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To say that I am merely a fan of British (stage and film) actress, Judi Dench, is an understatement because I'm actually a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE fan of hers!

There are certain actors who have a 'special something' that transcends a talent for acting. And to me, Judi Dench is one of those actors.

I don't care what movie I've ever seen her in and how large or small her role may have been, the second she appears on the screen I am captivated by her every word and action.

I am in awe of her ability to perform both drama and comedy, and do them exceedingly well. She's like a chameleon who can change colors to fit any character.

And what I especially admire about her acting is not necessarily always what she says, but rather what she doesn't vocalize; saying it with her eyes.

When I look at Judi Dench, I see class.

There is something about her that is royal, but at the same time down-to-earth, natural and real.


The reason why I'm sharing this post today is because I just recently saw the movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (in which Judi Dench starred), and was reminded once again how much I love watching her on the screen.

By the way, if you haven't seen it I highly recommend it because the story and all-British cast are BRILLIANT!

Much of it is comedy, but there are also some very deeply moving moments in the film that will touch your heart.



The star-studded cast at the airport in the opening of the film (all of whom I've seen in other movies).

Here are a few photographs from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel...




Tom Wilkinson and Maggie Smith (two other AMAZING actors)

Listed below are some of my favorite Judi Dench performances... 












Philomena

So yeah, can you tell that I'm a HUGE Judi Dench fan?

Love ya, Judi!


Have a super weekend everyone!
X

*Just in case you're interested, here is the trailer to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel


34 comments:

  1. WOW that last picture of her is STUNNING.... what a gorgeous woman!!!! I saw the hotel movie (too long to type LOL) and LOVED it. She was fantastic in it. I don't know a lot about her work but i certainly know her face. These pictures are so beautiful... it is fascinating seeing how she can look so different in so many roles. :)

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  2. Ron, what a BEAUTIFUL tribute to one of my all-time favorite actresses! And everything you said about what you admire about her acting is the way I feel but could never find the words. "And what I especially admire about her acting is not necessarily always what she says, but rather what she doesn't vocalize; saying it with her eyes."



    That's it exactly. And you're right, there is something royal about Judi Dench, but very real at the same time.


    I've seen this film and many of the others you mentioned and loved them! Did you know that there is a second movie about the Marigold Hotel? I think it came out sometime this year. I haven't seen it yet but want to.


    Great photographs. The first are last are especially beautiful!

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  3. Ron, if anyone ever decides to write a tribute about me, I want you to be the one to write it, ok? LOl. Really, dude, this tribute is so beautifully written.

    Even though I know who Judi Dench is, I'm ashamed to say the only movie I've seen her in was the James Bond Skyfall film. And she was great! But in reading your admiration for her talent, I think I need to Netflix some of her other films. The one you highlighted here looks very interesting. I watched the trailer clip and was intrique by it. I really like Dev Patel.

    What an attractive lady. Beautiful photographs! She does look royal.

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  4. Katherine, isn't that last picture of her STUNNING? She looks so elegant and classy! Such a beautiful lady!

    "I saw the hotel movie (too long to type LOL) and LOVED it. She was fantastic in it."

    You've see the film? Wasn't it GREAT? I cannot believe that I only saw it last week, when it's been out since 2012. I can't believe I missed it back then!?!

    "it is fascinating seeing how she can look so different in so many roles. :)"



    Yup, she's like a chameleon!


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaabulous weekend!
    X

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  5. Hey there Elaine!

    Isn't she an amazing actor? I have many of her films on DVD and watch them over and over again. And yet being such a fan of hers, I can't believe I missed The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel!? I saw a clip of it on You Tube a few weeks ago and then bought the DVD a few days ago.

    " Did you know that there is a second movie about the Marigold Hotel? I think it came out sometime this year. I haven't seen it yet but want to."



    Yes, I did know they made a second movie because one of my friends told me that she saw it. She liked it, but thought the first one was better. Still, I think I'll still buy the DVD when it comes out and watch it anyway. Richard Gere is in the second one.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a terrific weekend!
    X

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  6. Hiya Matt!

