The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Starring: Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton, Dev Patel
Director: John Madden
Rating: 3.5/5
When you see Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Maggie Smith & Penelope Wilton all on the same cast list you know you are in for a movie treat.
For a disparate group of English pensioners (Dench, Nighy, Smith, Wilkinson, Wilton, Imrie and Pickup), retirement takes an unconventional turn when they abandon their homeland, enticed by advertisements for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a seemingly luxurious sanctuary for 'the elderly and beautiful' in Jaipur, India.
On arrival, they discover that the hotel falls somewhat short of the romantic idyll promised in the brochure.
But they are gradually won over by the ever-optimistic young manager Sonny (Patel), and tentatively embark on a new adventure, finding that life can begin again when you let go of the past
This is such a super charming movie that is not just about old age but it’s about accepting the past, having faith as well as self-forgiveness.
This is a whimsical look at getting older and Dench, Nighy and co are on fine comic as well as emotional form - there is a real life affirming feel to this movie that you cannot help but get swept away with.
This is an intelligent, funny and poignant script that doesn’t tackle lightly the fears of growing old, being marginalised and being lonely.
Each character travels to India for very different reason as they all take something completely different from their time in Jaipur; Evelyn (Dench) is looking to do something by herself and for herself for the first time in her life, Graham (Wilkinson) is looking for someone from his past while Muriel is having an operation in India.
There is a real spirit amongst the cast as they all deliver charming as well as moving performances - it all just seems so effortless for the super talented cast.
Dev Patel is also superb as the idealistic Sonny who is determined to make his hotel a success - it as much a movie about young being inspired by old as the old being inspired by the young.
But cleverly Madden has shown that these characters may be slightly more mature in years but they still face the problems of those half their age; love and the difficulties of relationships being a perfect example - they just have a different perspective on the world.
There is a real refreshing and natural feel to this entire film, not to mention that Madden has shot the film so beautifully.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a heart-felt, emotional and yet beautifully charming movie that has that real feel good vibe.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is out now
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
Tagged in Bill Nighy Dev Patel Tom Wilkinson Dame Judi Dench