The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The dream of moving abroad in retirement is one shared by many, yet experienced by few. There are many considerations one must take. Where will you go? Will you learn a new language? Will you be able to make new friends? How will you stay in touch with your roots?

One group of English pensioners decide to take an unconventional route, abandoning their homeland and plumping for the marvels of India, enticed by advertisements for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. However, the promise given by this seemingly luxurious sanctuary for “the elderly and beautiful” in Jaipur, is not quite as it seems. Upon arrival, the retirees discover that the hotel is not the romantic idyll they had promised. Angry and upset, they attempt to make the most of their situation, all the time assisted by the hotel’s optimistic young manager Sonny (Patel).

With an ensemble featuring many of the best and most proven actors in Britain, it is unsurprising that the cast delivers a sincere and touching performance. Dench, Nighy, Smith, Imrie, Wilton and Wilkinson share genuine camaraderie and Dev Patel finally delivers a worthy follow-up to his role in Slumdog Millionaire. With all these stars at his disposal, Madden directs a film that will forever sit well alongside Mrs. Brown and Shakespeare in Love on his resumé .

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is an advertisement for British talent and a fine example of a simple concept leading to big questions and revelations. Discover the glorious opportunities available when you forget your preconceptions and let go of your past. This film will make you think and it will make you smile.