The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel [Blu-ray] [2012]

Yes, I know of all the talent on board in front of the camera (Bill Nighy, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith among many more) and behind the camera (Director John Madden, DP Ben Davis, etc.) and many great reviews, I still thought this was gonna be either one of those boring BBC-esque films that would flop hard here in the US despite great reviews, or just be a forgotten comedy just a year after release, but after viewing, it is actually a delightful comedy. Yes, the cast is excellent, the direction superb, the writing nice and fun and the whole atmosphere in India help shape this into that is perfect for just about anybody to watch and forget about the world for 2 hours. The PQ and AQ are very good with great visuals of India (Shot on film which gives it a nice grain veneer) and some good audio, but nothing is gonna crack the windows or destroy the foundation but captures the dialogue and fast paced Indian locations quite well. The only downfall is some mediocre extras which are EPK featurettes and some sneak peeks. No commentary, no documentary, nothing. Oh well, at least you can get it quite cheaply and have a great time.

I have been wanting a copy of this ever since I saw it at the theatre. Great storyline and good to see Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith together. This was beautifully filmed on location in India. Dev Patel does an excellent job with his role!!

I bought this movie because of the cast; I had no idea of how the plot would unfold. I liked the story and its expression of worth at any age. I was especially struck by one line, how the hotel was necessary because countries like the U.S. outsourced the care of their elders. In a very calm way the plot slapped the face of those who throw away their older relatives as if they reach a certain age and become worthless. This movie could have become a heavy drama however, the script kept it on the lighter side, and the cast created very realistic characters who brought life to the darker moments.

A great video to put life into perspective - and bring you into the 21st Century with a great cast of actors both old and new. The visuals are great, the multi dimensional storyline presents the realities of everyday life, sometimes simple, sometimes not so simple, yet laughter is right there to take and savor - and savor my wife and I did. In fact, we liked the first edition so much we brought the next installment - Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel too! Where did I purchase both - at Best Buy - since the price best the competition, and the service is outstanding!

It's a old-people-comedy that only a couple of people appreciate, but for that, it's really good. The jokes are OK, the setting is really pretty and the actors do a decent job to cheer for them, instead of waiting for all of them to pass and just see the end credits. 4 stars only because the actors could have done a better job at the first half of the movie.

In a society where senior citizens seem to have less value and considered useless, this film is a great watch. It's a story of separate vignettes that have one common strand, the run down, misleading Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in India. Each character is at the point where they are looking for a more manageable, independent lifestyle or one that is more fulfilling. Although the change from Britain to a less modern country is depressing, the seniors prove how their experiences can contribute. I understand that a sequel is in the works.

Bought this for a gift for brother-in-law who is a senior citizen with limitations in his lifestyle due to age and health. He watches a lot of movies on his 48" flat screen blu ray, and he had not seen this yet. I just loved this movie for all the reasons I listed above. It should be a classic like Casa Blanca. I also love the fact that I could get it from Best Buy, to help them beat the "showroom" syndrome used unfairly against them by competing online sellers.

The cast chosen for this film is just fantastic. This "feel good" movie allows you to transport yourself to a different setting allowing you to completely immerse yourself and unplug a bit - a much needed treat with a busy task-filled lifestyle. Buy it, you will enjoy it !!!