First, Britons outsourced their call centres to Indians. Now they're outsourcing their retirement services.
Directed by John Madden, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel tells the story of six elderly Brits who move to India for different reasons. Some want to jump out of their comfort zone for one last change of pace. Others fancy retirement in India simply because life is cheaper there.
Yet, over time, all six of them begin to re-evaluate their views of India and find a new home in the hectic land.
Madden's challenge is that there is little one can do to break the old dramedy formula. But he does a fine job of capturing India's colours.
Witty dialogue and an A-list cast both help make the movie work. Veteran actors Judi Dench (pictured far left with Celia Imrie), Tom Wilkinson and Maggie Smith are on hand to play at our heartstrings. They are masters of their craft and know how to elicit tears and laughter.
Unlike so many comedies of the moment, this one does not rely on toilet humour to be funny. And despite stereotyping Indians at times, the movie has real heart.
