Elsa & Fred

Two great stars in a lovely movie. Great acting, humorous, feel-good movie. Worth watching to see characters transform, especially Christopher Plummer's role from absolute frump to handsome envigorated older gent. Important for us who are getting older... gives us the idea of brighter possibilities.

This DVD was used. It did not come wrapped in cellophane.

Fred is 80 and has given up on life after his wife died. Elsa has her eye on him when he moves in next door, but she first needs to get him to appreciate life. Most of the film is taken up with this transformation. What he learns is that a life that is lived well is about giving—something he had missed until this point. Once he appreciates what Elsa is prepared to give to him, he becomes able to give himself to her. They quickly fall in love. One complication that becomes an endearment is that Elsa is a pathological liar. Elsa’s favorite film is “La Dolce Vita.” She watches it all the time, identifies with Anita Ekberg, and longs to meet Marcello while wading in the Trevi fountain. At first I thought that neither she nor the writers seem to have the foggiest idea of what this film is about. But on reflection, I think that this film actually aims to undermine La Dolce Vita. The latter is about authenticity or, more specifically, Marcello's lack of authenticity. Elsa is entirely inauthentic. That's her charm, and this film seems to celebrate her inauthenticity. Of course, that's a pretty superficial understanding of "authenticity": in a way, Elsa actually is authentic because even her lies express her true feelings if not the truth. There are lots of references to other films here, though not so obvious as this one--the 1970 film "Love Story" is just one among many. So many references, that you will feel that you’ve seen this film when you haven’t. The plot is entirely predictable. The references to other films are ways that this film acknowledges that viewers will know where it is going. Even so, it’s cute and funny.

There were so many hilarious lines in this film I had to pause just so I could laugh especially those by Plummer. Shirley MacLaine has always been one of my favorite actresses and I have a strong feeling that she had a lot of input into the lines. I really think those that rated it lower either take life too seriously or are too young and just can't relate. Great when you want to just kick back and watch something light-hearted where you don't have to think but just want to laugh.

Shows that older people can find love even as their life is nearing the end.

Such a sweet story that transforms an old couple. Happiness is priceless.

A movie with substance.

Great acting makes a movie great , and this movie has it...Just pure great acting by Shirley and Christopher.....Much better that all those special computer effects....I gave this movie a top notch score....

Put two stars of the caliber of Shirley MacLaine and Christopher Plummer together in a film and you end up, sad, happy, smiling, crying, and a combination of all of it.You look at the cover of the video and you ask yourself : "What do you mean, it is a love story?" But actually it is. Sometime true love takes a long time to arrive and sadly it arrives when life is almost to the end. But what great memories. This is what the story of Elsa & Fred is all about. It pays to wait and to take chances because when it comes to love, one never knows.

Fantastic film, I wasn't sure I would like it but Christopher Plummer's character reminds me of my Dad! It was also great to see a film that wasn't afraid to show that no matter your ages, love is ageless and doesn't care if your young or old. Shirley MacLaine and Christopher Plummer were great in this film and you really feel for both of them and though it has a sad ending, it really reminded that life how ever long it may seem, is still short and why not live it.

I loved this film. Shirley is such a great serious and comedy actress. What a sad ending though. The film was hilarious and really sweet about two elderly people getting to know each other and their respective families trying to run their lives for them.

This film hasn't made it very high up my list of favourites. It's alright, but not a must-see.

poor story line . not up to the standard of the cast . not worth the money