So often we get trapped by our own fears and prejudices that we hold ourselves back from moving forward, building relationships, and experiencing new things. Thinking about the unknown and the future can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re going through a big life change like getting into college, finding your first job, becoming a parent, or transitioning into retirement.
But we can’t let our fears keep us frozen in one spot no matter what age we are, which is what a what a group of characters come to realize in the incredibly moving film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I almost didn’t watch the movie because I hadn’t heard anything about it, but I’m so glad I did! I loved every minute of it, and it made me feel alive and inspired. One of the characters, Sonny, is an energetic, entrepreneurial, yet highly inexperienced young hotel manager who helps transform the lives of seven main characters in the film. There’s a line Sonny says early on in the movie that has really stuck with me and still makes me laugh, smile, and nod my head whenever I reflect on it. He says,
“Everything will be all right in the end…so if it is not all right, it is not yet the end.”
What a positive and lighthearted way to look at things when you’re in a tough spot! To tell you a little bit more about the movie, it’s about seven British retirees who leave their old lives behind and relocate to India. They were all enticed to pack up and move because they each came across some extraordinary advertisements Sonny published.
The group of seven characters come from entirely different backgrounds, all hoping to enjoy the low cost, newly renovated and exotic Marigold Hotel as described in the brochures. But to their complete surprise upon arriving, things are totally not what they expected, and the movie follows along each of their incredible journeys in the days that follow.
Inspirational On So Many Levels: Life, Loss, Love, Hope, Adventure
Any movie that can make me laugh, cry, and inspire me at the same time is priceless. It can be hard to find movies that have all three of those aspects these days, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is one of the best movies I’ve watched in a long time. I didn’t know anything about the film before I saw it, so I couldn’t help but say “Wow!” when the opening scenes kept introducing characters played by a truly incredible cast of actors.
The inspirational, brilliant cast consists of Judi Dench, Bill Nightly, Penelope Wilton, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, Ronald Pickup, Celia Imrie, and Dev Patel of Slumdog Millionaire. As a big fan of British actors and British humor, the casting and writing was spot on. I think the pace of the movie is just right, the emotions and stories are relatable, and the the sights and sounds of India bring the film to life.
Open Your Mind To Positive Energy, Change, And New Cultures
I strongly believe we can change our lives for the better just by having an open mind and thinking positively. This movie clearly shows how being closed minded results in a lot of suffering, unhappiness, and loss. Life is never going to go exactly according to plan, and the people who can learn to adapt and make the most of their situation are the ones who will thrive and flourish.
Be open to change, experiencing new cultures, and finding the positive in your life and the world around you. Set goals and don’t be afraid to dream big. Stop procrastinating and create your own bucket list today using my 55 Bucket List Ideas And Tips. Remember, you don’t need a fortune or a clear vision of the future to feel more alive. Everything will be all right in the end if you open your mind now and start taking action. Sonny didn’t let his limited resources hold him back from achieving his dream. He got started on the wrong foot with deceptive advertising, but his dedication, drive, passion, and ability to outreach and build relationships changed his life and those around him.
You Can Have A Fresh Start At Any Age
If you think you’re too old to change and try new things, you’re fooling yourself! Sure, everyone has a different risk tolerance, and that’s okay. Just don’t get so stuck in a rut that you forget what it’s like to experience new things and listen to other people’s ideas. The characters in this movie range in age, although most of them are in their 60s, and they each took leaps of faith to start a new chapter.
They each had very different experiences, and you’ll see in the movie how their mindsets had a direct impact on that. Our minds are powerful! And if you can learn to embrace the unknown and unexpected, you’re going to come out smiling. Here are another set of quotes I liked from the movie:
Evelyn: Nothing here has worked out quite as I expected.
Muriel: Most things don’t. But sometimes what happens instead is the good stuff.
Stream Or Purchase A Copy Of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel HERE
If you enjoyed this post you will also like my article Making The Most Of What You Have In The Moment.
Update 2015: I recently watched the sequel The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and loved it too! The writing and acting were as good as the first and it was a treat to see many of the same characters return.
Untemplaters, have you watched the film? Did you enjoy it as much as I did?! Do you think everything will be all right in the end if you keep an open mind?
Thanks for sharing that inspirational movie review. It sounds like the kind of movie I like to watch.
I like your last quote. I too have found that when I get off the path that I planned to follow is when I really learn some incredible insights about life.
Thanks Terry. I hope you get a chance to watch it. Yeah life isn’t meant to be easy all the time, and we sure learn a lot from the bumps and bruises we get when things take unexpected turns.
