YOUTH (opens on Boxing Day)

A retired orchestra conductor is on holiday with his daughter and his film director best friend in the Alps when he receives an invitation from Queen Elizabeth II to perform for Prince Philip’s birthday. —IMDB

A thought-provoking movie about ageing, grief, regret, friendship, father-daughter relationships and how one finds peace and happiness in life — if that’s possible. Michael Caine (playing Fred Ballinger) and Harvey Keitel (playing Mick Boyle) are excellent as best friends exploring their past lives and what it means to grow older together. And the supporting cast puts in excellent performances. It’s emotionally rich and tender with the gorgeous cinematography providing surprising perspectives on familiar, everyday happenings. Thoroughly enjoyable.