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The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: It’s Never Too Late

By Tony LaScala · May 7, 2012

Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton, Celia Imrie… it’s a “who’s who” of blockbuster film and stage British actors. The collection of respected actors converged for a delightful film: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. If a theatre can be found showing it, you’ll be sure to be delighted.

The story revolves around a hodgepodge band of aging Brits searching for something more in life from their twilight years. Each of them discovers a pamphlet advertising an affordable, exotic retirement option: “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” in the heart of bustling India. The troupe head to India, each meeting each other along the way and discovering that the hotel is not as advertised. The crumbling hotel’s run by a young entrepreneur SONNY KAPOOR (Dev Patel); who has no money to fix the plumbing, telephones, or beds. Each silver haired traveler’s able to search for what they are searching deeply for, while making lasting friendships along the way.

No one actor stands out, as they were all amazing. Maggie Smith plays MURIEL, a racist woman in desperate need of an inexpensive hip replacement in India. She tackled the role with the snarky wit she’s known for, really upping the “snark.” Judi Dench is the recently widowed EVELYN, searching for a fresh start in India and finding it in a job at a call center teaching the Indian’s how to deal with British customers. As always, Dame Judi showcases her quiet sharpness and brooding intelligence. Tom Wilkinson puts in a terrific performance as GRAHAM, a closeted gay Judge searching out his long lost love. I could really go on for paragraphs on end, because each actor really nailed a performance in a solid story full of humor, wit, anger, lust, and grief.

If I could find one flaw, it would be that the characters were so engaging, that not enough time could be spent with all of them in one story. There are literally seven stories, each with their own subplot, converging on one hotel and each interacting with each other. Somehow screenwriter Ol Parker handled the converging stories seamlessly; I was in complete envy as the final credits finally dropped. Each character could easily warrant a spin off film.

This is a film without a flashy plot or “hook.” It’s a story driven by people hoping that it is not too late to go after their dreams, a feeling I think many of us will share. The film’s full of geriatric romance, risk taking, and tons of little surprises that left me thoroughly satisfied after a brisk two and a half hours. While the movie focuses on the elderly, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel shares a message that people of all ages can relate to: It’s never too late.