OK for kids 14+
Fabulously acted retiree drama will appeal more to parents.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is aimed at adults -- grandparents, actually. But that doesn't mean that teenagers can't see it, because there are lots of worthwhile inter-generational lessons about class issues, travel, friendship, tolerance, and what constitutes a healthy marriage. Expect some language (one "f--k," plus a few "s--t"s and other curses), a few racist comments (which are clearly portrayed as ignorant), and sexuality (a young couple kisses passionately, one character reminisces about a gay love affair, and another two are fixated on finding romance) -- including a couple of erection jokes. But with its stellar cast and humorous take on adventure in the "golden years," there's no reason teens can't join their parents in watching.
- Families can talk about The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel's messages about transformation and travel. Does the movie make you want to visit India or somewhere else you've never been?
- Why are there so few movies and TV shows that feature older characters? Teens: Does seeing a mostly 60-and-up cast make you not want to see a movie? Why?
- What does the movie have to say about romantic relationships? Which of the relationships in the movie are healthy, and which aren't?
The good stuff
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Messages: There are some wonderful messages in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel -- like that love shouldn't be based on class or family background and that it's never too late to try something new, change your life, or learn about a different culture.
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Role models: Each of the characters is a role model (with the possible exception of Mrs. Ainsley, who's difficult and narrow-minded and doesn't really change much). Evelyn bravely takes her very first job and loves it, Graham rights the biggest wrong of his life, Douglas finds the silver lining of being in a country he's never visited before, and Madge and Norman look for romance even though some would say they're too old for it. Even "Young" Sonny stands up to his mother in order to follow his dream of running the hotel for seniors and marrying the woman he loves.
What to watch for
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Violence: One character dies unexpectedly.
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Sex: A few of the couples flirt, and there are jokes about Viagra-like pills. Sonny and Suneina kiss passionately, and in one scene she strips to get into bed with him, only to discover that he's not the person in the bed.
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Language: One "f--k," plus a few uses of "s--t," "bollocks," "crap," "hell," "sod it," "oh my God," etc. One character makes several racist remarks at the beginning of the movie, when she refuses to see a black and then South Asian doctor. She wants an "English" (white) doctor.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Social drinking at dinners and at a hotel bar.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
The Most Excellent Marigold by wolfears
As a 68-year-old African American woman, I have been a victim of categorization, all my life. I was reluctant to see this movie because I thought it would be another glib tribute to the compartment for designated "old folks." Much to my surprise and joy, it was upbeat and inspirational with Judi Dench and Maggie Smith delivering heartening performances that were not "performances" at all. I believed them. Oh yeah, there are a few heavy handed "clunkers"such as the subplot of the heinous caste system, but the vigor of the characters, plus the colorful glimpses of India are far more memorable. If you can persuade a "non-senior" to see this movie, you will have given them a gift of insight and vision. It's not so bad growing old (oops!), growing up.
5
I'd stay at the hotel by theohodge
I loved the movie. The acting was superb, the characters interesting and quirky. The cinemtography earthy. Particularly entertaining for adults of a certain age. An inspring tale of the final chapters in the book of life. This movie portrays life being worth living every moment you take a breath.
5
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by janier
I cannot tell you how much I loved this movie...it opened yesterday and was sold out at each showing..young and old viewers...it says something about the refusal to cater to those who might want more than graphic sex, loud noises and twenty somethings doing assinine things
Please look at what is popular and give us more of this kind of fare..
3
Expected Better by lmwatson871
This movie was mediocre. Considering it was 2 hours, they didn't make important information clear, and it dragged for much of the duration. I also didn't find a lot of the individual stories very believable. It was okay for a light comedy, but I was expecting higher quality stories and presentation.
5
for the over 60s by pearl313
Absolutely beautiful movie. However, it would make no sense for someone under 65 to review it (or maybe even see It) because they would have no understanding of it.
Loved it.
5
If you love Inida...or think you might by msbasset
this is the movie to see - the Indian characters are completely true to form......the scenes of India engaging and completely correct; it's a sweet story that works at a number of levels....the reaction of the Brits to India is very much like a lot of people from Western cultures....and they grow to love it as many do.....See the Movie....
5
Highly Anticipated....Doesn't Disappoint! by Kelly Girl
Being eagerly awaiting this movie and I was not disappointed. Loved the storyline and stellar cast. I have to say that I expected a little more comedy, but it did have it's laughs...unfortunately, I had seen a lot of them in the previews. The story, however, had many touching and real moments. It moved along somewhat deliberately, giving you time to absorb, feel and think as the characters did. Would see it again in a heartbeat.
5
JohnT by JTeti2
Anyone over the age of 50 will enjoy this movie. Set in India, it hides the extreme poverty and the true "untouchable" lower cast even in today's India, so there is nothing objectionable in the movie..
4
A true treat. by HoodCritic1
I may not be the correct target demographic for this particular movie, but I did enjoy it immensely. I thought the cast brought a breath of life into each of their roles that gave the audience the appropriate impression to fall in love with. Judi Dench, Tom Wilkenson, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and Dev Patel were impeccable. The best thing about this movie is definitely the rich and sharp screenplay. I couldn't help but be impressed with how savvy the writing for this movie was. John Madden did a crack up job in the director's chair. This movie was a portrait of self-discovery for aged spirits in a completely exotic environment and I think this movie is very underrated. Everyone should see it.