We popped off to see The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on a very hot Sunday afternoon last weekend when we wanted some respite from the heatwave. I’d been waiting for this film’s release with eager anticipation, and I wasn’t disappointed, but I was a little anxious that it might not be Dave’s cup of tea.
Luckily the movie was a winner, even better I thought than it’s precursor, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Both of us laughed like drains, smiled and nodded at the waspishly philosophical moments, agreed about many of the allusions to ageing, and went away fired up with vim and vigour to get on with life and really ‘live’ life to the full as we get older (and older, and err, we hope older).
Who would have expected a movie about down-on-their-luck retirees — some broke, some heart-broken — to become a box office hit? I guess the star power including Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie and (my old heart throb) Richard Gere helped things along a bit, but it’s the joie de vivre of the movie, the colourful scenes and the delightful messages which make it a winner, I think.
Can you believe it’s already toppled 50 Shades of Grey in the UK’s box office domination?
Anyway the movie’s about a group of retirees living in India at a rundown senior residence, aka Hotel. We watch as their lives take on new meaning, as they cope with relationship problems and we are taken on their journeys of how they tackle ageing issues too. The movie also has tender, compelling moments, and there are themes of romance and sex, loss and change, and finding meaning in life at whatever age.
In the movie each day starts with a roll call by Dev Patel’s character, to make sure everyone is still living.
Then, a charming American with a secret joins the cast. Enter, Richard Gere.
Now I would be lying not to admit that the inclusion of Richard Gere was a big plus for me. He’s around 65 now, and although he’s still gorgeous in a distinguished way, he has I would say, sadly lost his early days (Pretty Woman) sexiness. I loved, and laughed at, Celia Imrie’s sharp intake of breath in this movie and her exclamation to the effect of, “Lordy Lord have mercy on my ovaries” as Richard Gere walked into the room.
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Take home messages from the movie
Don’t try to control the future, let it flow, it’s much more fun that way.
Be true to yourself, live in the moment, don’t over think things and don’t be scared of living life.
Put your head up over all the babblement of this world
It’s nice to find someone to share life with, and by finding that someone know and appreciate how much value they give to your life.
Getting older is about knowing that re-invention can and should happen at any age.
It’s about learning to value so much more in life than just material acquisitions.
It’s knowing how important it is to be around people who care about you as you get older.
It’s about looking at getting older as a gift.
“There is no present like the time.”
Have you been to see The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel?
What is your key worry or frustration with getting older?
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Good to hear it’s as good as the first and with Gere to tickle my ovaries I’m going!
Hope you enjoy it too, Tracey!
I’m looking forward to seeing the follow up. I loved the first movie and the second sounds just as good. Are they still not buying green bananas?
Ha ha Jenny … I’m not sure?! Anyone?
Sometimes sequels can be very disappointing so this movie wasn’t on my wish list, however since you have given it a thumb’s up I will have to go see it. I’m a big fan of Richard Gere so that alone would be a big drawcard for me! The biggest bugbear about getting older is young people’s attitude towards us being “old and passed it”.
I agree with you about sequels, but I’m pretty sure you’ll find the sequel even better than the first. And oh yes, Richard Gere, definitely a drawcard! Yes, it’s hard being labelled and dismissed as old and past it as we get older, and you’re right it does happen. I have a sneaking inkling though that I probably was a bit dismissive of age when I was in my 20’s and 30’s, and it’s only as I’ve got older that I’ve become wiser.
I am looking forward to seeing this movie. Loved the first one and loved the book. The book was by Deborah Moggach and was originally titled These Foolish Things. I was a bit cross when they changed the tile for the film. But hey. The book and the film (first one) do differ and I like both, yet is is lovely to see the sights and colours of India. The best news, is that it is topping 50 Shades. How anyone thought that it was a Valentine Date movie, which is how it was promoted in the UK? Really? While the Best Marigold is a perfect date movie and not just for the over 50’s.
Hi Coral, thanks for your lovely comments. It’s interesting how you feel about the book. Yes, totally agreee, it’s a much better date movie than 50 Shades, which I’ll never go and see, and the colors of India are a real lift for the spirit in The Marigold Hotel. Thanks again for commenting.
Interesting…
Thank you Muza-chan
Oh the 2nd movie! I really enjoyed the first, so I must go and see the 2nd. I just love they way these retirees go through their life. Have you read the book? It is nothing like the movie. I think the movie is far better!
I love your take home thoughts from the movie Jo. And so should we all!
Hi Jill no I did the read the book. It was by Deborah Morgan, hey? I think it didn’t make the cut for our move this time so Im glad you say the movie is better. It’s normally the other way round 😉 If you liked the first Marigold Hotel I reckon you’ll love the second. It’s so funny and sweet too 🙂
I saw the first one and loved it, thanks for the write up x
Hope you get to see the second one Rae – it’s doubly funny and just as touching 🙂