Most mainstream films these days are made for a much younger audience. But every so often film studios realise that there is an older audience who go to the cinema as well.
It is a fact of life that everyone gets old. Depending on our circumstances is how we get to spend our later years. With so many things being 'outsourced' to India, it was only time before we decided to outsource the elderly to India as well. I did not expect to enjoy this film as much as I did. I got the impression that it was going to be a very cute little film about a group of older people on a trip to India. While the film plays it safe and does not go too daring in its approach, it does present some interesting themes and issues that the elderly would have to deal with. I think the story and the characters have a great deal of charm which you can't help but fall in love with it.
Director Tom Stoppard has managed to bring together some of the best older actors working in Britain today. It is certainly a distinguished ensemble. That is also what makes the film more charming is seeing these familiar faces. Judi Dench is wonderful as the character trying to restart her life after her husband's death. Bill Nighy is nicely subdued in his role as a put-upon husband stuck with a whinging wife. Penelope Wilton as his wife is one of those characters who you want to hate but soon get to know and sympathise with. Maggie Smith plays is excellent as the member of the group who is trying to find some worth in her life after years of service. For me Tom Wilkinson is the best of the bunch as he gets the more emotional story to work with. It seems Dev Patel has most success with English films set in India. He is great here as the hotel owner trying to make his way in life.
Do not let the age of the cast put you off this excellent film. It has a great deal of charm and excellent performances which make it worth seeing.
No comments:
Post a Comment