This movie was a real treat from start to end. It was smart, funny and relatable. I very much recommend this film as it is definitely one of my favourite films of the year. I see myself enjoying this film, time and time again.
But where to begin? The cast is brilliant and is what first attracted me to this film. The trailer was also very funny. Too funny, I thought, as it is custom with comedy films to show all the best bits in the trailer making the film overall to be a let down. This film is to the contrary; the trailer is merely a taster to the treats in store of their life changing expedition to India.
The lives of 7 elderly English patrons are intertwined when they all find themselves on their way to live out their twilight years at an Indian hotel. The characterisation of each is great. Every single character has such interesting depth and they all bring something different to the table and enrich the story as a whole.
The Best Marigold Hotel's manager Soony Kapoor story is also very touching and rather hilarious. Played by Dev Patel (of Slum Dog millionaire fame), Soony's fight to keep his hotel afloat along with dealing with his overbearing mother is an extra great touch. His eternal optimism and slightly stereotyped role as the pushy Indian, with nonsensical mumbled english: "yes, straight away, straight away, right now...in six weeks" will definitely play to the English audience. As will the little English-ism's like the characters taking HobNobs and tea with them anchors you in with familiarlarity and I guess bonds you to them in a way.
Maggie Smiths portrayal of Muriel is a credit to her acting ability. She is worlds away from Mrs McGonagall from Harry potter or Mrs Crawley from Downton Abbey and really epitomises the notion of fearing the unknown and to see her grow through out the film is really something.
Dame Judi Dench and her portrayal of Evelyn is also very touching. She is the ever optimistic one who sees opportunity in everything and is definitely the person I personally try to be and hope to be when I am at retirement age. Graham Dashwood's story is heartfelt and tragic and the couple Douglas and Jean's story incorporate the themes of snobbery and class in the pursuit of happiness and figuring out what you really want in life. Whereas Norman and Madge are the promiscious ones coming to terms with losing the perks of youth and the loneliness old age brings.
The Best Exotic Marigold hotel explores the issue of ageing and loneliness well. It is also an insight into the choices we have to make in figuring out what we want from the short life we have or have left. It is definitely a feel good film at heart and really soaks you up in the sights, sounds, colours and flavours of India, which is offset against the earlier dreary and almost stagnant scenes of England. This is such an enjoyable film, I cannot emphasise it enough. I can't wait to watch it again.
Quote of the film?? "My father said it will all be ok in the end. So if it is not ok, it is not the end."
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