English actors are the best in the world, and this is a fact. The new generation is called Redmayne, Cumberbatch, Jones and many other talented young boys and girls. Before them, there were Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and all those marvellous players who knew the real meaning of being an actor.
Finding them all together in The Best Marigold Hotel was an incredible pleasure; a little guilty maybe, but who cares.
The story of these beautiful older adults who decide to leave for a better end of days in India to discover that life is always a surprise was a feel-good experience and probably John Madden’s best movie. Everything was perfect and probably once was enough; now we have the proof.
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is still a pleasant experience because of the old pals, and even the young Richard Gere is a delightful new entry. What is missed is an exciting story with a lack of balance between the adventures of the old couples against the main event of the movie, the troubled marriage of the youngsters.
But at the end of the day, does it care when you have Judi, Bill and Maggie together on screen once again? Maybe not, and there’s also a lovely Bollywood dance and an important message for all: life is beautiful and we all must live in the best possible way ’till the very end. It’s helpful to have a reminder sometimes.