I had no idea, just how good this film would be and one of those I'd always bypassed in the past. With a fantastic all star cast, the film deals with each individuals circumstances whilst providing some great comedic lines along the way, loved it!!!

I loved this film! The casting and performances were extraordinary! The writing is some of the best I've ever witnessed! Truly every aspect of this movie is exceptional! I didn't have high expectations when I first came across it but it really impressed me. I think that older people facing tough decisions near the end of life easily relate to these story lines, but I also believe that younger audiences learn a great deal and gain insight into complex and emotional situations. These stories are told so beautifully! Everyone involved in the making of this movie should be proud and congratulated! This movie will surely stand the test of time. I have watched it several times over the past few years and each time I learn something new.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011): Dir: John Madden / Cast: Tom Wilkinson, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Dev Patel: Delightful British comedy drama that present the illusion of a stress free vacation for the elderly, while its subjects arrive to phones that do not work, taps that drip in the night, doors that are non existent, and a culture they fail to understand. Director John Madden gave us Shakespeare in Love, but here he presents a somewhat modern take on Shakespearian themes with a touch of humour. Great ensemble cast includes Tom Wilkinson as someone coming to terms with the fact that he is gay and he returns to India in hopes to address a past relationship that he fears that he shamed. Judi Dench must deal with debts of her deceased husband, but finds employment and fulfilment during her time in India. Bill Nighy plays a frustrated and bullied husband who celebrates the culture around him while his wife of forty years complains constantly. Maggie Smith brings humour as a racist woman in need of a hip replacement, but her attitude is tested when confronted with the lifestyles around her. They all occupy this rundown hotel that is beloved with great enthusiasm by its young owner who himself is facing young love. Dev Patel plays the hotel manager who goes out of his way to please these guests and provide comic relief. While all is cheerful and innocent, it does present the dismiss of one marriage, as well as several subplots that are somewhat disjointed. That should not prevent adults from checking in and enjoying their time at the hotel elderly. Score: 8 / 10

There's been a body of complaints about The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on the grounds it's insensitive to the Indian community and so on, and I respect those complaints. There's a body of complaints on the opposite end, who cry the well-worn trope of "political correctness" if one tries to criticise the western lens through which the movie is made.It is what is is, nothing more, nothing less. The movie was directed by a British man and the writers are British I believe, but I stand to be corrected so one should expect a Western lens to the movie. I mean even Slumdog Millionaire was directed by a British man!! Also, if the roles were reversed and the film was directed and written by Indians and set in the UK with Indian expatriates, you can expect every British stereotype to come to the fore, e.g. Buckingham Palace, politeness, Sherlock, Midsomer Murders, fry-ups, etc.I think there should be a remake of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, this time with an Indian director, and it would be interesting to see what unfolds.