User reviews

Fun movie. Escapist. If you're looking for gritty crime drama, move on. But if you're looking for charming characters, good performances, and a feel good movie where the real bad guys get what's coming to them, then you will enjoy this little gem.

This was a film of gentle entertainment for people who like a cheery story and a pleasant viewing experience with a few laughs along the way.

If you like gritty crime drams, horror movies or deep and meaningful drama this will not be the film for you. If you would enjoy seeing the best of our stalwart British Actors still adding value in their latter years with a gentle story with an uplifting ending you might fare better.

A great soundtrack for baby- boomers. Look out for classic performances from the likes of Phil Davies who never fails to please.

This film tells the story of an elderly man who accidentally stumble upon a case of cash from the security van outside a bank. He discovers that robbing a bank is easy, and goes robbing banks in order to save his social club from being sold to developers.

"Golden Years" is a lighthearted comedy, there is no question about that. It is hard to imagine two retired people robbing banks as easily as counting one two three! The heist scenes are more funny than exciting, and the police conclusions are simply funny. The authorities seem to be incompetent despite all the plan evidence, which is entertaining. There is suggestion of it possibly having a sequel, and I hope it will be as entertaining as this.

On a wet August BH weekend I found this by chance...it put a smile on my face.

This film quite reminded me the Korean film I saw a few years ago called 'Grandma Gangsters'. That film was about a vacation, though money involves and here it was about the pension. That's a serious thing, could have been another 'I, Daniel Blake', but that's not how it goes. A very interesting and comical take on the pension crisis. What could the old people can do about it? Well, that's the point, they use an opportunity that comes their way to tackle the issue.

I love films involving aged people. Not for amusement, but to see them struggle, emotionally I break down. Only those on the realistic portrayals. This title looked okay, but when I read the synopsis, I desperately wanted to see it. I knew it was a comedy, so I did not expect greater, except some good laughs. It did delivered, but I felt a few scenes were very unrealistic, even for a cinematic. Like the ending was not convincing enough. Though the rest of the film was fine.

The story centres on the character Arthur played by Bernard Hill, which I first time noticed his character, particularly being in the lead since as Theodon, the King of Rohan from 'The Lord of the Rings'. So, like any film, it all begins with a simple introduction of his life and people around him. Unlike his friends, he is much able to do the stuffs at his age. Some way or the other, they are all depending on him, including his wife. Then one day he comes to know that he's not eligible anymore for his pension benefits. After thinking a lot, the heartbroken Arthur decides to take an extreme step. So begins his new adventure, and the following, his gang joins him.

❝They may take our pensions, but they will never take our lives.❞

Does it not sound cool! Brilliant performances by all. For a theme like this, the characters have to be fit which is a stereotype that this film breaks. But there were some sacrifices like the screenplay was altered to balance between the physically weak characters and the contents that's usually fast and furious and sometimes rough handling requires. It all worked though.

A crime film, yet there's no violence or the action sequences. Involves some nervous scenes and like I said earlier, the end twist should have been better. Considering how everything was developed, that was not a bad ending at all, especially keeping in mind audience point of view of what they would be expecting. It was not entirely about the old guys. The cops have a small part, including one of them was old who leads the robbery case.

At some point, it looked like 'Bonnie and Clyde', which was mentioned in the storyline as well. Like a cat-and-mouse game, the events in the tale stretches as much as it can possible, providing entertainment for us. The narration could have ended in very early, though the cops were not all Sherlocks. Everything in the interest of the film to develop in the right way with little silly and more funny.

Not an average film or a classic. Made with a decent budget and the fine casting, I think the film is good to try once, but I suggest not to anticipate like any outstanding heist films you have seen in your life. Learn about the film, like its storyline and its characters. If you do that you will understand its limitations, except less fun while watching the film.

7/10

Surprisingly engaging, fast paced and taut story of the eldery fighting back again a society that has abandoned them which starts a but "get of my yard!" but soon develops a superb tone of proletarian rage.

Funny, poignant and intriguing, the police procedure aspect for once isn't dull and our heroes never stop being sympathetic.

The vibrant, sunny cinematography is appealing and I can't say I've seen much like it in a long while.

I am not convinced that it is feasible but the message that sometimes those who are breaking the rules are the good guys and those enforcing the law are not just makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. The solidarity among the elderly people is nice too.

Superb movie to watch with your parents (though do mention a little sex too though) and not half bad for the kids either.

