1989, south London. Jack (Sir Michael Caine), an ebullient butcher, has died, and his last orders are to cast his ashes off the Margate Pier. His wife of fifty years, Amy (Dame Helen Mirren), stays home, with the excuse of a visit to their mentally-disabled daughter. Jack's three closest friends, Ray (Bob Hoskins), Vic (Sir Tom Courtenay), and Lenny (David Hemmings), along with Jack's son Vince (Ray Winstone), head for Margate. Each has memories of Jack and of friendships, family, and conflicts. It's Vince's relationship with his dad that's the most complex, and Ray's long friendship with Jack and Amy that holds things together. The last orders, to go to Margate and strew the ashes, become an invitation to recall what's done, what's left, and what's important.
—<jhailey@hotmail.com>