Featured Audience Ratings

• paul s

  
  For all of the criticism about this screenplay being too contrived and self assured, there is a life affirming heart beating here, and of course it doesn't hurt that the beating heart is in the hands of some of the best actors in the biz. Sure, you probably will come away from… More
  For all of the criticism about this screenplay being too contrived and self assured, there is a life affirming heart beating here, and of course it doesn't hurt that the beating heart is in the hands of some of the best actors in the biz. Sure, you probably will come away from this film not knowing anything new, but I know I walked away with a smile on my face. Yes, everything comes together, the guy gets the girl, etc. but at the core this film is about living - that it is particularly relevant to those of a certain age is irrelevant, as the message would be the same regardless of the age bracket. The film starts in a rather shaky fashion, giving us the names and the impetus for each cast member to be heading off to India. Then you have the travel log bonding sequence and some slightly amusing culture clash stuff... but then slowly the film shifts gears and reels you in, giving each character a chance to breath and become more than a caricature, helped in no small measure by the superb understated acting of the core group of Brits. From the easy command and yet vulnerable Tom Wilkinson, to the henpecked gentle man portrayed by Bill Nighy, each performance has not a hair out of place. And heaven forefend if I neglect to mention the women folk: you have the two actresses from Downton Abbey, Penelope Wilton and Dame Maggie Smith... and for good measure, throw in another Dame with Judi Dench. All three are spot on and make the lyrical British script sing. The film also gives a slight glimpse into Indian mores and values, from the remnants of the caste system to the arranged marriage and importance of family and honor - but that conveniently gets a wink, wink, oh nevermind bit of short shift from the script, as if attempting to bring serious drama into the affair would somehow ruin the lighthearted mood... but regardless, this film has many a fine moment and recovers from the shaky beginning to give you good solid entertainment and a life affirming, feel good mood that prevails. Not a classic, but you could certainly do much worse. As is stated several times during the film "Everything will be all right in the end and if it's not all right, then it's not yet the end" - a nice way to say keep on keeping on.

• Bruce B

  
  After all the hype on tv trailers and the media hype, this turned out to be quite the dissapointment. The acting was good and the choice of people to play each part was also good, but overall story was rather poor. Maybe a Sr Citizens movie. 3 stars 2-24-13

• Film C

  
  This movie gets extra points for its amazing British Cast and british comedy! Although it has a great cast with the best of british actresses and actors coming together all in one movie, showing that england does have the best of the acting talents this movie just lacks something!… More
  This movie gets extra points for its amazing British Cast and british comedy! Although it has a great cast with the best of british actresses and actors coming together all in one movie, showing that england does have the best of the acting talents this movie just lacks something! Its is funny and enjoyable and a very sweet drama! Thorougly enjoyable!

• Everett J

  
  "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" is a film that follows a group of British retirees as they take a trip to a renovated hotel in India for a vacation. When they get there, the hotel isn't exactly what they were expecting. But what they get is the trip of a lifetime that… More
  "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" is a film that follows a group of British retirees as they take a trip to a renovated hotel in India for a vacation. When they get there, the hotel isn't exactly what they were expecting. But what they get is the trip of a lifetime that changes each one of them. This is a dramedy with an excellent cast. Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkenson, Dev Patel, and Maggie Smith all star and make up a great ensemble. Having said that, this movie isn't aimed towards me or my demographic at all. This is for elderly people, or British people, and I am neither(at least not yet). I thought it was ok, but it drags in spots, and for a movie that is up for Best Comedy at the Golden Globes, not very funny. This is much more of drama, but there are some humorous moments. If you like movies like "Calender Girls", then this is right up your alley. Otherwise, it's worth a watch, but it may or may not be your cup of tea.

• Cynthia S

  
  Nice, nice movie! Plenty of chuckles, charm, and top-notch actors. This movie had it all. Excellent acting. Great script. Fantastic locations. Genuine relationships that were well drawn, and realistically portrayed - from racism to broken marriages. Not a movie for hard core action… More
  Nice, nice movie! Plenty of chuckles, charm, and top-notch actors. This movie had it all. Excellent acting. Great script. Fantastic locations. Genuine relationships that were well drawn, and realistically portrayed - from racism to broken marriages. Not a movie for hard core action buffs. This one is for thoughtful people who enjoy in depth stories, and heartful situations....in a mildly comedic way. :)

• Alexander D

  
  The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel opens up with the clarification of one goal. The film wishes not to inspire; it desires not to change the world or alter Hollywood's own standards. It just wants to entertain. This is certain in its premise, which acts vis-à-vis every film of its… More
  The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel opens up with the clarification of one goal. The film wishes not to inspire; it desires not to change the world or alter Hollywood's own standards. It just wants to entertain. This is certain in its premise, which acts vis-à-vis every film of its ilk from Harold and Maude (1971) up through The Bucket List (2008). Why yes, this is a comedy about a group of senior citizens who escape life as they know it and rejuvenate themselves. Put aside this formula and it's quite an amusing indie comedy for almost any age. For an over-50 audience, it's likely to ring with some authenticity. For a 50-and-younger audience, it's Little Miss Sunshine "lite" with several Alan Arkins.