Distinctly recalling the American film 'Going in style' that was released a few weeks prior in 2017, this bears strong similarities in its plot and themes. If anything, 'Golden years' is even more dour in broaching the horrid abuse and neglect of the elderly specifically, and the absurd, cruel inhumanity of society under the first of capitalism and arbitrary financial "markets" generally. Add on top reflection on the necessity of community, and the ceaseless, torrid, thankless demands required of workers. This film treads the same waters of comedy-drama, to be sure, though it's worth noting that the comedy is a tad more understated and sparse, while the stark, somber drama is played up more heavily. At the same time that it's a great delight to watch senior citizens putting pep in their step and spitting in the faces of genuinely villainous institutions, the sad and infuriating realities underlying the scenario somewhat restrain the entertainment to be had. Let's be honest, though - all this is just part and parcel of the story, and makes the movie all the more engaging.

In fact, I'd even go so far as to say that the greater contrast between the competing elements of the picture only serve to heighten each. Where 'Golden years' aims for humor, it's an especial joy to watch Bernard Hill, Virginia McKenna, Simon Callow, and their aged co-stars lean into the playful frivolity - a far cry from the more serious roles we've seen them in, and all the better on account of their advanced years. Factor in the pleasure of seeing Alun Armstrong in so prominent a part as Sid, at 70, and the bluster that Brad Moore happily adopts as smarmy, thoroughly unlikable detective Stringer, and the cast become the heart and soul of the feature. In the more sober moments, meanwhile, the players get a fair chance to exhibit the able skills we all know they possess. Though of course, a strong ensemble counts for little if the film otherwise can't stand on its legs otherwise - yet even for the disparity between the comedy and drama, this is very well balanced and rather capably written. The characters and dialogue are real and believable, and the scene writing that builds the title bit by bit is wonderfully varied as it propels the narrative.

With that said, if there's any slight deficiency to be found in 'Golden years,' it's perhaps in the story being told. Don't get me wrong, overall it's solid, and enjoyable. The swings in tone are sometimes a bit much, however, and while the fundamental weave of the tale is suitable, neither the comedy nor the drama are ever so robustly grabbing as to firmly command our attention. More substantively, though there's plentiful wit and intelligence sprinkled throughout, including at the climax - the climax itself is at once a smidgen inelegant in how it's executed, and like the denouement, too neat and clean in hurriedly wrapping up the story. One derives a certain smug satisfaction in how the plot plays out, but that doesn't entirely mean the storytelling is unimpeachable. By no means is this to say that it's bad at any point, but there's just nothing here to mark 'Golden years' as a "must-see" recommendation.

Whatever perceived shortcomings may present, however, ultimately the movie is just what it wants to be. It's steadily entertaining, with just enough sincere drama as counterbalance, and the all too real, dire themes at the core are ripe for cinema. When all is said and done the cast may be the most noteworthy facet, so fans of Hill, McKenna, or the others are likely to get the most out of the viewing experience. Even for the casual general audience, though, 'Golden years' is sufficient fun that it's worth checking out if you happen upon it.

The producers managed to assemble a quality cast - Bernard Hill, Virginia McKenna, Alun Armstrong, Sue Johnson, Una Stubbs, Simon Callow and more - so I thought it might be worth a watch. It wasn't.

The script was an embarrassment - paper thin characters, poorly constructed scenes, and a plot like it had been thrown up over a drunken weekend. How did they manage to line up so many good actors?

Money, I suppose. Certainly the budget didn't go on technical or artistic talent behind the camera.

The end credits gave some clues. They went on and on... and on. Every background extra was named. Seriously - every single one. And there were loads. I can only assume they all paid to be in it and that accounted for a swathe of the budget.

So who was the mastermind behind this amateurish drivel? I came here to find out.

Step forward... Nick Knowles. Yes, him. The big gaffer / beloved TV personality / alpha geezer wiv a heart of gold from that BBC DIY show was the executive producer and, more significantly, one of the writers.

I can only assume Diamond Nick offered to renovate all the actors' houses if they'd appear in his half-arsed muddle of a movie. And maybe all the crew's kitchens and extras' back bedrooms.

Hope so. Hope it keeps him so busy he never again gets near a laptop to attempt another script.

Best get a professional, Nick. Saves you money in the long run.

I'd never heard of or knew about this film. I came across it on Netflix as I was looking for British films to watch.

If you like gentle British comedies/dramas similar to the Margery and Gladys film with June Brown and Penelope Keith, you'll love this. I'm not going to pull the film to pieces on improbabilities like some critics do, just watch it for the fun it is. There are many older British stalwarts of film and television in this and it's great to see them together here. I loved this film, though it will probably appeal to an older audience more than a younger one.

We watched this on Prime Video and stayed awake for most of it. A while ago we watched Dad's Army and these two are similar, light-hearted romps with unlikely plots but loaded with acting talent of mainly the British variety and not to be examined too critically. Oh, and Blow Dry too... Yes, it was a cute, feeling-good knockabout tale of Hobbit-stature folk in the southern counties... all very polite and "if only" but compared to British horror films these films are, we thought, well worth your time.

