The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012 movie)

Directed by: John Madden
Released: 2012
Country: United Kingdom

Main cast: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Tom Wilkinson, Ronald Pickup, Celia Imrie, Dev Patel, Tina Desae, Lillete Dubey

Genres: Comedy, Drama

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review

Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Tom Wilkinson, Ronald Pickup and Celia Imrie star in this colorful, entertaining drama film which left me with a smile in my face. The film made me laugh, smile, and feel emotional at times.

The story is quite simple: seven British elderly people move to a retirement hotel in India: the ''Best Exotic Marigold Hotel''. It is in Jaipur. But it takes time for them to get used to the the conditions of the hotel, the spicy food, and the surrounding environment.

The hotel is run by young Sonny, played by Dev Patel. After his father's death, he is looking after the hotel, and has a dream to improve it. He loves Sunaina (played by Tina Desae), a girl who works in a call center.

All the seven old people are interesting and have very different backgrounds. Evelyn (played by Judi Dench) is a recently widowed woman who had to sell her house to meet her late husband's debts. Graham (played by Tom Wilkinson) is a high court judge and had grown up in India. He has many memories here. Muriel (played by Maggie Smith) doesn't like foreigners, but has come here because she needs a surgery which can be done very cheaply here. She starts appreciating the hotel cleaner Anokhi (played by Seema Azmi), who serves her food. Douglas (Bill Nighy) enthusiastically explores the city, while his wife Jean (Penelope Wilton) stays at the hotel. And then there is Madge (played by Celia Imrie) who has had several husbands. And there  is Norman (Ronald Pickup), who is trying to re-live his youth.

These seven old people have come the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Some of them befriend each other. We come to know about the background story of several people.

The film is told so beautifully that very soon after the movie started I found myself highly attracted towards it. I couldn't stop watching it. 

The scenes of Jaipur are wonderful. Praiseworthy is the film's presentation. As the film went on, it sometimes brought smile, it sometimes made me laugh, and it sometimes made me feel emotional.

Praises towards the cinematography! Excellent and colorful cinematography. Music was also good.

The most remarkable performances are given by Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. Judi Dench's  performance as Evelyn is is highly praiseworthy.  Maggie Smith also plays her role as Muriel excellently. 

Bill Nighy's performance as Graham is also remarkable. Ronald Pickup, Celia Imrie, Tom Wilkinson and Penelope Wilton- all give good performances.

Dev Patel gives an excellent performance as Sonny. Lillete Dubey is excellent in her role as Sonny's mother. Tina Desae also gives a good performance. Overall, the cast was excellent.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has a simple story but has a great presentation. It is a highly interesting movie. Colorful, entertaining, and touching, by the time the film ended, I had a smile in my face.

4 out of 5.