A more modern musical

I saw Quartet last week and to say that I enjoyed it would be an understatement.  I loved it.  The plot of the film is a number of retired musicians are planning a show to keep their retirement home open.  Three members of a quartet of famous opera singers (that sang a renowned/quintessential version of Rigaletto) and the fourth member comes to the house and is coaxed into performing with them again for the event (I don't think this is giving anything away). It was the directorial debut of Dustin Hoffman and I thought he did a great job.  The movie is mostly made up of these small and subtle moments which I think falls in line with that generation of British persons. The film is very quiet but that just makes some of the moments shine.  And the music is fabulous, many beautiful classic and operatic pieces.  All of the members of the retirement home are actual opera singers or musicians so it feels so believable and appropriate when  a cast member starts singing or playing an instrument (for example, I loved the pianist who had some of the best facial reactions throughout the movie).  I would have still enjoyed the movie if Maggie Smith wasn't a member of the quartet, and she gives such a realized and solid performance. I do think of this movie as a musical and unlike most classic musicals, the songs that are sung are not reflecting the emotions of a singer or advancing the plot.  Rather, the songs are more of a necessity of the singer/musician.  You can see that the character has been in a musical state of mind for so long, that it feels completely natural for them to start singing or playing.  I highly recommend it!