The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – Friday 24 February 2012
This was the first outing of the Seaham Harbour U3A Cinema Group.
A poignant film, focusing on that time of life that can be truly scary, getting old: in this case involving loss of a partner; financial and health worries; a long and unfulfilled marriage; a search for a lost love; loneliness and … retirement, what to do next?
Our cinemagoers rated the film 10/10, “very good to excellent” and it was enjoyed by all.
There was empathy with, and sympathy for, the characters and their problems and India was honestly portrayed, warts and all.
It was funny …
“I can’t plan that far ahead – I don’t even buy green bananas”
“I’ve still got it. I just can’t find anybody that wants it”
“I’m single – it’s a choice … not mine”
“If I can’t pronounce it I don’t want to eat it”
“I’m gay … these days more in theory than in practice.”
“When I want your opinion I’ll give it to you.”
And Judy Dench’s description of “dunking” (a biscuit) was so surprising, I felt I was hearing about it for the first time and that it must be a simply wonderful experience!
… it was touching … in its exploration of how its characters evolve to reach a state of acceptance and/or contentment with their lives and status. We couldn’t fail to note the symbolism of a white bird taking off into the blue skies which we interpreted as freedom from guilt at first, and then later, and in addition, the release of a soul.
In the words of the film …
“Failure is not to try … success is how we deal with disappointment”
“We get up in the morning, we do our best. Nothing else matters.”
VERDICT: A really lovely film and well worth seeing
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