Song for Marion

Stars: Terence Stamp, Vanessa Redgrave, Gemma Arterton, Christopher Eccleston, Anne Reid, Ram John Holder

Director: Paul Andrew Williams

Never mind the box of tissues, you'll need a bucket to get through this mega-weepie about an old codger (Stamp), devoted to his wife Marion (Redgrave), but estranged from his son (Eccleston) who, under the persuasion of a feisty young choirmistress (Arterton), joins Marion's choir after she dies.

That's all there is to it, really, apart from the final, emotive choir competition, and Arterton (otherwise engagingly chirpy) improbably turning up on Stamp's doorstep after being dumped by her boyfriend.

Stamp and Redgrave are fine and emotionally affecting, and Eccleston's good, too, even though his assumed working-class accent clashes with his 'parents' lower middle-class voices. It's all simple stuff, but jolly in parts and totally effective. PS: Don't forget that bucket - especially for the end.

David Quinlan

UK 2012. UK Distributor: Entertainment-One. Colour by deluxe.
96 minutes. Not widescreen. UK certificate: PG.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 0, Violence/Horror 0, Drugs 0, Swearing 0.

Review date: 17 Feb 2013