John Madden has done it again, following up his fabulous The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) with a sequel that's slightly more kinetic and spectacular but which has lost none of its pure heart and spirit of joy. Where the first was a fantastic foray into the unknown, this second concerns the aftermath of that: getting comfortable with a new and exciting world, and reconciling a personal victory with interpersonal affection.
I think it would be fair to say the first film focused more on Tom Wilkinson (who is obviously not in the sequel) and Judi Dench, each trying to declare something about themselves in the midst of cultural changes. This film, on the other hand, seems to focus more on Maggie Smith and Dev Patel, attempting to make the best possible choices for themselves and the ones they love. In this way, the film straddles the vastly different problems facing two generations. In the first, Patel's character was primarily comedic and an aggressive plot device; in this, he takes center stage as a troubled fiancée seeking to win back his love from a perceived threat to his financial success and social status. Amidst the celebrations of youth and love, we follow Maggie Smith in her efforts to help the young man save his business and his romance. Having grown very fond of her young friend, she also keeps hidden some potentially devastating medical news from everyone at the hotel.
Much like the first film, this picture has raucous comedy, including farcical car chases and pitch-perfect one-liners popping off every few minutes. In sharp contrast, it also has striking moments of somber reflection and introspection, mostly delivered by Maggie Smith. Lillete Dubey, playing Dev Patel's character's mother, has some really nice dramatic scenes with Richard Gere, too, which I was ready for back in 2011. Beautiful costumes, fabulous lighting, and breathtaking sets decorate this picture in ways that might even surpass the first installment. The engagement parties are notably spectacular, especially the one which culminates in a rousing mass dance. Dev Patel might have won my heart up on that stage.
I could keep going, but you get the idea. I loved it, I hope there's another, I cried a lot, I laughed a lot, and I left feeling lively and affirmed. I should say, though, those last few minutes are brutal. Maggie Smith's voice-over about death and love and life is timeless and poignant and devastating and everything cliché I could possibly say. And yet it is perfect. Okay, I'll stop before I cry again.
IMDb: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
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