REVIEW: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

For seven British residents, life is not treating them kindly in their latter years of life, so they pack their bags and head off on an adventure. They are drawn to the Marigold Hotel in Jaipur, India, advertised as an exotic retirement home where the elderly can relax and enjoy the remainder of their years, run by an out of his depth young man named Sonny (played by Dev Patel).

On arrival, the hotel is in disrepair and the manager is struggling to make his vision a reality. As the seven Brits become accustomed to their new surroundings, their pasts unravel and the reasons that led them to India are revealed. This film is wonderfully colourful, humorous and delightful. I challenge anyone to come away without a smile on their face.

With one of the best ensemble casts ever, lead by Judi Dench and Bill Nighy, Marigold proves that there is plenty of life left to live once you retire. All youngsters should be made to see this film as they will view the elderly in a completely new light. Marigold shows how no matter your age you should take risks in life, try new things and venture away from your comfort zone as it could be the best decision you ever make.

As the cast embark on a journey discovering the importance of morality, spirituality, well-being, health, love, life, friendship, they learn that by just letting go of the past you can release yourself from a trap that you have been living in all your life and you can begin to look to the future, no matter how long that future may be. I was the youngest member in the audience by about twenty years but that is wrong. Marigold should appeal to everyone of every age. It makes you realise that life is too short and that you are never, and will never be, too old for an adventure. I highly recommend everyone to take their elderly relatives to see Marigold, but do not be surprised if afterwards they suddenly wish to go backpacking around the world.

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