On my flight home yesterday I had the good fortune to see the film “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” on the plane. I had already seen it in the theater a few weeks ago. If you haven’t seen it yet, try to–it’s probably only playing at arts cinemas at this point. The colors, smells, and overall chaos and beauty of India jump out at you from the big screen.
Even if you can only watch it at home, make it a priority. The characters portrayed by an all-star cast of British actors in their senior years are deeply compelling and inspiring. I want to be Judy Dench’s character when I grow up. It’s a beautiful illustration of how it’s never too late for transformation. I’ll leave you now with one of my favorite quotes from the film:
“Things always work out in the end. If they don’t, it’s not the end.”
P.S. The photo doesn’t have anything to do with the movie. I just wanted to share with you the incredible view I’ve enjoyed from my sister’s house while visiting her in Seattle this week. I guess it’s my version of the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Gaby says
I love Judi Dench and I am so looking forward to seeing this film. LOVE that quote!!
Martha says
This is definitely your kind of film, Gaby, as a fellow life adventurer with an open heart!
Stacy says
How funny that you’re writing about this film now (and I’m impressed that you posted last night!). I had heard good things about it a couple of months ago and was happy to see it on the movie list on my Luftansa flight home from Budapest/Frankfurt last Saturday. I really liked it, too, and found all the portraits and portrayals very touching, probably because I feel like I’m closer to that stage of life or closer to watching my mom in that stage of life.
Martha says
You and I are lucky, Stacy, that we have mothers who have maintained their spirit of adventure in their senior years. It’s a great inspiration (as was the film!). It’s been fun getting all the comments on this post after I just managed to squeeze it in a few minutes before midnight last night.
Katherine says
Loved this movie! Great plotlines neatly woven together, gorgeous scenes of Jaipur, and one of the best assemblies of seasoned actors ever.
Martha says
Exactly, Katherine!
Mi Young says
This movie probably was the only positive thing that I can recall from the long and frustrated journey to Seoul, Korea from San Francisco a month ago. We had planned this ambitious trip with our kids and our 2 year old grandson(6 total) early back in January to secure seats together to lend help entertaining 2 year old boy during this grueling 11+ hour flight over the Pacific. We all met in San Francisco a night before the big day. In the middle of the night at around 2 am, we got a phone call from the United telling us that the flight had been canceled and we’re to contact the Customer Service. We ended up on a light to Tokyo instead of a direct flight to Seoul which lengthened our trip by 3 more hours to already excruciatingly long journey. Being in the height of summer traveling season, we were scattered all over the plane, all in the middle seats as they were the only vacant seats. They couldn’t even find seats together for our daughter and our 2 year old grandson until the very last minute, all the way back far away from rest of us . Not the way I wanted to start the much anticipated family trip. The story gets even better later, but I will save it for when we meet. But on this flight to Tokyo I watched this movie and it gave me a diversion from my boiling frustration. Yes, “Accept what is and embrace now”. “Things always work out in the end. If they don’t, it’s not the end.”
Marcia says
Also ironic that you would post this now. As we live without an artsy movie theatre, I’ve been wanting to see it, but without access. Then, while in Ithaca, we saw it. Just great! The acting was spectacular (even with two actresses from Downton Abby): I just love how Maggie Smith plays characters (see Harry Potter, as well) who are crusty and tough, but caring. Judi Densch is truly an amazing actress.
And regarding aging and our later years in life, this has become quite a focus for us. The main thing, as we have been watching friends (and family) face their “later years” is to *keep on living*! And also “use it or lose it”, for brain as well as body – and what better way than through meeting a new culture. While this would, in real experience, be quite challenging (very little sense of the heat, and no one got sick from the food!), many of us hope to be that resilient, curious, and gutsy for as long as possible!
Martha says
Here here!
Elke says
Martha, I can only completely agree on what you said about that movie. I saw it right when it came out because I read about it in the newspaper where it was highly recommended. I was so keen on seeing India and Judy Dench and the story about older people moving to India attracted me extremely. It brought back memories of our wonderful Rajastan trip years ago when my mind and soul was completely mixed up with being fascinated by the beauty of India and seeing so many poor people.
I loved Judy Dench and the way she handled the situation and the great sentence: “Things always work out in the end. If they don’t, it’s not the end.” What a great way to look at things. I just love your blog!!!! I try to read it every morning, but havn’t been too successful lately because of having to organise lots of things – that’s why my comment comes a little late….
Martha says
It’s never too late to comment, Elke! I thought of you as I watched this movie, remembering your stories about your India trip. I’m so glad you are enjoying the blog.