Welcome to my first film review- how exciting!
FILM: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
GENRE: Drama; Comedy; Adventure
CAST: Judi Dench, Celia Imrie, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel and Maggie Smith
DIRECTOR: John Madden
YEAR: 2012
WHY ARE THE CAST FAMILIAR?: I am familiar with these wonderful actor's from the following: Judi Dench- the sophisticated 'M' in the James Bond films, 'Queen Victoria' in Mrs Brown and 'Queen Elizabeth I' in Shakespeare in Love. Celia Imrie- 'Celia' in Calendar Girls, 'Una' in Bridget Jones' Diary I and II and 'The Posh Lady' from Dinnerladies. Bill Nighy- The octopus man from Pirates of the Caribbean II and III- 'Davy Jones'; 'Minister Rufus Scrimegour' in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II and 'Billy' in Love Actually. Dev Patel- 'Jamal' in the film that launched his career: Slumdog Millionaire and 'Anwar' in Skins. Maggie Smith- the formidable 'Professor McGonagall' in the fabulous Harry Potter... series, 'Mrs Medlock' in The Secret Garden and 'Violet Crawley' in Downton Abbey (and loads, loads more).
My review:
As I entered the cinema, I scanned the auditorium and quickly realised that I was the youngest person in the room. Very nice. This didn't worry me- I was rather flattered to be honest, as once you get past a certain age, you cease being the youngest person. Sometimes, you find you are the oldest person which, (I'm finding) is always a little disappointing. Most importantly of all, there were no popcorn crunchers and no loud drink slurpers. Result! Surely, this is a good omen, I thought to myself. And yes, indeed it was.
The film stars a strong ensemble British cast who all embark on a life of retirement in India. The group begin to forge friendships as they adapt to their new lives in the hustle and bustle of this new country. They are welcomed to the charming, yet dilapidated 'Best Exotic Hotel Marigold' by Sonny (Dev Patel) who is fighting against the odds to make his business succeed.
The film may be about- fundamentally, old people, but it's humour (when relating to old people related topics) is self-depreciating and makes light of things that could otherwise become rather heavy-going. For instance, Muriel (Maggie Smith) boldly proclaims that she 'won't even buy green banana's at her age, just in case...' which was met with roars of laughter from the audience.
You feel like you are learning with the characters; you are experiencing the sights and sounds of India from the comfort of your very own comfy seat. You feel as if you know the characters- which, I think, is testament to a good film. This is a story about real people and the emotions and obstacles that they experience; good and bad alike.
At no point during this film was I disappointed. The plot was consistent and the acting was wonderful. In fact, when the film came to a close I was tempted to remain in my seat so I could find out what happened next. I suppose that's what we've got an imagination for though! The characters felt like old friends. With old friends, we tend to follow their advice unquestionably. I walked out of the movie theatre feeling as if I should follow their advice; as if I should endeavour to try and let my age be nothing but a number.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is clever, thought-provoking and makes you care about the characters, meaning that you can not only laugh with them, but also at them. This is a film with heart and sentimentality that will leave a lingering smile for many, many hours after.
My rating: * * * * *
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