    "Ron, if anyone ever decides to write a tribute about me, I want you to be the one to write it, ok? LOl."

    HAHAHA! Sure, I'd be honored to write your tribute!

    "Even though I know who Judi Dench is, I'm ashamed to say the only movie I've seen her in was the James Bond Skyfall film. And she was great!"

    Yes, that's what I mean, she can do any kind of movie and play any kind of character and is great at it.

    " The one you highlighted here looks very interesting. I watched the trailer clip and was intrigue by it. I really like Dev Patel."



    I really think you would enjoy this film. It's got a lot of humor in it, but it also has some deep stuff as well. It's both very entertaining and touching. And Dev Patel is AWESOME in it! What great actor he is!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent weekend!
    X

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  7. Ron, I also meant to say in my previous comment that I'm a HUGE fan of Tom Wilkinson as well. Talk about a great actor!

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  8. Tom Wilkinson is a phenomenal actor. And what I love about him is that he can be very likable in some roles, and very unlikable in others. Did you ever see him in the movie, The Ghost Writer? His performance was chilling!

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  9. You know I'm not a movie person, but if Judi Dench is in it, I KNOW it will be worth my time! I agree that she is a superstar! I remember seeing her in Notes on a Scandal on the big screen one afternoon with friends. We were so impressed with her acting.

    And I LOVED her in Chocolat (one of my favorite books of all time) and she was spot on as Lady de Bourg in Pride and Prejudice (another favorite book).

    Thanks for a great Friday showcase!

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  10. You chose some beautiful pictures of Judy. I haven't seen the movie yet but I read the book and can visualise Judi's part in it. I will see the movie, I promise.

    We love Judi! She is so typically British as Brits once were and her talent is unsurpassed. I particularly liked it when she acted with husband Robin Williams. They were so much in love... sad he had to die so soon. They always planned surprises for each others birthdays, something which endeared me to both of them. I particularly liked them in comedy, but Judi excelled in the more dramatic stuff.



    Great post, Ron. Hope you have a great weekend x

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  11. " but if Judi Dench is in it, I KNOW it will be worth my time!"

    And I really, really think you would enjoy this film because it's very funny, but at the same time, very touching on many levels. It's a GEM of a film!

    " I remember seeing her in Notes on a Scandal on the big screen one afternoon with friends. We were so impressed with her acting."

    That's one of her films I have not seen, but want to because Kate Blanchett is also in it and she's another actor I admire.

    "And I LOVED her in Chocolat (one of my favorite books of all time) and she was spot on as Lady de Bourg in Pride and Prejudice (another favorite book)."

    Yes, I sooooooooooo agree!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great Friday and weekend!
    X

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  12. Oh how I love Judi Dench! This is such a great tribute to a truly talented artist.


    As you noted, she is a brilliant combination of the regal and the real. She just takes command of any scene that she is in. I've been meaning to catch up with some of the films you mentioned here, Ron, so now it's off to Netflix!

    Great post, buddy! Have a tremendous weekend!

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  13. Good morning Valerie!

    " I haven't seen the movie yet but I read the book and can visualise Judi's part in it. I will see the movie, I promise."

    I haven't read the book, but the film is absolutely delightful! Tom Wilkinson and Maggie Smith are also stellar in their roles. In fact, the whole cast is stellar!

    "We love Judi! She is so typically British as Brits once were and her talent is unsurpassed."

    And what I love about her in many interviews I've watched, she seems very down-to-earth and real.

    "They were so much in love... sad he had to die so soon. They always planned surprises for each others birthdays, something which endeared me to both of them."



    Yes, he died very young. I think he was only 65. How sad.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a great Friday and weekend!
    X to you and Joe

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  14. Ron, I am awestruck by Judi Dench! She is probably, along with Meryl Steep, the most diversitfied actress in Hollywood. And I love what you said about her being like a chameleon and changing colors to fit any character. She does. And that's the way I feel about Meryl too.

