cinema spotlight: the best exotic marigold hotel

I watched a truly sublime film today and knew immediately that I had to share: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is an absolute must-see! It is exactly what you'd expect from an all-star cast including the always exceptional Judy Dench and Maggie Smith, as well as Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, and Celia Imrie. Rotten Tomatoes gave it an understated 77% on the Tomatometer, though audiences scored it at 81%. The RT synopsis reads:

"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a group of British retirees who decide to "outsource" their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Enticed by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and bolstered with visions of a life of leisure, they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self. Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, they are forever transformed by their shared experiences, discovering that life and love can begin again when you let go of the past."

Covering a range of emotional issues, it has humor and conflict, stunning cinematography, and characters portrayed with the authenticity and sincerity you can only get from a cast of BEMH's caliber. The film also gives viewers the opportunity to see the ever-graceful Maggie Smith as one of the most brusquely outspoken racists imaginable (very funny if you think of how much it contradicts her as a person). With only references to sexuality and a few bits of language, it's the most enjoyable film I've seen in a while...perfect for a lazy Saturday morning. Go rent it now!