Grade: A+
Author: Billy Madden
In November 2008, a group of terrorists infiltrated the popular Taj Hotel in India. Though many innocent people died, some were heroically saved by the Taj Hotel’s dedicated staff, who consider the hotel their home. Hotel Mumbai tells its tale.
Without a doubt, Hotel Mumbai is THE most suspenseful and intense movie I have ever seen. Somehow, I missed the news of the event in 2008, so I had no idea how the story ended, which only added to the suspense. The filmmakers did an incredible job of bringing moviegoers along for a gripping two-hour and three-minute ride in hell that does not let go until the end.
Be warned, Hotel Mumbai does not leave much to the imagination, so you will see every bullet as it is sprayed in front of a crowd of victims. As the movie progresses, you find out how the staff navigated around the terrorists to safely exit the hotel as Arjun (portrayed by the excellent Dev Patel) quarterbacks the maze to safety via the hotel’s CCTV system. The team is led by the hotel’s main chef, Oberoi (portrayed by Anupam Kher). Of course, nothing goes to plan as the staff buys time waiting for the police to arrive.
The film’s look is chilling. The Taj Hotel is beautifully recreated for the movie, only to be destroyed by bullets and grenades. Thankfully audience worries about the hotel are put to rest with an end credit piece. You’re in tears by the time that moment arrives.
If you do not know how it ends, it makes for a very scary trip to the movies. Surprisingly, it is not listed as a horror movie on IMDB.com. If you can stomach it, do not miss it! It’s worth getting to know real people who symbolize the light in a world of darkness.
Rated: R
Director: Anthony Maras
Screenwriters: Anthony Maras, John Collee
Starring: Dev Patel, Armie Hammer, Nazanin Boniadi, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Anupam Kher, Jason Isaacs
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Plot Summary:
A gripping true story of humanity and heroism, Hotel Mumbai vividly recounts the 2008 siege of the famed Taj Hotel by a group of terrorists in Mumbai, India. The renowned chef Hemant Oberoi and a waiter who risked their lives to protect their guests are among the dedicated hotel staff. As the world watches, a desperate couple makes unthinkable sacrifices to protect their newborn child.