in Bodrum, Emigreys, Expats, Films, Norwich, Retirement 294 Words

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The-best-exotic-marigold-hotelI wanted to see ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ when it was released in 2012. It’s my kind of film but not the kind that got a screening at the plush cinema in Bodrum which tended to focus on Hollywood blockbusters, more’s the pity. We could have lifted a dodgy download from the enterprising Low Countries couple who did a roaring trade in counterfeit DVDs for the emigreys but I’m rather anti the whole it’s-not-really-stealing thing. Actually, it is. So, I was resigned to stalking the bargain bucket to acquire a proper copy at a knock-down rather than a knock-off price. My patience was rewarded and we picked up the film for a song at our local Norwich HMV store.

We uncorked the wine, turned off the lights and put our feet up. It was well worth the long wait. The tall tale is about a disparate group of cash-strapped Brits who up sticks, drop off their excess baggage at check-in and travel to the sun to eke out a low-cost dotage in an emigrey enclave (in this case, a run-down retirement hotel in India). Sounds strangely familiar and not so tall after all. The funny and tender script, heaving with sharp one-liners and set against the glorious chaos of the sub-continent, is delivered with expert thespian timing by the outstanding cast (including that pair of incomparable old Dames – Judi and Maggie). I didn’t want it to end

Let Dame Judi tell it as it is:

“There’s no past that we can bring back by longing for it, only a present that builds and creates itself as the past withdraws.”

Did the old wrinklies heed the advice and find redemption and contentment? Do any of us? Now, that would be telling.

25 thoughts on “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”

      6. well I enjoyed it but not as much as the other two – I like billy conollys characte and pauline collins, felt maggies was not as good as in downton abbey, I wanted her to be more horrid in the beginning.
        Have you made a list of top films somewhere to peruse – too wong foo /connie and carla are two off the top of my head – just watched sassypants(Haley jo osmont has grown into an odd looking boy)

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  3. I’ve never seen it either. Sounds great, and superb cast. Sounds like it has a good script, too – will have to get my hands on it (I buy DVDs pretty cheap from Amazon). I loved Dev Patel in Life of Pi which blew me away…

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  5. There’s not many movies that I actually count down the weeks until it arrives in the theatre…. but this was one of them! My expectations were high, and I dragged along two girlfriends who weren’t sure about it. We started the evening with a curry, and then went to the movies. Marigold was touching, funny, thought provoking and brilliant entertainment. The cast was excellent. I just love Bill Nighy .. and the Dames added class and some really funny lines.

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  8. I loved the film so much Jack that I bought the DVD and have watched it twice more! The book is a wonderful read. Glad I watched the film first as it differs quite a lot. Thoroughly recommend the book, you will love it!

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  9. When this cropped up as a digiturk freebie last night, thanks to you, I thought I’d have a watch and am glad I did. Thanks for the recommendation!

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