Ladies in Lavender (2004) stars Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, along with Daniel Buhl. Adapted from a short story by William J Locke, written for the screen and directed by Charles Dance, this quiet near-fairy tale takes place at the English seaside during the 30's. I confess, I have not read the short story. I did need to figure out the title - as the women never wore lavender during the film. (I often look for the overtly obvious and when I don't find it, I start searching for answers)

The ladies are sisters, growing old together in Cornish. Their sweet and idyllic lives are interrupted when a beautiful young man washes up on the coast. They take on the task of nursing him back to health. Janet, the older sister (Maggie Smith) is the pragmatist. Ursula (Judi Dench) is ruddy faced, youthful and naive. Their names alone help depict their personalities.

The film employs the standard cast of small village characters you see in most all period pieces set in European countrysides. Fishermen and old men who sit by the roadside and murmur commentary. Great and not so handsome women who cook and clean and also murmur commentary. Listen closely: the banter is colloquial and at times hard to understand for us American types.

The color palette for this film is soft, and feels filtered like a Sisley (English impressionist) painting. The interiors are full of fabulous details -- wonderful to notice if you like those kinds of ancient European homes (the stove and the drying rack that lift up over it must be hundreds of years old).

(Alfred Sisley -Bridge at Villeneuve -a -Garenne, 1872)

Ursula spends part of each day standing on her widow's walk, watching the sea. I think if I lived near the seaside, I would build one of these pulpits to stand and watch for miracles.

There are many wonderful humorous moments. The sisters' housekeeper, Dorcas (yes, Dorcas) shops for special fish and creates a pie - with tails and heads popping out of the crust - that appears to be a favorite dish. English culinary delights. Ew. And porridge seems to figure greatly.

This is a story about love without being a love story. It steps close to breaking your heart, but pulls back just in time. It offers a little intrigue that simmers but never boils over. It is satisfying even though it does not have a fairy tale ending.

And the lavender? - Turns out, that lavender was often used to keep belongings fresh over the years when stowed away.