    I've seen The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel when it first came out and loved it. And I want to see the second one because I heard it's good. What really touched me about the first film was the role of Tom Wilkinson. What an incredible and sensitive performance.

    You posted such beautiful photographs of Judi. That last one is gorgeous.

    Beautiful tribute, Ron! Have a wonderful weekend x

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  15. Hey there Rob!

    "she is a brilliant combination of the regal and the real. She just takes command of any scene that she is in."

    Yes, you said that perfectly...she takes command of any scene that she is in. She's riveting!

    "I've been meaning to catch up with some of the films you mentioned here, Ron, so now it's off to Netflix!"



    And please be sure to put The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on your list because I know it's a film you would thoroughly enjoy - both humorous and very touching. It's a GEM of a film!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a terrific weekend!
    X

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  16. Hola Denise!

    "She is probably, along with Meryl Steep, the most diversified actress in Hollywood."

    That's a wonderful comparison! And you're right, they are both very diversified!

    " And I want to see the second one because I heard it's good."

    I've not seen the second one yet, but plan to. A friend of mine saw it and liked it, but thought the first one was better.

    "What really touched me about the first film was the role of Tom Wilkinson. What an incredible and sensitive performance."



    Yes! His performance was fab-u-lous! But then again, I enjoy Tom Wilkinson in ANY role!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful Friday and weekend!

    X

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  17. I've seen ads for this new movie, but I haven't seen the show yet -- thanks for your recommendation, Ron!

    Wow, you know it's amazing to find a multi-talented actress like Judi. Usually, actors tend to "specialize" in either comedy or drama, but to do both (and to do them WELL!) is a special gift!

    Lovely tribute, my friend -- have a SUPER weekend!

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  18. Have you seen the sequel yet? I like Judi Dench because her name is so fun to say. Judi Dench. Fruity wench. Tootie bench. Booty wrench. See? Fun! I have not seen this movie but it is on my Netflix queue, so one of these days...one of these days...


    Hope your weekend is full of awesome, my friend!

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  19. She is phenomenal! I haven't seen this movie yet, but it's on my list.

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  20. Ron, Dame Judi Dench is one of my FAVORITE actresses!

    "When I look at Judi Dench, I see class.There is something about her that is royal, but at the same time down-to-earth, natural and real." So well said and I agree 100%! Also, what you said about her "saying it with her eyes" is so true. She one of those actors who can internalize the emotion and then express it through just her eyes so that we know what she's feeling.



    I've seen this movie several times and think it's one of my favorite of hers. As you said, the whole cast is amazing! Great story and brilliantly acted.


    Outstanding tribute, Ron! The first and final photograph of Judi are stunning!

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  21. "I've seen ads for this new movie, but I haven't seen the show yet .."

    Debbie, there are two movies. The first one is The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and the second one is called, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Watch the first one first because it sets you up for the characters. I've not seen the new one yet, but plan to.

    "Wow, you know it's amazing to find a multi-talented actress like Judi. Usually, actors tend to "specialize" in either comedy or drama, but to do both (and to do them WELL!) is a special gift!"



    Yes, you're absolutely right about that. And it's so rare to see someone (like Judi) do both, and extremely well. SPECIAL gift indeed!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super-duper weekend!
    X

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  22. Bwhahahahahahhaha! Mark, you CRACK ME THE HELL UP!

    ". Judi Dench. Fruity wench. Tootie bench. Booty wrench. See? Fun!"



    HILARIOUS!!!!


    No, I've not seen the sequel because I don't think it's out on DVD just yet. But when it does come out, I will definitely be purchasing it for my collection!


    I think this is a film that both you and Tara would enjoy!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have an AWESOME weekend!


    X to you and Tara

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  23. Isn't she PHENOMENAL, Suzi? To me, she is a VERY special actor.


    I think this is a movie that you would thoroughly enjoy because it's both very humorous and touching.


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a delightful weekend!
    X

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  24. Hey ho Robert!

