Welcome to my article on some of the best romantic movies for singles. Yes, for singles! Contrary to how society views uncoupled people, we aren’t miserable, sad, lonely, creatures, who can’t live a fulfilling life. Further, many are single by choice because they don’t believe in settling on love. I’m one of those people. Never settle just for being in a relationship, and neither should you wait to meet that person you connect with. It may never happen. It’s better to enjoy your life to the fullest, and that includes watching romantic movies. With that said, even if you’re not in a relationship you can still enjoy romance. So, I compiled a list of some of my favorites to share with you. Whether you’re in a relationship or single, I believe you will enjoy the six movies I’ve chosen. I will post a short review on why I like the movies.
Please note this is not a traditional review, where I critique the production. My focus is on the characters and why I like them. I’m simply sharing my personal experience. 🙂
All of the movies listed can be found on DVD Netflix. Rent one today!
The Cast
Judi Dench // Evelyn Greenslade
Maggie Smith // Muriel Donnelly
Bill Nighy // Douglas Ainslie
Dev Patel // Sonny Kapoor
Penelope Wilton // Jean Ainslie
Celia Imrie // Madge Hardcastle
Ronald Pickup // Norman Cousins
Richard Gere // Guy Chambers
Lillete Dubey // Mrs. Kapoor
The Synopsis
As his marriage to Sunaina draws near, Sonny sets his eye on opening a second residence for the elderly but finds the project requires more time than he can spare. Meanwhile, Evelyn and Douglas wonder where their relationship is going, Norman and Carol try to remain exclusive, Madge juggles two rich suitors, and the single remaining vacancy poses a problem for two new arrivals. As the demands of Sonny’s traditional Indian wedding threaten to overwhelm them all, an unexpected solution appears.
The Overview
The all-star cast returns for the sequel. Once, again, the movie successfully navigates several sub-plots. However, the film is missing some of its charm from the original. We do see the growth of the characters, but the plot seems rushed. What happens when eight people who were forced to live modestly are fairing after nine months in India? Drama! Again, not in a way you may imagine. Each character has their own reason for remaining in India to live out their retirement.
Evelyn (Judi Dench) has gained her confidence and self-worth. She is apparently working for a new employer. Her relationship with Douglas is uncertain. At first glance, there is conflict and uncertainty. They do manage to find common ground. I still love Evelyn and I love her growth.
Jean (Penelope Wilton) left Douglas in the first film but returns in the sequel to request a divorce during the third act. I would have liked Jean to return close to the end of the first act. She should have been a prominent antagonist. Jean and Douglas received their pension toward the end of the original movie and it was assumed that she could afford the lifestyle she likes. It would have been better if she returned to Indie with an investor to start a rival hotel. I still can’t stand Jean, but that’s a testament to the actress’ superb skill!
Douglas Ainslie (Bill Nighy) has been in India for nine months and he’s still struggling with his confidence. He’s still nervous and twitchy. He did pick up a job, where he gives tours with an aide of a teenager that transmits what he needs to say to the tour group. I would have liked to see Douglas with more confidence. I understand the nervousness with Evelyn, but not his job. He came off as a bumbling idiot.
Norman (Ronald Pickup) has found love with Carol, who was introduced as a secondary character in the original. Now that he has the companionship he sought, he starts questioning the legitimacy of having a steady partner. In a drunken ramble, he confesses to a taxi driver how he wonders what it would be like to be alone, a statement misconstrued by the driver as a signal to help him out. I love Norman, but they watered down the character in the second movie.
Madge (Celia Imrie) has two suitors pursuing her, much to her apparent dismay. I don’t have any issues with her storyline. I thought it fit the sequel. Madge does find “authentic” love near the end of the movie, and he isn’t a rich man. That was a nice change. She was a gold-digger in the first movie, hence, the line by her son-in-law, “How many husbands have you had?” Madge replies, “Including my own?”
Sonny had a dream to outsource old age by renting out his father’s dilapidated hotel. It worked! He made his fortune and seeks to open a second hotel. Meanwhile, his engagement to Sunaina is being tested with his constant distractions, including the opening of a rival hotel. I don’t understand why he sought outside investors, when in the original movie he has two brothers who had their own fortunes. Further, they didn’t attend the wedding. That was odd and a serious continuity issue.
Muriel’s (Maggie Smith) attitude toward India has changed. She embraces her life there. I have no issues with her storyline. I think it’s great. We see growth.
Richard Gere (Guy Chambers) is a new addition to the film. Charismatic and handsome. He adds the eye-candy to the film.
Lillete Dubey (Mrs. Kapoor) plays Sonny’s mother. She has a more prominent role, playing Guy’s love interest. I love the mom. She’s feisty and outspoken.
While the original film is based on a novel by Deborah Moggach, the second movie is credited to Madden (Director)) and Ol Parker (Writer) and has nothing to do with the original novel. In the first film, the cinematography was extraordinary. The second film focuses on the characters. Still, it continues to leave me longing for a trip to there.
My Thoughts
I do have a few cons for this film, besides, the ones mentioned above. There were a few plot holes that I couldn’t accept. There were parts of the film that could have been fleshed out, one was Sonny accusing Kushal of betrayal. I believe Sonny was right, and Sunaina’s face supported his accusation.
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is predictable but still worth viewing. It is available on DVD Netflix.
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnQ64sdTO_U”]
Next review: The Space Between Us (7/16/2017).
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