The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Movie spotlight

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

2012
Movie
124 min
English

British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than its advertisements, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways as the residents find new purpose in their old age.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes78%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users82%
Director: John MaddenGenres: Comedy-drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A group of British retirees decides to move into a rundown hotel in India, seeking a more affordable and exotic lifestyle. Upon arrival, they discover the 'Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and the Impotent' is far from the luxury promised. Despite the dilapidated surroundings and cultural adjustments, they find unexpected friendship, romance, and personal growth.

Critical Reception

The film was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its heartwarming story, strong performances from its ensemble cast, and sensitive portrayal of aging and cultural experiences. It resonated with audiences for its blend of humor and poignant moments.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stellar ensemble cast, particularly Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.

  • Appreciated for its gentle humor and touching exploration of later-life challenges and opportunities.

  • Commended for its vibrant depiction of Indian culture and setting.

Google audience: Audiences largely enjoyed the film, highlighting its charming story, excellent acting, and the uplifting message about embracing new beginnings at any age. Some viewers found the plot a bit predictable but were won over by the characters.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Judi Dench. Received multiple nominations from various film critics' circles.

Fun Fact

The film's success led to a sequel, 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,' released in 2015.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

We've all read brochures that extol the virtues of an hotel or resort (or maybe even read the effusive nonsense MUBI write about their daily, "hand-picked" film selection) so we won't be surprised to learn that when a selection of elderly B...

Jack

Jack

This is easily one of the best films I have ever watched. I cannot put it into words that will describe my feelings towards the film. From the very beginning to the very end, the characters were introduced excellently. You feel a strong ...

tmdb87069603

tmdb87069603

This is an excellent movie with a great cast. Before seeing the movie I saw one review categorizing it as having Benny Hill style comedy. I did _NOT_ see that at all in this movie. In fact, one criticism that I have is that I'd liked to hav...