Director: John Madden
Writer: Ol Parker
Starring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith
‘A Charming Comedy’
Sometimes all a film needs is a great cast. Not a bunch of stars that are wasted, but actors who deliver memorable performances. Of course, acting isn’t the only component involved in the filmmaking process, but it might be the most noteworthy. Actors light up the screen; they are the people that you get accustomed to in a movie.
“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” has an impressive ensemble cast that is used magnificently. Each actor gets his or her moment to shine. Not only is it a rare feat, it is also one that most films in this movie’s genre fail to reach today.
The plot follows a group of British retirees who travel to India for a visit. They decide to stay in a hotel which is not as luxurious as it is advertised but learn life-affirming lessons there.
“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is a charming, well-made comedy that despite its simplicity, comes across as memorable. John Madden, the director of the film, uses an ensemble cast to its greatest potential and that is no ordinary accomplishment.
The script has some very thoughtful and powerful dialogue that, despite being minimal, has an impact when it is spoken by characters. A particular scene near the end of the movie features one of the main characters confessing her thoughts on life. It is such a subtle moment that it may go unnoticed by your average movie-goer, but those who do notice it are likely to absorb it. Through the screenplay, screenwriter Ol Parker weaves together fascinating characters (some more interesting than others) into one story. One immediately recognizes the risks of having so many characters in one film, but Ol Parker manages to strike a great balance for this through the talent of a devoted cast.
As I may have already hinted, the cast is the strongest asset of the movie. Every star brings their A-game to a role, literally carrying the film on their back. The result is that even some minor characters stand out due to effective performances.
A supporting character that has a truly prominent part in the movie is played by British actor Tom Wilkinson. Someone who definitely deserves to be mentioned, he shines in the role of an emotionally disconnected man. Wilkinson’s character has such a mesmerizing and fascinating back-story that it, in a way adds unexpected depth to the movie. The actor himself perfectly fits into the role and remains distinguished among the other performers in this film.
Overall, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is a fine film that’s worth watching for its themes and characters. The movie has more beneath its surface than one would expect from a film in its genre.
A heartfelt portrayal of senior citizens which search for a comforting hotel. it’s a hopeful reminder that Cinema is an effective medium that can be used to tell stories about lives of elderly people that bid their romantic relationships farewell.
3.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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