Judi Dench is fantastic at any roles she plays.
However, this movie was just disappointing at best.

Nothing but the same tired stereotypes of women.

Sad/lonely pathetic spinster with cats.
Predatory lesbian.
Prudish old battleaxe.
Emotional vampire.

Disatisfied housewife has affair, feels guilty, wants to return.
Lonley woman just wanting to feel ‘wanted’.
etc. etc.

not my favorite movie of the year. Still, it was good. Judi Dench is fab.

I understand that the “notes” are more important than the “scandal” in this story, but the scandal part was more important to ME. As a young, blonde, high-cheekboned high school teacher who, let’s face it, is the object of a few crushes, I squirmed while watching this today, and resolved to change a few things. The crushing boys don’t get to stay in my classroom after school any more. I will continue to allow them to open doors, carry heavy things, and smile charmingly, but I will try not to reciprocate the charm. (This will be difficult, because I am instinctively charming.) Also, I decided that, since it looks like I’m going to turn into an old, spinsterly history teacher like Barbara, I should never get a cat. Nope! Not gonna depend on anything except my charm. . .

All the acting in this was fabulous. I really really liked this film. Judi Dench is amazing.

The dramatic tension starts early and, [over] enhanced by a relentless Phillip Glass score, hardly ever lets up. There’s one tiny reprieve, in the middle of it all when, after an illicit tryst, Blanchett and her underage lover break into dialog lifted straight from A Grand Don’t Come for Free. From there, though, it’s all building intensity until everyone’s broken down, revealed for what they are, and the audience caught in the crossfire.

You can debate the success of the storytelling, or the applicability of old cliches, but as a meditation on loneliness Notes is undeniable. Which is far from saying enjoyable. Still surprised it was so savagely reviewed by the professionals.

Judi Dench and Bill Nye are brilliant as (nearly) always. If Nighy plays to character, it is fun (and intimidating) to see Dench refuse to be typecast in to safe, aging roles. And Blanchett is luminous.

This was one of the best movies of the year. Really gripping and well-acted.