through a hedge look. I'm enjoying heroines who are not stereotypical in appearance and personality. A couple of twists along the way, not too predictable, beautiful music. Comfort food.
Suprisingly Enjoyable Film With A Great Cast
glitterynonsense13 February 2023
I am not a romcom fan at all and I watched this as I was bored one day and wanted something on in the background whilst I did something else.
That said, I actually enjoyed the film quite a lot. The script is good and so are the characters and the singing, at least to this untrained ear, was beautiful.
I'm not an opera fan and have never been to the opera, but I do rather like it, and I did enjoy the singing which was on the whole stunning, so provided that you don't hate opera, you should enjoy this film.
Locations wise, I adore Scotland and always feel joy from seeing the beautiful landscapes, so the setting of the film in a sleepy Scottish Highlands town was perfect for me and a fitting backdrop for the beauty of the singing.
Danielle Macdonald is great in the lead role as is Hugh Skinner, but for me it's the performance given by Joanna Lumley that really shines. She's wonderful and the character she plays, reclusive, jaded voice coach is really rather marvellous.
I enjoyed the film more than I expected and you don't need to be an opera fan or even a romcom fan to enjoy it too.
That said, I actually enjoyed the film quite a lot. The script is good and so are the characters and the singing, at least to this untrained ear, was beautiful.
I'm not an opera fan and have never been to the opera, but I do rather like it, and I did enjoy the singing which was on the whole stunning, so provided that you don't hate opera, you should enjoy this film.
Locations wise, I adore Scotland and always feel joy from seeing the beautiful landscapes, so the setting of the film in a sleepy Scottish Highlands town was perfect for me and a fitting backdrop for the beauty of the singing.
Danielle Macdonald is great in the lead role as is Hugh Skinner, but for me it's the performance given by Joanna Lumley that really shines. She's wonderful and the character she plays, reclusive, jaded voice coach is really rather marvellous.
I enjoyed the film more than I expected and you don't need to be an opera fan or even a romcom fan to enjoy it too.
OK for a wet Sunday afternoon
jencros-8774814 November 2021
The premise that an untrained singer can attain such a high level within a year is laughable, and I wasn't at all convinced by 'Max', but if you like opera, then you'll enjoy hearing some of your favourite arias trotted out. But also, if you like opera, you'll also notice that the closing duet from Don Giovanni was misinterpreted for the purposes of the film. Here it looked like Zerlina was seducing Don Giovanni; not the other way around. But whatever. Roll on Monday.
A surprisingly good film about something I don't like: opera.
fiona_r_lamb11 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
OK where to start? Firstly, I don't like rom coms and secondly I don't like opera.
Yet, I actually did enjoy this movie which begs the question: why?
I've never seen the lead actress before but I did like her. I also liked how a plus size woman had a romantic lead with not one but two men crazy about her.
The actor playing Max I immediately recognized from Mamma Mia II. And he sang in that not terribly well but passable so I actually did wonder if he was singing the opera - but apparently he and the lead actress were both dubbed by professional Australian opera singers. Fair enough. It didn't bother me.
The production values were higher than most of these rom coms so that was impressive. Loved the Scottish setting - those chickens were stars of their own accord.
What I didn't get was Joanna Lumley. Firstly, she's supposed to be this great Diva of Opera and yet we NEVER hear her sing, not once. Hmmm. Secondly, why was she such a bad-tempered and cruel potty mouth? Then she softens halfway through inexplicably. Her character did not work that well for me. And she seemed to have this strange kinda creepy relationship with Max which I never understood.
Loved the bar manager at the Filthy Pig - GREAT name! He injected just the right about of cynical humour that kept this rom com from getting sacchariney and icky.
Also the F bombs were totally unnecessary.
Loved all the actual opera performances which REALLY took me by surprise.
So, yes, it was rather predictable but still interesting enough to keep my attention till the end. And it wasn't schmaltzy at all.
Yet, I actually did enjoy this movie which begs the question: why?
I've never seen the lead actress before but I did like her. I also liked how a plus size woman had a romantic lead with not one but two men crazy about her.
The actor playing Max I immediately recognized from Mamma Mia II. And he sang in that not terribly well but passable so I actually did wonder if he was singing the opera - but apparently he and the lead actress were both dubbed by professional Australian opera singers. Fair enough. It didn't bother me.
