"unconventional choir with rapping grannies, rocking granddads and an infectious thirst for life"

Terence Stamp has been gracing the cinema screen for as long as I can remember, and the sheer gravitas that he brings to the screen is just magnificent and the same can be said for his role of Arthur in this tear jerking dramatic comedy, in what is a commanding performance from our protagonist.

He portrays the grouchy, doting husband to Vanessa Redgrave's Marion; her illness is terminal and she's given two months to live, and while it's a tear jerker, like the release earlier this year of Now is Good, the filmmakers have done their hardest not to stray too far into the realms of sentimentally - which is a smart move - it is played out close to it but they manage to keep it balanced and thoughtful to the subject matter.

Song for Marion is essentially two halves that make a whole - the first half follows Marion as she does what she loves - in this case it's singing in the local choir and dealing with her illness; not letting it stop her have fun and be amongst caring friend, and the second half follows Arthur after she passes, following him as he deals with losing his wife, and attempting to make amends on certain aspects within his own life.

Meanwhile, Gemma Arterton is Elizabeth, the conductor of the choir, she does it for the love of it, and while she's been dressed down, she illuminates the screen just as she knows best. Oh, and she turns in a very impressive performance to boot.

While her character dies midway into the film, Redgrave is an extremely capable actress, who somehow manages to retain her presence when she's not on screen, and the smart thing here is not to use flashbacks or similar devices; the writing, directing and performances are so believable that there is no need for the use of such devices.

Rounding out the principal cast is the magnanimous Christopher Eccleston, who portrays James - Arthur and Marion's son, who fathers rising star Orla Hill, who utters one of the best one liners in the film, very cute and very memorable.

Song for Marion showcases an unconventional choir with rapping grannies, rocking granddads and an infectious thirst for life, reminding us that you are never too old to have fun. And you're never too old to cry anyway. At least that's my excuse.