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There aren’t too many of them, but great films about seniors are a vibrant part of cinema’s rich tapestry of tales.

THE subject of ageing and growing older is something that doesn’t crop up in many Hollywood movies. Summer blockbusters usually focus on “stories” that highlight the actors of the season’s slammin’ bodies (Star Trek Into Darkness, Fast & Furious 6, the Transformers films), superheroes (Man Of Steel, The Avengers), cute animated characters (Monsters University, Wall€E), over-the-top comedians (Ted, That’s My Boy) and other superficial or feel-good stuff.

However, although the film industry is still unapologetically all about young hot bods and gorgeous faces, viewers are demanding for more relatable stories with relatable characters. Films that revolve around the lives of senior citizens not only fit this requirement but they can be pretty entertaining and heartwarming, too. Sure, most of them do tend to be within the drama genre, but a little bit of serious can’t hurt anybody.

Quartet, a film that’s currently playing in Malaysia, is about a bunch of veteran classical singers and musicians who live in a retirement home. It’s a comedy with dramatic undertones, so although the script is wildly witty, there are a few scenes which tug at the heartstrings (and potentially turn you into a blubbering fool). Originally a play, the film marks Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut and stars Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins and Michael Gambon – all of whom are above 70 years of age.

These actors are masters in their craft so they brought to Quartet a world of experience and talent that only seasoned professionals possess. This is why older stars like Smith (who’s 79), Betty White (91), Ian McKellen (74), Anthony Hopkins (76), Morgan Freeman (76), Robert De Niro (70), Jane Fonda (76), Michael Caine (80) and Helen Mirren (68) are still in high demand in Hollywood. Their names lend a sort of instant credibility to a project, which helps in gaining financial support, for example, or filling up the cast list with other top actors.

Over the years, there have been a number of critically and/or commercially successful films about ageing that also starred actors who are in the prime of their lives ... career-wise that is. Here’s a look at some of the memorable ones.

On Golden Pond (1981)

Director: Mark Rydell

Cast: Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda, Dabney Coleman

Why it’s good: Hepburn and Fonda, two acting greats in one touching film. Hepburn was 74 when she did this film and Fonda, 76, while his real-life daughter Jane was only 44. The story of how a bitter, elderly father reconciles with his adult daughter is one that has been done over and again in many fictional works. Nonetheless, the fact that the two Fondas were in this film playing roles that in a way mimicked their own relationship adds a rare quality to it. On Golden Pond was Fonda’s final film, and one which finally won him an Oscar for Best Actor (Hepburn won the Best Actress award).

Red (2010)

Director: Robert Schwentke

Cast: Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, Richard Dreyfuss, Mary Louise-Parker, John Malkovich

Why it’s good: Willis and Freeman in an action flick is nothing new. Malkovich playing a psychopath is expected. But Mirren playing a retired MI6 operative, shooting gigantic guns at bad guys and ducking bullets? Yes, please. If you haven’t seen this film then try to catch the sequel Red 2 (which will also feature Anthony Hopkins), out in July.

Amour (2011)

Director: Michael Haneke

Cast: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, sabelle Huppert

Why it’s good: Love, companionship, loyalty. The peaceful lives of octogenarian couple Anne and Georges is shattered when the former has a stroke and becomes an invalid. She wants to stay at home, so Georges tries his best to care for her, but is often frustrated when things don’t go accordingly. As Anne’s health dwindles, Georges is faced with a very difficult choice, one he never thought he would have to make. Amour is a truly emotional film with many heart-rending scenes, where certain issues will make you think about your own life. Not many films can do this anymore.

Cocoon (1985)

Director: Ron Howard

Cast: Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Brian Dennehy, Jack Gilford, Maureen Stapleton

Why it’s good: A bunch of old folks get their groove on ... well, not exactly but they do feel young and exuberant again after swimming in a pool where alien cocoons are kept. It’s an easy film to watch, and even easier to like. Seeing the elderly characters (except for Dennehy and Brimley, all of those listed above have passed on) literally jump back to life is not just amusing but touching, too. Imagine if it could happen in real life.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)

Director: John Madden

Cast: Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith

Why it’s good: Seven British retirees head to Jaipur in India after coming across an online advertisement on a beautiful, newly furbished hotel. Once there, they realise that they are victims of false advertising – their hotel is nothing but a run-down building. Still, their young optimistic host assures them that they will still have a great time and convinces them to stay on. Based on a novel, this movie’s a fun watch. The actors bring to life a script that is both funny and affecting, and play their characters perfectly.