As you can see from the trailer, this story of aged Brits seeking a low-budget retirement in India looks like enjoyable fluff with a great cast. I was expecting a fish-out-of-water comedy, but found much more than that. Besides dealing with the culture shock issues (which are plenty funny), the characters each forge their own journeys of self-discovery.
Of course, the cast is a superb collection of British acting talent: Bill Nighy, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Maggie Smith, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey). Dev Patel of Slumdog Millionaire is their genial and scattered host.
Nighy is especially brilliant as a guy trapped too long by his own profound decency. Dench delivers an equally outstanding performance as a woman determined to make her own way for the first time. In another acting gem, Tom Wilkinson follows a thread from his secret past and uncovers a moving revelation.
But those are just the highlights. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is justifiably the biggest indie hit of the year.