The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than its advertisements, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways.
Director:
John Madden
Cast:
Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith
Screenplay:
Ol Parker (screenplay), Deborah Moggach (novel)
Screening Date:
Apr 28, 2012
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“Aside from being a delightful film it depicted the wonderful sounds, smells and customs of India.”
“Sweet film, each character’s story is engaging, bittersweet and moving. Tom Wilkinson’s character and story is a bit of a surprise, but he carries it off with such elegance. Such a great cast, Maggie Smith is great, even in a wheelchair. Judy Dench is captivating. Ronald Pickup rounds out the glorious cast. Dev Patel is the perfect hotelier. Lots of clichés here, but not terribly objectionable, the bird flying off when Tom Wilkinson dies; Bill Nighy coming back to Judy Dench, Indian mom’s turnaround happens too quickly.”
“What a joy to watch. Such wonderful acting in a gorgeously produced film.”
“Somewhat trite, yet still delightfully charming. A lovely guide movie.”
“John, I agree. Why the Academy Awards don’t give an ensemble acting award is mystifying. And this is as great an ensemble cast as I’ve ever seen - young or old.”
“Great acting. Significant topic. Kill off the gay?”
“To me much too pat! Life doesn’t end the way portrayed. However who doesn’t love the ensemble of such fine actors. A treat for eyes and ears! What is learned is from the immortal Auntie Mame: life is a banquet and all the poor suckers are starving to death!”
“Although at times predictable, the path traveled and the dialogue touched the heart, each with their own dignity.”
“I loved this movie! The ensemble acting, beautiful young Dev Patel…so much to relate to; gorgeous India. My favorite lines at the end were Judy Dench’s voice over: ‘The only real failure is the failure to try. The person who risks nothing does nothing. We must celebrate change.’ And Maggie Smith: ‘I never plan ahead. I don’t even buy green bananas.’"
“Very intriguing and humorous. Thoroughly enjoyed all the actors, but Maggie and Judy in their delightfully delicious roles monopolized the film. The individual experiences export so much energy into this movie and made it so enjoyable. Loved some of the expressions: the measure of success is how we cope with disappointment. The person who risks nothing has nothing. Everything will be alright in the end and if it’s not alright, it’s not the end.”
“I can forgive this cast almost anything, although Maggie Smith arising from her wheelchair makes Heidi and Klara look like a Tarantino film. Still it gives us all hope for our old age.”