The production values were higher than most of these rom coms so that was impressive. Loved the Scottish setting - those chickens were stars of their own accord.
What I didn't get was Joanna Lumley. Firstly, she's supposed to be this great Diva of Opera and yet we NEVER hear her sing, not once. Hmmm. Secondly, why was she such a bad-tempered and cruel potty mouth? Then she softens halfway through inexplicably. Her character did not work that well for me. And she seemed to have this strange kinda creepy relationship with Max which I never understood.
Loved the bar manager at the Filthy Pig - GREAT name! He injected just the right about of cynical humour that kept this rom com from getting sacchariney and icky.
Also the F bombs were totally unnecessary.
Loved all the actual opera performances which REALLY took me by surprise.
So, yes, it was rather predictable but still interesting enough to keep my attention till the end. And it wasn't schmaltzy at all.
A Remake
fnnshwq26 September 2022
As an opera buff, I was already halfway towards enjoying it anyway and it certainly is the ultimate "feelgood movie" and the ending was relatively predictable. However there is a delightful movie made more than 10 or 12 years ago called "the music teacher" it's French and the storyline is much the same! Indeed I began wondering to myself whether or not the writer and producers of this movie had in fact seen the music teacher which influence them to rewrite it and make a modern version . If you do a search on this database you will come up with a French version made in 1998 and it has the retired singer teaching 2 aspiring singers who are training for a singing competition. At the end there is a singing duel! I think overall the earlier French version is much more polished.
Great Movie Gem!
martimusross4 January 2022
Falling For Figaro
It was great.
One of those little movie gems the Brits/Australians turn out so well. A simple linear story of a young woman choosing to follow her dream of opera stardom over a boring office job! Her journey involved a vicious dragon lady (Joanna Lumley) of a singing teacher in rural Scotland.
Millie, played by Danielle Macdonald, acted her heart of, it was a truly great performance full of emotion and confliction. Equally good was Hugh Skinner as Max Thistlewaite, her rude fellow singing pupil and around factotum.
Overall they looked mostly like they were singing, so it was convincing. Scotland was shown at its best even though it generally rains.
Yes the plot was obvious, as were the jokes but the universal story of underdog coming good was inspirationally told here. The music was a delight throughout even if you didn't have a clue about opera.
For me this is a strong 7 outta 10, meaning a great film not to be missed.
It was great.
One of those little movie gems the Brits/Australians turn out so well. A simple linear story of a young woman choosing to follow her dream of opera stardom over a boring office job! Her journey involved a vicious dragon lady (Joanna Lumley) of a singing teacher in rural Scotland.
Millie, played by Danielle Macdonald, acted her heart of, it was a truly great performance full of emotion and confliction. Equally good was Hugh Skinner as Max Thistlewaite, her rude fellow singing pupil and around factotum.
Overall they looked mostly like they were singing, so it was convincing. Scotland was shown at its best even though it generally rains.
Yes the plot was obvious, as were the jokes but the universal story of underdog coming good was inspirationally told here. The music was a delight throughout even if you didn't have a clue about opera.
For me this is a strong 7 outta 10, meaning a great film not to be missed.
Follows a predictable path but still enjoyable
hugh-33-5800913 August 2022
Still Smiling
fmeabram15 November 2021
The character M. Geoffrey-Bishop
macronnel26 February 2024
Made the movie entertaining. I rated this movie a solid seven out of ten stars instead of an enjoyable eight because for me, the lead actress was placid too often during scenes that demanded an emotion. Am unsure of the casting details but I would hazard to guess that all the singing roles had an operatic background as they were convincing with their performance. I would have liked this movie even better also if the screenplay writers (or director) didn't subtly hint on how the movie ends. Most rom coms are predictable enough as lead roles do end up together; I wished they left the viewers guessing who wins the contest as it is the only thing that has not been decided.
No reflection on actress but Unlikeable character
faycakir18 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
1 star each for Hugh Skinner, pub landlord and the villagers. Lumley is an angry Patsy, but love her. Her "oh piss off" is classic and very few could pull it off.
Why why why do they make female leads SO aggressive, dysfunctional in relationships and lacking in self-awareness these days? The promotion scene was cringe, her behaviour to her very nice bf was gross, she lives with him and had never told him before of her burning desire to be an opera singer and she decides by herself to turn their lives upside down by ditching everything for a year and choking him in a restaurant tells him to either toast it or F off?! The 0-100 leap Max made from resenting her to helping her and falling for her was implausible. Where are all these men in real life falling over themselves to worship at the feet of these shallow, selfish, aggressive and obese women?
