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

Do you have a plan for your retirement? A condo, maybe? Las Vegas, Miami, Scottsdale? What about India? It’s probably not your first choice. But then it wasn't the first choice for most of the characters in this film, and they still ended up there. Wanna know why? Evelyn Greenside (played by Judi Dench) is a housewife who was recently widowed. In addition to her grief, her husband’s death has left her with massive debts. While discussing her husband’s account with a representative of her internet service provider, she causes an abrupt change in tone when she informs the person on the other end of the phone, whose Indian accent is easily noticeable, that her husband is dead. We are later introduced to a High Court judge named Graham Dashwood. Dashwood (played by Tom Wilkinson) is on his way to the most recent in what seems to be an endless series of retirement parties. He’s dreading the event a great deal and, rather than suffer through the festivities, he simply says, “This is the day” as a way of announcing his own retirement and then leaves the party without another word. Next, we have the Ainslies. Douglas Ainslie (played by Bill Nighy) and his wife Jean (played by Penelope Wilton) are exploring a number of less-than-enticing bungalows where they might spend their golden years. They’d hoped for something grander, but invested a large portion of their savings in their daughter’s internet business and have yet to see that business turn a profit. Muriel Donnelly (played by Maggie Smith) is a cantankerous former housekeeper who needs a hip replacement but finds the wait, cost, and personnel at her local hospital unappealing. All these characters are made aware, in varying ways, of a seemingly beautiful retirement community in India named The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful. However, when they arrive, they soon find out that Sonny, the hotel’s young and enthusiastic manager (played by Dev Patel), has misrepresented the accommodations at the hotel. He neglected to mention the hotel’s shabby appearance, failing plumbing, and non-functioning phone service. Now I failed to introduce two other characters in the story. They are single by choice and have come to India looking for romance. Without cluing you in to the ending, the film avoids the obvious cliché of the two finding love in each other’s arms while still allowing them to find contentment. For that reason and others, I loved this film. There are twists, surprises, happy endings, not-so-happy endings. All that merely punctuates the brilliant portrayals offered by a cast that already has many on their respective. The inexplicably optimistic character played by former Slumdog Millionaire and now supporting actor on HBO’s The Newsroom, Dev Patel is a constant source of amusement. See this film.

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 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!

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.

This is a movie that brings a new adventure to baby boomers facing retirement. For a generation that strives for something different, this gave me hope there is another option other than the mobile home parks in Florida where BINGO and 3 wheel bikes are the norm. Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and Tom Wilkinson are all great British actors it would be hard not to recognize, and they bring this movie to real life.

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.

Very easy to follow and watch. British accents are troublesome to many Americans to follow, but this seems to be Americanized somewhat. A good story, I guess good enough (the studio thought) to make a sequel. It is certainly worth the low price Best Buy asks for it. Retiring Brits are lured to the hotel, and it doesn't quite live-up to the anticipated satisfaction level. The coots begin to see its charm, and a feel-good story evolves. Give it a try!