Watch Seven Songs for a Long Life

Seven Songs for a Long Life is a touching and heartwarming documentary film, directed by Amy Hardie, that takes us on a journey through the experience of living with a life-threatening illness, with a specific focus on hospice care. The movie follows six patients, all living in Strathcarron Hospice in Scotland, and their families, as they navigate the end of their lives with grace and dignity, while also exploring the role of music in their lives.

The documentary is structured around seven songs, each chosen and performed by the patients and the hospice staff, as they reveal their stories, their hopes and fears, and their deep relationships with the people they love. The songs range from traditional Scottish ballads to modern pop songs, each providing a window into a different aspect of the patients' lives, and the meanings they derive from them. As one of the patients, Jim Brown, says, "Music is like a universal language. It gets to you in ways that nothing else can."

Seven Songs for a Long Life offers a unique perspective on hospice care, a topic that is often seen as taboo in our society. The movie portrays hospice as a place of hope and comfort, where patients are given the opportunity to live fully until the end, surrounded by the people who love them. It also sheds light on the importance of the hospice staff, who work tirelessly to provide the patients with the best possible care, often going above and beyond the call of duty.

The documentary is filled with moments of warmth and humor, as well as heart-wrenching scenes that will leave you in tears. The patients are all incredibly resilient and inspiring, offering insights into the human spirit and the resilience of the human heart in the face of death. Their families are also a central part of the film, providing support, love, and care to their loved ones, while also coming to terms with the reality of their situation.

One of the patients, Nicola McInally, suffers from Motor Neurone Disease, a condition that causes muscle weakness and loss of mobility. Nicola is an inspiration to all, as she continues to live each day to the fullest, despite the limitations of her illness. She is a talented singer and songwriter, and her song "I'm Still Me" is one of the highlights of the movie, offering a touching and poignant reminder of the power of music to connect us all.

Another patient, Dorene Asher, is a former nurse who suffers from lung cancer. Dorene's story is particularly poignant, as she reflects on her life and the lessons she has learned along the way. She speaks candidly about the difficult choices she has had to make, and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with the people we love.

Overall, Seven Songs for a Long Life is a beautifully crafted documentary that will leave you with a sense of awe and wonder. It is a celebration of life and the human spirit, a reminder of the power of love and music, and a tribute to the brave souls who face death with grace and courage. Whether you are facing the end of your own life, or simply looking for a deeper appreciation of the gift of life, this film is not to be missed.

Seven Songs for a Long Life is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.