The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

"It will be all right in the end.  If it isn't all right then it isn't the end."  I think this is my new creed to live by.  Directed by John Madden and based on the book These Foolish Things by Deborah Moggach, the movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (now playing at the Varsity Theater in Ashland) is another classic British hit with a keen sense of wit and charm, and with a brilliant cast including Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson and Bill Nighy.  

Seven retirees looking for something better than a retirement home or living with their children embark on a journey to a life in India and living at what is advertised as the best exotic hotel.  Each of the seven have their reasons for making the journey to India and that is the crux of the film, how will each of us choose to write the last chapter of our life? Of course when they arrive, the hotel is not quite what was anticipated. The owner of the hotel, Sonny, cleverly played by Dev Patel, does a constant dance to not only keep his guests from leaving, but also to keep his journey, his dream, alive.

There are those who have critiqued the film as being enjoyable for just the 60+ audience which I believe to be a serious error in judgement.  Not to sound too philosophical here, but regardless of age, we're all on a journey and I think we can all take something away from the film.  Maybe it might hit closer to home to those who have reached 60+ years, but we (hopefully) are all moving forward in our lives and it's sometimes a good thing to do a little planning for future chapters; to look forward if you will.  What do you want to do with that "saving for a rainy day" stash?  Do you even have a stash?  Are you happy?  Are you living life to the fullest?  Do you laugh?  Do you cry?  Do you work to live or live to work?  If you listen closely the answers are all there at The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.  

The Varsity Theater - Ashland