• Greg S

  
  Seven British retirees relocate to the titular establishment in India, run by a hospitable but bumbling young entrepreneur. A great cast makes for a pleasant if predictable entry in the inspiration "cute old folks find a reason to grind out a few more years" subgenre.

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  "If your a huge movie fan, you can not pass up a cast of greats like this. I REALLY enjoyed the film. I know it's not going to be for a large group of movie watchers, but movie fans will flock to see these greats on screen together in one film. I LOVE Maggie Smith, Judi… More
  "If your a huge movie fan, you can not pass up a cast of greats like this. I REALLY enjoyed the film. I know it's not going to be for a large group of movie watchers, but movie fans will flock to see these greats on screen together in one film. I LOVE Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson and Celia Imrie. So of course the acting was spot on. When I seen that this group would all be starring into a film together, I had to see it. I didn't even care what the story was going to be about. But after watching it, I really enjoyed it. Six different stories rolled up into one quite well. Some where given more screen time which was really needed. The movie is sweet and sad. The movie has a great message about living. To not let your age define you. Demand to be heard and seen and not swept away because your of no use to someone. It left me with a smile. I would definitely watch it again."

• Al S

  
  A pitch perfect comedy with a pitch perfect all-star cast. A smart, very charming and wonderfully funny movie that's breathtaking and heartwarming all the way to the end. A true classic. A masterpiece from Director, John Madden. A marvelous, enjoyable and gorgeously crafted… More
  A pitch perfect comedy with a pitch perfect all-star cast. A smart, very charming and wonderfully funny movie that's breathtaking and heartwarming all the way to the end. A true classic. A masterpiece from Director, John Madden. A marvelous, enjoyable and gorgeously crafted entertainment that's a must-see. An utterly delightful and truly feel-good film. A glorious blend of comedy and drama that has lots of character development and surprises to go around. A beautiful experience that's a great way to spend two hours. The performances are all flawless and have heart. Tom Wilkonson is extraordinary. Bill Nighy is brilliant. Maggie Smith is terrific. Judi Dench is excellent. Dev Patel is fantastic. The cast have such wonderful chemistry together. I loved this film Their is certainly magic in this movie. A hilarious and deeply moving ride that touches you and makes you laugh. A wildly entertaining and outstanding piece of work.

• Louis R

  
  It largely avoids most of the intense schmaltz the premise threatens, a serious achievement in itself, but even then brings freshness and emotion to cliches (from fractured marriages to postcard imagery of India) when they are wheeled out, and the cast are basically the ones to thank.

• Sophie B

  
  A fun and thoughtful piece that, whilst aimed at the older generations, is a great watch for any adult. The location is beautiful and really adds to the characters. Great performances by the main cast.

• Emile T

  
  Deceptive last act doesn't ruin this charming film starring one of the best cast of the year, each giving a tender and true performance.

• Anthony L

  
  10 years ago John Madden made one of the most awful films of all time, Captain Corelli's Mandolin. It's nice to see he has improved considerably since then as I found The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel to be the uplifting and funny film the synopsis and trailer made it out to… More
  10 years ago John Madden made one of the most awful films of all time, Captain Corelli's Mandolin. It's nice to see he has improved considerably since then as I found The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel to be the uplifting and funny film the synopsis and trailer made it out to be. I was fearing a Richard Curtis 'Mums only' affair but I was entertained throughout by the interesting interweaving storeys, the beautiful Indian visuals and the rather stella cast. Its worth watching just so you can listen to Ronald Pickup speak - I could listen to his voice all day - It was really nice to see he and Celia Imrie reunited after the brilliant but relatively unseen 1993 BBC series The Riff Raff Element. Good Sunday night viewing.

• Manu G

  
  Don't be afraid of change. Great Film! An absolutely stellar cast all well served by an intelligent witty script with some killer one-liners which are guaranteed to give some laughs. Only occasionally does it get sentimental, but somehow this doesn't matter, because the… More
  Don't be afraid of change. Great Film! An absolutely stellar cast all well served by an intelligent witty script with some killer one-liners which are guaranteed to give some laughs. Only occasionally does it get sentimental, but somehow this doesn't matter, because the seductive nature of India weaves its spell not just on the characters but also on us. This film is warm, witty, funny, touching, and deep but without being preachy. The directing is excellent, the scenery is beautiful. Films about people in the sunset of their lives discussing mortality are sorely absent in our culture. It's refreshing. A group of British retirees decide to "outsource" their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Enticed by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel, they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self.

