The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Released: 2012

Directed By: John Madden

Starring: Dame Judi Dench, Bill Nighy

Certificate: 12A

Reviewed By: Darryl Griffiths

Ol’ Blighty scored a massive hit with Danny Boyle’s India based underdog film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.. so it was only a matter of time before another director attempted to replicate the formula in such a vibrant and sun soaked country. The man in question.. is Shakespeare In Love and The Debt’s John Madden whom has another trick up his sleeve. A considerable amount of time has passed, since the O.A.P crowd was so blatantly targeted. So as you do, throw in a dozen of our most beloved national treasures and we have the spicy but sentimental cinematic concoction that is ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’.

Initally beginning on home turf, the premise revolves around a group of ‘retired’ pensioners all in dire straits for various reasons. Judi ‘Q’ Dench’s character Evelyn, is struggling to make ends meet financially and is recently mourning the loss of her dear husband. Confined to a wheelchair, we have Muriel (Maggie Smith) who is an offensive battleaxe of a woman, in desperate need of a hip replacement. Trying to recapture their glory days, we have esteemed judge Graham (Tom Wilkinson) and a casanova defying his age in the form of Norman (Ronald Pickup). Completing the pack are Madge (Celia Imrie) who has an unhealthy obsession with middle aged men with big bucks (you can almost hear the gold digger chants from India!) and the fragile relationship involving the laid back Douglas (Bill Nighy) and the high and mighty Jean (Penelope Wilton).

Spurred on by fancy advertisements of the hotel being aesthetically pleasing, they soon jet off and confront the frantic world of Jaipur. They expect luxury, especially with the initally fancy greeting from enthusiastic hotel manager Sonny (Dev Patel). Little do they know, is that the hotel proves to be run down and Sonny has gone to great lengths to receive financial backing as he fights to stay afloat. However, they do seek solace in the life affirming lessons they learn as they immerse themselves in the Indian culture.. which proves to be the real narrative drive to proceedings.

In lesser hands, this could have been a meandering mess with as much depth as a paddling pool. But ‘Marigold’ proves to be a welcome surprise. It’s pure testament to it’s impressive cast that the film works as efficently as it does. Wilkinson is an emotionally nuanced standout, as he struggles to hide his real agenda for being in India with Smith’s sharp tongue and Dench’s gracious performance and narration a close second.

Madden’s prowess certainly shines through also, as his gorgeous capturing of a modern India proves to be a feast on the senses. The script’s comic targets may prove to be a little obvious, but the one liners and occasionally wacky situations somehow still manage to consistently hit the mark. Personal highlights being Norman’s teachings of the Kama Sutra as he prepares to get ‘back on the saddle’ and Madge’s inspired ‘travel agent’ gag.

Its themes may not be brimming with freshness, but they prove to resonate and ring true far beyond it’s generously aged demographic. Thoroughly entertaining and heartwarming.. you can’t help but succumb to its charms.

May our on screen OAPS continue to reign!