Golden Years (2016)

★ 6.3 1h 36m IMDb

Fate, the pensions crisis and a steadfast refusal to accept the injustice of old age have contrived to force law abiding, retired couple, Arthur and Martha Goode into a life of crime.

Golden Years

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Cast

Bernard Hill
Bernard Hill as Arthur Died 2024 · Blackley, Manchester, England, UK Bernard Hill (17 December 1944 – 5 May 2024) was an English actor. He was known as a character actor of film, stage and television, having acted in nearly 130 projects. He is best known to British tel...
Virginia McKenna
Virginia McKenna as Martha Age 94 · London, England, UK From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Dame Virginia Anne McKenna, DBE (born 7 June 1931) is a British stage and screen actress, author, activist, and wildlife campaigner. She is best known for the fi...
Sue Johnston
Sue Johnston as Nancy Age 82 · Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK Susan Johnston, OBE (née Wright; born 7 December 1943) is an English actress known for playing Sheila Grant in the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside (1982–1990), Barbara Royle in the BBC comedy The Royle...
Phil Davis
Phil Davis as Brian Age 72 · Highgate, London, England, UK Philip Davis (born 30 July 1953) is an English actor, writer, director and narrator..
Una Stubbs
Una Stubbs as Shirley Died 2021 · Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England, UK Una Stubbs (1 May 1937 – 12 August 2021) was an English actress and former dancer who has appeared extensively on British television and in the theatre, and less frequently in films. She was particu...
Simon Callow
Simon Callow as Royston Age 76 · Streatham, London, England, UK Simon Phillip Hugh Callow CBE (born 15 June 1949) is an English actor. Known as a character actor on stage and screen, he has received numerous accolades including an Olivier Award and Screen Actors G...

Audience Reviews

Reno 7/10 Jun 15, 2017
**Sometimes, 'fightback' is the only option.**

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_
r96sk 7/10 Jul 10, 2020
<em>'Golden Years'</em> 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.

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