Evelyn Greenslade (Judi Dench) is a recent widow pealing her way out of her late husband's enormous debt, while Graham Dashwood (Tom Wilkinson), a court judge, returns to India to embrace a youthful love. Muriel Donnelly (Maggie Smith) finds her housekeeping services no longer required and seeks an economical hip replacement and budget, while Madge Hardcastle (Celia Imrie) and Norman Cousins (Ronald Pickup) search for love and romance in a mystifying land. Married couple Douglas (Bill Nighy) and Jean Ainslie (Penelope Wilton) scramble to recover from the loss of their retirement fund unwisely invested in their daughter's failed business. These travelers have come to India to retire, and happen to discover each other en route to Jaipur where they will experience an unexpected but invigorating renewal of life awaiting them at The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
The Marigold Hotel is managed by vibrant and optimistic Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel) who is trying to fulfill his father's dream of making a residence for the "Elderly & Beautiful" that will be so inviting and appealing that they will simply refuse to die. When our senior guests express disappointment, he genuinely declares that their investment will be refunded... in three months time. Stranded by their economic means and grounded in a strange culture, each senior ventures out to explore the exotic allure of India's colors, tastes, and customs.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a delightful adventure into the captivating land of India. Each senior has to struggle with unfamiliar traditions, and confront their own demons blocking the doorway to acceptance of all India has to offer. To most, it's an extraordinary escapade that brings laughter, love and peace. And, to others, it leads to an escape back to the familiar past.
The "Extras" are brief but enjoyable and informative. They include "Behind the Story: Lights, Colors and Smiles, Casting Legends, Welcome to the "Real" Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Trekking to India: "Life is Never the Same," "Tuk Tuk Travels and Sneak Peek. You'll hear comments from cast and crew on the story and the incredible depth of instinct presented by this brilliant cast – newcomers and veteran actors alike. You'll visit the real Exotic Marigold Hotel in Khempur, which was once a tribal chieftain's palace. You'll trek through the beauty and texture of Jaipur, and you'll experience the maneuverability of the tuk tuks as they take cast and crew throughout locations. And, of course, the Sneak Peeks will give you glimpses of movies to come. Blu-Ray makes color and sound intense and gives you the best experience of sight and sound. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a light-hearted movie that gently touches on serious issues confronting society in all parts of the world. Highly recommended.