• Tracy K

  
  A bit too tame and predictable to be anymore entertaining than it is; while I can't quite forgive that, it was still enjoyable enough to watch - how can you help but follow Dench & Smith's every move? Although the two ladies exhibit typical exemplary form, Bill Nighy to… More
  A bit too tame and predictable to be anymore entertaining than it is; while I can't quite forgive that, it was still enjoyable enough to watch - how can you help but follow Dench & Smith's every move? Although the two ladies exhibit typical exemplary form, Bill Nighy to me is the one who truly shines in his understated and almost too likable role. Bluntly, it's a movie to watch for the performances, not the plot - don't waste too much time dwelling on the flimsy storyline and your time's spent well enough.

• Alice S

  
  An acting master class, for sure. Tom Wilkinson has always been fine for me, but this character - with all his silent regret and suppressed jubilation - takes the cake. The narrative is a bit stodgy, and Dev Patel is the stereotypical Indian business owner who speaks in aphorisms… More
  An acting master class, for sure. Tom Wilkinson has always been fine for me, but this character - with all his silent regret and suppressed jubilation - takes the cake. The narrative is a bit stodgy, and Dev Patel is the stereotypical Indian business owner who speaks in aphorisms that help the old white folks learn tried-and-true lessons in tolerance, friendship, and self-discovery.

• Carlos M

  
  Even if mildly refreshing and centering on a group of elderly people, which is something we don't see very often, this film is full of highs and lows, with a weak script that has too many clichés and artificial resolutions but compensated by a superb ensemble cast.

• Jim H

  
  Seven seniors retreat to a shady hotel in India. In this ensemble drama -- a British senior's version of <i>The Big Chill</i> -- strong performances by almost everyone in the cast (especially Tom Wilkinson, Judi Dench, and Bill Nighy) carry this film. The acting is… More
  Seven seniors retreat to a shady hotel in India. In this ensemble drama -- a British senior's version of <i>The Big Chill</i> -- strong performances by almost everyone in the cast (especially Tom Wilkinson, Judi Dench, and Bill Nighy) carry this film. The acting is pitch perfect in almost every scene, and it's a pity that the story construction isn't stronger. The script is intelligently written, filled with some funny moments and great lines like "The only real failure is the failure to try, and success is measured by how we cope with disappointment," but it's like <i>The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel</i> bit off more than it could chew. With so many characters -- very few of them flat -- there were missed set-ups like Jean's attraction to Graham and the fading of Muriel prejudice. Overall, what remains of this film is good, but the missed opportunities make it even more disheartening that the film wasn't better.

• Bathsheba M

  
  A taste of India delivered by an all-star cast. The story lines intersected nicely and surprisingly at times--Tim Wilkinson, an English judge--turns out to be a man who has spent his entire life in love with his teen sweetheart and returns to India to find him, only to find him… More
  A taste of India delivered by an all-star cast. The story lines intersected nicely and surprisingly at times--Tim Wilkinson, an English judge--turns out to be a man who has spent his entire life in love with his teen sweetheart and returns to India to find him, only to find him happily married and Judi Dench plays the recent widow who must ask the judge's lover wife if she knew (she did) and thereby confirm her feelings that in a marriage there are no secrets and her husband had plenty from her....Maggie Smith played the sour ex-housekeeper who refinds her humanity and purpose when confronted with the non-judgement of her untouchable maid--and so on. Beautifully made and realistically rendered.

• Mark H

  
  Critiquing this tale is like finding fault in a clown's circus act. It means well. It only seeks to inspire warm fuzzies and to an extent, it succeeds. Unfortunately the promise of these Brits' self discovery never met my expectations. The script simply isn't as good as… More
  Critiquing this tale is like finding fault in a clown's circus act. It means well. It only seeks to inspire warm fuzzies and to an extent, it succeeds. Unfortunately the promise of these Brits' self discovery never met my expectations. The script simply isn't as good as the cast. Each time some minor conflict arises and we're given actual drama, the conflict is oversimplified and quickly resolved. I wont spoil the details of the trajectories of the various characters. But have no fear! All potential conflicts are consistently addressed one after the other in routine fashion sometimes within the very same scene. The plot predictably limps along to an insipid conclusion. If one is willing to put up with stereotypes and clichéd events, then there is some enjoyment to be had in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. That cast goes a long way in making this much better than it should have been. However if you demand a bit more from your comfort food entertainment, you just might find yourself struggling to stay awake.

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