A female lead doesn't have to be pretty and slim per se but if you're making a romcom intended to tug at heart strings then there has to be an appeal, a certain feminine softness and depth alongside integrity and resolution.
Why why why do they make female leads SO aggressive, dysfunctional in relationships and lacking in self-awareness these days? The promotion scene was cringe, her behaviour to her very nice bf was gross, she lives with him and had never told him before of her burning desire to be an opera singer and she decides by herself to turn their lives upside down by ditching everything for a year and choking him in a restaurant tells him to either toast it or F off?! The 0-100 leap Max made from resenting her to helping her and falling for her was implausible. Where are all these men in real life falling over themselves to worship at the feet of these shallow, selfish, aggressive and obese women?
A female lead doesn't have to be pretty and slim per se but if you're making a romcom intended to tug at heart strings then there has to be an appeal, a certain feminine softness and depth alongside integrity and resolution.
Refreshing
cynthea_sabolich7 October 2021
The goal of every movie should be to entertain. I was thoroughly entertained. Yes, some things were predictable but then there was a twist that made it seem more believable.
I loved Millie. I loved Max. I loved the banter with the bar keeper. Frankly, the only thing I found implausible is that she only had 2 suitcases to last her a year in the highlands.
This was perfectly cast. Who knew I loved opera? Apparently Ben Lewin knew.
And their voices were amazing. Who did that? The actors? I don't think so. It was a trick but a good one.
I loved Millie. I loved Max. I loved the banter with the bar keeper. Frankly, the only thing I found implausible is that she only had 2 suitcases to last her a year in the highlands.
This was perfectly cast. Who knew I loved opera? Apparently Ben Lewin knew.
And their voices were amazing. Who did that? The actors? I don't think so. It was a trick but a good one.
No, Bad Actually
henryahoy10 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The key to an enjoyable rom-com, no matter how escapist, are likeable characters. Millie is not likable. I know she's following her dream so I am supposed to root for her, but my god she learnt nothing on her journey. Who the hell has the money to quit their job, stay in a room in a pub for a year at 45 pounds a night (16,000 pounds!!!) plus lesson fees & meals? There wasn't a singing coach anywhere in London, you know - where the theatres are!! But even if you set that aside, I hoped when she explained to the Scottish locals that her high paying, supportive environment job "wasn't fulfilling" & the supportive boyfriend she left in London she'd learn something about how lucky she was, but nope. She goes from zero to contest finalist without ever overcoming anything, learning anything, sacrifing anything. She got what she wanted because she had the money to buy it, that's the lesson for all us losers. I love Hugh Skinner, I watched this largely because he was in it but if his character had turned out to be a serial killer I would not have been surprised. Why is he so surly & miserable? Why does he fall for Millie? Their interactions are all barbed & then they're making out & then he's proposing? PROPOSING??? She's an entitled cheater & he's a secret serial killer, this was not a pleasant relationship to watch. But Scotland is just so damned beautiful it salvaged some enjoyment, and the pub owner is so charming he also helps claw this back from the void. Give him a sequel where he gets the girl. He was lovely.
Escapist Enjoyment
mike-468312 November 2021
Great fun
Nothing like real Opera in spite of well dubbed famous arias but a very enjoyable old fashioned good humoured film.
No one murdered ,no one beaten up ,no simulated sex ,and the most unlikely Don Giovanni ever but a welcome feel good film.
No one murdered ,no one beaten up ,no simulated sex ,and the most unlikely Don Giovanni ever but a welcome feel good film.
CANT WELL? THIS'LL WAIT!
njmoonu11 February 2024
A sweet yet tedious rom com where the coy writing keeps reminding you of its outcome. Polish-Australian director / screenwriter Ben Lewin can't resist the cutesy names, as if he's a modern-day Dickens. Danielle Macdonald plays Millie Cantwell (Can't or cant as in affected sing-song) and Max Thistlewaite (This'll wait - or thistle, the Scottish national flower. Wait... he'll be the winner!). It's all too cute for words. Joanna Lumley lends gravitas and spices up the predictable plot. Not sure why Macdonald had to affect an American accent as she's Australian and the film takes place in the United Kingdom.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
