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

A mature couple take a stand against the banks after a pensions collapse.

I absolutely loved every single second of this movie, it's funny, moving, very different, and features some of Britain's finest mature actors. Funny, plenty of unexpected moments, and lots of great lines. As always with this type of film, there are plenty of moving scenes.

It's always great to see a mature cast in a film, everyone here a quality actor, what a cast list.

Some wonderful visuals, they picked some terrific locations to film at.

I can't make my mind up who steals this, Bernard Hillnot Brad Moore, Hill had me absolutely captivated, in acting terms he really stands out, such a wonderful actor, Moore on the other hand is hilarious, and drop dead gorgeous.

Loved it, 9/10.

Another in the recent line of heist movies featuring pensioners who have been swindled by their pension fund.

Golden Years wants to be Ealingesque with a touch of social conscience for the plight of the elderly.

Arthur (Bernard Hill) and Martha (Virginia McKenna) are a retired couple. She needs medical treatment and Arthur discovers that he might not be able to afford it as his pension fund has tanked.

In desperation he thinks about robbing a bank. Only for good fortune to come his way, he accidentally manages to get away with 50k from a security van that has come to the bank.

Emboldened, Arthur plans another bank robbery and this time Martha joins him. Later his friends join in for further robberies as they are also struggling financially.

The police led by veteran Sid (Alun Armstrong) believe that a violent gang is behind the robberies, not a bunch of pensioners.

Golden Years is co-written by television presenter Nick Knowles. An improbable plot is amiably done with lots of charm. Unfortunately it is too silly and at times plays like a farce.

Virginia McKenna looks too old to be Bernard Hill's wife. Alun Armstrong is too old to still be plod. Simon Callow is just too fruity.