A Celebration of Life
"The only real failure is the failure to try, and the measure of success is how we cope with disappointment"
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| The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - Theatrical Poster |
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a movie many may not have heard of. This isn't surprising anymore because big budget blockbusters have overshadowed movies with substance over style. However this movie is a rare reminder that the grand emotions are not only for the young and the middle-aged. They're the sweetness and torment of life until the last light goes out.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a elderly tourist destination for foreigners in Jaipur, India. Whether it be an excuse for a foreign retirement home or to escape the tough financial problems that accompany old age the hotel accommodates all. It is here that the hotel works its magic. Located in Jaipur, India the characters experience the subtle joys of life and grow as human beings, fittingly in their most vulnerable state. We learn that our life is a cocoon of our existence and our own meaning in life does not require anything else but self reflection and growth.
Delivering exceptional performances from seven industry veterans the film delivers a heartwarming tale. It is in this regard the movie outshines. The acting is superb with special mentions to Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and Maggie Smith. It is their compelling emotions that push the story forward. Yet the subtle use of comedy throughout the movie is perhaps what separates this film from most others. Showcasing a superb use of comedy that is neither cheap nor forced, keeps the story light-footed and cheerful for the most part. While Tom Wilkinson's performance is particularly affecting it is India as a supporting character that really sets the tone for this film. As Tom Wilkinson's character Graham brilliantly puts it, "All life is here (India)". The colours, the joys, the smiles, people happy with their live despite such impoverished circumstances really showcases mankind's humanity. Furthermore the script is brilliant, that will surely amuse you and leave you with memorable exchanges between the characters.
While John Madden tries to balance the various subplots equally. Some of these don't really fully develop. Particularly Ronald Pickup and Celia Imrie plots are not fully developed yet still provide a unique dynamic that teaches us the importance of a partner. Furthermore Dev Patel's character although charismatic and charming throughout the film is deduced to a mere cliched love story and this is the films biggest draw back. Having such a heartwarming tale and throwing in the cliched love story really takes away from the experience of the film. Although i'm sure Dev Patel was added to appeal to a more young audience the love story arch was not needed and the character itself would have sufficed.
Overall the film is a delightful experience from start to finish. "We often wonder about our future. All we know about the future is that it will be different. But perhaps what we fear is that it will be the same. So we must celebrate the changes, because, as someone once said, everything will be all right in the end, and if it's not all right, then it's not the end yet"
8/10
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