The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

A veritable Oscar nomination with stellar performances by Dench, Nighy, Wilkinson, Smith and the entire cast. Patel ("Slum Dog Millionaire") is vibrant and authentic in the younger role of the film, while learning his own lessons in life, especially of love and being true to yourself; a lesson to be learned for even his more mature cast ensemble. For those of you who gave it a low score, you must be incapable right now of having the maturity or life's experiences to realize the movie's depth. The film was soulful with words of wisdom thanks to the writing, the superb cast and a unique setting that almost makes you want to embark on this wonderful journey yourself. The film captures your heart, inspires you, makes you listen intently and displays heartfelt comedies of life, sadness, wisdom and sensitivity. It moves you to a place where we will all embark one day onto "new adventures" and as they say in India, "it will be ok in the end and if not, it is not the end." I think it also makes a statement re Western society where the elderly are not as valued unlike many countries in the east. There is a sense of loss in the characters, for different reasons but mostly centering around our most important value; love, while some sense a lacking of value themselves. In eastern society, the elderly are revered and so how very befitting to have India as it's setting of beauty and peaceful wisdom. I thought of my father, sick and alone and how he must at times feel a lack of purpose in his life; a dispensible part of society. It makes you think. To retire, can be life changing for some but we can only do our best as we get up every morning. Life tends to throw you curve balls when you least expect it but also an adventure, no matter what the age. You must be open to the adventures for they will surely come your way. If we don't at least try than how can we really live at any age. I would see this lovely movie again and read the book, "These Foolish Things," Judy Dench especially conveys poise, wisdom and beauty. Her narration to the end is as equal in strength as is her character. This movie forms many friendships, each learning from the other and each one experiencing India uniquely. Who says that the "old" cannot enjoy the same pleasures as the young. "It never ends!" The audience clapped at the end; and that says it all!