Friday, April 19, 2013

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson,
Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy,
Celia Imrie, Dev Patel

Star Movies



A group of British pensioners (who do not know each other except for the married couple) decide to enjoy their retirement years in India. The online advertisement for the "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" in Jaipur states it is a resort for the elderly and beautiful.  Enticed by a life of leisure in a serene environment, not to mention cheaper lifestyle, they all arrive together to discover the hotel isn't exactly paradise!

The film basically follows the adventures as well as the mishaps they experience individually and as a group during their stay in India.  Everything from cramped transportation, flavorful yet very spicy nourishment to the warm hospitality of the locals. 

The ensemble cast led by revered British actors like Maggie Smith and Judi Dench is the main draw of this charming yet predictable film.  They each portray well developed characters with ease.  Even though some of them aren't exactly likeable ones.  Typical wry British humor abound as well as light fare dramatic moments.  

I, for one who lived in New Delhi for 4 years (during my childhood) cannot imagine spending the rest of my twilight years in a place with a completely different culture.  Lest you get me wrong, I am in no way disparaging India.   It does have its own exotic charms.  So even if I don't understand their choice, I figure they were probably attracted to the word 'exotic'!

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