“Everything will be all right in the end…so if it is not all right, it is not yet the end.”
This has to be one of the best quotes I have come across, it is factual and very on-point. I believe no one can ever doubt this be they pessimists, optimists, opportunists, idealists and realists.
I’ll be checking out the movie tonight.
I really want to see that movie, it looks really fun! My spouse isn’t interested so I’ll have to arrange a nice evening with myself to watch!!! The quote is priceless…. I’m going to remember this the next time trouble strikes.
Thanks Barb! You really should, I think you’ll like the movie a lot. I want to watch it again just thinking about it. I love inspirational and motivational phrases, and Sonny’s quote has really stuck with me. It makes me laugh, and sometimes laughter is the best medicine when we get hit with a bad situation because it reminds us life goes on!
I haven’t watched the movie Sydney, but your post was super inspirational!
Thanks Moneycone! I’m glad you enjoyed it. You should check out the movie sometime too. The acting and cinematography are great!
Hi Sydney, I have not seen this movie, but will add it to the list of movies to watch in the future as it sounds right up my ally for something inspirational and heart-warming.
I honestly feel like it is our attitude and perspective that determines what we do with our future. I admire anyone who is always able to keep an optimistic and positive demeanor regardless of what is going on around them. It’s something I continue to work on.
How did you hear about this movie? How optimistic are you about the future of the United States in particular, and do you think it really just depends on each individual’s mindset?
There are a few people I work with who are always smiling and looking at the bright side of things even when the pressure is on. Being optimistic draws people in and it’s no question that people who are closed minded and negative push people away.
I stumbled upon it on Netflix and I’m glad I put it in my queue. As far as the US goes, having a positive mindset does make a big difference, but there’s a lot of other things that have to work as well. More people need to get smarter about their finances and getting out of debt for starters. And we need to continue to educate people about the importance of exercise and eating healthy. Obesity is becoming a serious problem in the US and it’s a very expensive issue.
I watched this during a 3-hour flight – amazing movie!
My philosophy is that everything will work out, eventually. Might not be quite what you expected or how you get there, but it will.
I’m glad you saw it too! I agree. Not everything can turn around right away, but things do get better in time.
We all go through ups and downs, and we have to remember that in the down times we can and will find our way up again.
Nice post Sydney. I like the quotes you listed. I’ll have to check out that movie too. I like Bill Nightly, he’s a funny guy.
I’ve definitely had some rocky times in my life, and keeping an open mind has really kept me from getting stuck in a funk. I also try to use my emotions to push myself harder. If something gets me PO’d or depressed, I channel that into positive energy even though it doesn’t always happen overnight. I hate being in a funk so I try to focus on getting myself out of it as quickly as I can and find ways to distract myself from the bad things so I can remotivate myself with the good.
Thanks Jamie. Bill Nightly is great in the movie, you should definitely rent it sometime.
I’m glad to hear you know how to chancel your emotions into motivation and positive thinking!
Very nice and a great way to start Friday off. I agree that in the end things work out the way they are suppose to and you have to believe that its never over until its over. Though I think some people take it too far like with saving and complaining. You have to remember that somethings (well alot) you have control over and some of the decisions you make early on can come back to haunt you. Being more positive should never be taken for granted. Cheer up have fun and remember things could be better tomorrow and that a lot of people have it worse off then you do. This one helps me a lot.
I can’t be around people who constantly complain. I agree with you that there are a lot of things we do have control over, especially our attitude and outlook!
And we can all change for the better. I myself used to focus on too many negatives when I was younger and it made me miserable. Once I learned that my life was only going to get better if I did something about it and started looking for the positives, so many things started turning around for the better!
Nice picture of marigolds Sydney!
I actually watched this movie on my Nordic cruise this fall and LOVED it! I thought I wouldn’t since it chronicled the end of people’s lives, but it was absolutely uplifting. The juxtaposition between the young Indian hotel manager and all these retired Brits was wonderful.
Anybody who is feeling down or a pessimist should rent this movie today!
After quitting my job, I feel like I have a brand new start at age 35. I really feel exactly like I did once I graduated from college. Exciting, scared, exuberant! There’s always a fresh start if we want it.
Best,
Sam
Wasn’t it good?! The characters were fantastic and the pace of the movie was spot on too.
That’s really cool you have that giddy feeling like back when you graduated. I remember having those same feelings when I first started my career. Definitely motivating emotions!