I realize that I am probably the last person to have seen the movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel based on the book These Foolish Things by Deborah Moggach.
I watched it last night and LOVED it! It is a wonderful movie about seven pensioners from England who for various reasons, (retirement, death of a spouse, etc) relocate to India to live at the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The hotel is not exactly the beautiful and tranquil place that they read about online but its quirky charm works on each of its occupants.
Although none of the seven knew one another before they set off on this adventure not only do they each become friends; but their shared adventures in an unfamiliar land helps them to learn new and interesting things about themselves as well.
The movie is funny, serious, mysterious and has a little romance. It stars an ensemble cast of some of the most celebrated British actors of our time, that includes Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson and Bill Nighly to name a few.
As I said I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It is entertaining and funny; the perfect thing to watch after a long day at work and frankly, any movie that features Judi Dench, and Maggie Smith is something I would love.
Have you seen The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel? Did you enjoy it? Do you know of any movies that are similar? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Enjoy your day!
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Hello Elizabeth:
Oh dear, are we dreadful killjoys? We are afraid to say that we did not much enjoy this film. For us too many 'celebrities' in competition with one another, an absurd 'plot' and, or so we thought, trivialising the country and people of India in a way which is undeserved.
But we are in a small minority – most people have loved it.
I found this movie to be delightful–I actually watched it on a transatlantic flight this summer!
Don't worry love, I have not seen it either! But I would enjoy it, for I adore anything British!!! We are currently watching on DVD, Sherlock Holmes with Benedict Cumberbatch, and Di from Yonks told me that he is in PARADE'S END, a must-see that is out in GB at the moment.
What are you up to today? Anita
Elizabeth, This was on my to watch list for the longest. I thought I would just have to wait till it reached "on demand". How pleased I was to find it was the movie to be shown on our trip over to Ireland. It is delightful isn't it. I really want to watch it again.
Hello, Elizabeth ~
We loved it!!! Watched it on the cinema screen, and again, this past Monday night on blu ray. The cast was phenomenal! 🙂
Cheers,
Loi
Hi Elizabeth! Yes, I loved that movie! Really, it was one of my favorite movies of the year. It reminds me of another film I loved from a while ago, The Enchanted April. It is also about a group of English women who are tired and uninspired and need to be refreshed. They go to Italy and stay at a small Tuscan castle in Portofino and are transformed by the beauty and freedom of Italy.
xx Sunday
Oh, I am so glad you did this post. I've been wanting to see this movie, and now you have reminded me. So much incredible talent.
I was disappointed in the movie. The cast had so many big names and they didn't seem to work well together (other than Judy Dench who is a real star). We found the plot a bit trite, with token characters. Still, it had some fun moments and was okay for a lighthearted evening out.
Looks like several different opinions here, but it is on my movie list…I'd love to see it…some of my favorite actors!
Have a beautiful day, dear friend! How far off is Paris?
Bisous,
– Irina
I watched it on a flight and found it to be highly entertaining. I love these British actors. but I have to say it is no "Love Actually". I think the Indian man who owns the hotel is the biggest star in this film {and his girlfriend in the movie}. I loved the setting, plot, and, again, the cast, but to me, it felt a little overacted, I wasn't able to get lost in the story, unlike "Enchanted April" and other similar films. Good film though, much better than many that are out there, and well worth a watch.
Saw it and really enjoyed it. It was slightly different than what I was expecting..thought it would be lighter, wasn't prepared to cry and get as emotinoally invested as I was but I definitely enjoyed it. Something about those British actors and actresses..so darn charming and I am always totally mesmerized by anything filmed in India….its such a colorful culturally rich country!
Hello Elizabeth
I agree with you, this movie was delightful.
It was interesting how each one handled living in a new country and I found Judy Dench's character worked best. She simply decided to be happy and lived in the moment.
Thanks for the beautiful reminder of a special movie.
If you can, try and see "The Intouchables" it is French with English sub-titles and I feel is in line with this movie in the message and humour.
Helenxx
Saw this in June when my mom
visited. We took one of my best
buddies, who is a decade older than
me and a decade younger than Mom.
We all really, really enjoyed it! I agree
with Helen's comment, above…..The
Judy Dench character was my favorite,
and she stayed with me the longest
after I'd seen the movie.
So glad you had a relaxing night to
enjoy this movie!!
xo Suzanne