    "Ron, Dame Judi Dench is one of my FAVORITE actresses!"

    You too?

    "She's an actor who can internalize the emotion and then express it through just her eyes so that we know what she's feeling."

    Beautifully said, and I TOTALLY agree! SUCH a talented actor she is!

    "the whole cast is amazing!"



    It's truly one of the best casts I've ever seen ensembled!


    Isn't she such a stunning lady?


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a terrific weekend!

    X

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  25. No Ron, I've never seen The Ghost Writer but will look for it on Netflix. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  26. Elaine, I think you will really enjoy it. Great story, great cast! And the ending will leave you with your mouth hanging open. It's the most shocking ending in a film EVER.

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  27. I am a HUGE fan of Judi Dench too, I don't know how anyone couldn't be actually!! She is for me as well, the epitome of class.


    And she is SO good in every film I've ever seen her in, my fav being: Ladies in Lavender, that she stars in with Maggie Smith. A wonderful, rather unique story, set in beautiful Cornwall, UK.


    I also saw..The Best, Exotic...I can't say I was crazy about the film overall, liked the book a LOT more, but as usual, Judi shone in her role.


    And is she not getting more lovely with each passing year? Amazing how beautiful her face continues to be. So serene and almost angelic.


    Thanks for this wonderful post about a TRUE star!! Have a great weekend Ron. Looks like more rain on the way here, woohoo...we sure need it! :-)

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  28. Hellooooooo Geraldine!

    "She is for me as well, the epitome of class."

    Yes, hands-down the epitome of CLASS!

    "Ladies in Lavender, that she stars in with Maggie Smith. A wonderful, rather unique story, set in beautiful Cornwall, UK."

    LOVED that film as well :) She and Judi have done several films together and they make a wonderful pair, don't they?

    "I can't say I was crazy about the film overall, liked the book a LOT more..."

    Isn't that always the way? The book seems to be better than the movie. I've not read the book, so the only thing I can go by is the film, which I adored.

    "And is she not getting more lovely with each passing year? Amazing how beautiful her face continues to be. So serene and almost angelic."

    Beautifully stated! And I sooooooooo agree!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a wonderful weekend!

    X

    P.S. It's been raining off and on here as well.

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  29. Ron, what a lovely tribute to such a well-deserved lady! Judi Dench is by far one of the most gifted actresses in a class all her own. The first movie I ever saw her in was A Room With a View, and since then have been a fan. I just recently watched Philomena on Netflix and thought she was amazing. What a heartbreaking story. I've seen The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel when it first came out after reading the book and thought it was wonderful!


    Beautiful photographs. What a stunning woman!

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  30. Hello there Suzanne!

    Yes, I wholeheartedly agree, Judi is in a class all her own!

    "I just recently watched Philomena on Netflix and thought she was amazing. What a heartbreaking story."



    Wasn't her performance amazing? I watched an interview with the real-life Philomena and it was so interesting to listen to her talk about the experience she went through with her son. Incredible story!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a fantastic weekend!
    X

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  31. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comMonday, June 01, 2015

    Elegant and versatile - she's a brilliant actress who only gets better and more beautiful with age.

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  32. If I age half as gracefully as she has, I'll be thrilled! Haven't seen The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel but loved her in Chocolat! Thanks for the highlights. She seems to be a lesser-known actress as a headliner, but equally as talented....maybe more so!

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  33. "she's a brilliant actress who only gets better and more beautiful with age."

    Yes! Yes! Yes!

    Fiona, thank you so much for sharing that because I totally agree and meant to say it in this post!

    Have a super week, my friend. And thanks a bunch for stopping by!
    X

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  34. "If I age half as gracefully as she has, I'll be thrilled!"

    I agree with you, Lisa! She actually gets more beautiful with age!

    LOVED her in Chocolat too!

    " She seems to be a lesser-known actress as a headliner, but equally as talented....maybe more so!"



    Yes, and I think that's because she was primarily a stage actor at first and didn't move over to films until later in life.


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a fabulous week!
    X

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