No sex, no profanity, no violence as such... pour a glass and press play... PS Why no subtitles for this modern film for us older folk?

It seems inevitable that the careers of well known, well respected actors finish with them having to accept "end of the pier" scripts such as this. Another reviewer has already pointed out many of the huge plot holes in this movie. The actors just about kept me watching but really it was no better than the awfully scripted comic spots in TV shows such as Rogue Traders and Martin Lewis' Money show etc., which I can no longer bear to watch. These actors deserve much better written scripts worthy of their proven acting abilities.

'Golden Years' is hit-and-miss in a few areas, but overall it's all a good laugh with an entertaining premise.

Logically a lot of it is flawed and/or undercooked, most of the characters act strangely and the plot is kinda choppy in parts; especially across the final act. They try to force things together, whilst seemingly believing they're being much more clever and funny than they actually are.

However, taking out all of that, it does produce entertainment I can't lie. The cast are very good, with Bernard Hill (Athur) and Simon Callow (Royston) standing out. Brad Moore's Stringer is a terrible character though, he adds nothing despite being a key part to the plot.

It's silly and averagely written, particularly the dialogue. I can't, though, deny I did enjoy myself watching this. If you don't take it seriously, which is admittedly difficult as it sometimes comes across as if they are trying to be smart, then you'll have a good time viewing.

Some fine actors (Hill, Stubbs, Callow) working to a dreadful script and plot..

Trying hard to be funny and failing. The story of the wannabe tough cop is so unfunny and obvious, plius the actor having zero talent means it's more cringing than humorous. McKenna and Johnston should have been retired long ago.

Is this the best our film industry can come up with?

A mature couple take a stand against the banks after a pensions collapse.

I absolutely loved every single second of this movie, it's funny, moving, very different, and features some of Britain's finest mature actors. Funny, plenty of unexpected moments, and lots of great lines. As always with this type of film, there are plenty of moving scenes.

It's always great to see a mature cast in a film, everyone here a quality actor, what a cast list.

Some wonderful visuals, they picked some terrific locations to film at.

I can't make my mind up who steals this, Bernard Hillnot Brad Moore, Hill had me absolutely captivated, in acting terms he really stands out, such a wonderful actor, Moore on the other hand is hilarious, and drop dead gorgeous.

Loved it, 9/10.

Some fine actors (Hill, Stubbs, Callow) working to a dreadful script and plot..

I didn't even manage 5 minutes of this drivel - & half of that was on Fast Forward.

Trying hard to be funny and failing. The story of the wannabe tough cop is so unfunny and obvious, plius the actor having zero talent means it's more cringing than humorous. McKenna and Johnston should have been retired long ago.

Is this the best our film industry can come up with?

Some fine actors (Hill, Stubbs, Callow) working to a dreadful script and plot..

Trying hard to be funny and failing. The story of the wannabe tough cop is so unfunny and obvious, plius the actor having zero talent means it's more cringing than humorous. McKenna and Johnston should have been retired long ago.

Is this the best our film industry can come up with?

Another in the recent line of heist movies featuring pensioners who have been swindled by their pension fund.

Golden Years wants to be Ealingesque with a touch of social conscience for the plight of the elderly.

Arthur (Bernard Hill) and Martha (Virginia McKenna) are a retired couple. She needs medical treatment and Arthur discovers that he might not be able to afford it as his pension fund has tanked.

In desperation he thinks about robbing a bank. Only for good fortune to come his way, he accidentally manages to get away with 50k from a security van that has come to the bank.

Emboldened, Arthur plans another bank robbery and this time Martha joins him. Later his friends join in for further robberies as they are also struggling financially.

The police led by veteran Sid (Alun Armstrong) believe that a violent gang is behind the robberies, not a bunch of pensioners.

Golden Years is co-written by television presenter Nick Knowles. An improbable plot is amiably done with lots of charm. Unfortunately it is too silly and at times plays like a farce.

Virginia McKenna looks too old to be Bernard Hill's wife. Alun Armstrong is too old to still be plod. Simon Callow is just too fruity.

Just loved this movie. So entertaining with .great humour and superb experienced cast. The social commentary is perhaps less percepible with US audience but it is great. Very well written, directed, filmed and edited. Shame Tom Jones did not appear in person..

Loved this film, lots of fun, and managed to keep us engaged the whole way through, great cast and excellent acting by the superb Mr Moore, and his eyebrow,

This film has all the hallmarks of a great British film. A cast that did the film credit. It is a film that you sit and watch and enjoy, it is not complicated at all and that is the joy of the film.

Watcbed this with no preconceptions and enjoyed it.

A funny lighthearted tongue in cheek British comedy that doesn't take itself seriously.