Hotel Mumbai (2018)

The true story of the Taj Hotel terrorist attack in Mumbai. Hotel staff risk their lives to keep everyone safe as people make unthinkable sacrifices to protect themselves and their families.

Jess' Review

Based on the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Hotel Mumbai focuses on the dire situation that unfolds within the luxury, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Director Anthony Maras is upfront about the dramatisation within the film, and after a little googling, it’s suggested he put in a great deal of research prior to production. Important, as I imagine it would be so easy to stumble into a territory of cliché action movies that are raucous and insensitive. There’s a level of care when depicting these real-life events without it becoming a gimmick or cash-grab. It’s well-done, respectful, even if there is a dash of Hollywood flair in certain scenes.

The cast are good with Dev Patel and Armie Hammer grappling for centre stage. However, the film is most definitely a shared spotlight. Whilst Patel, as waiter, Arjun, is perhaps the most fleshed-out character, Hotel Mumbai seeks to tell as many stories as it can. It’s admirable to dedicate screen time to such selfless individuals, as well as doing a good job in illustrating the expanse of the situation. However, it is somewhat limited in regards to the audience’s connection with these characters. Whilst I sympathised massively with their plight, I never felt that invested in them. The quantity of characters was quick to debilitate any real attachment. And whilst I can see why the filmmakers did this, the emotional impact is noticeably weakened as a result.

The tension is palpable in Hotel Mumbai, and executed brilliantly after a slow descent into the chaos. In particular, scenes with Sally (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) and baby Cameron, had me twisting in my seat - willing them to stay safe. Alongside this ever-present foreboding were stabs of sharp intensity and horror. And even though Maras does take time to humanise the terrorists, the brutality of their actions is constant and shocking. Though the gore was relatively minimal, there’s power to the violence in Hotel Mumbai that stems from its callous delivery. It’s not gratuitous and in doing so, is ever-more impactful.

The pacing lags in the latter half and I find myself wondering how long is left. The plot is very contained and within it there is little deviation to the actions of those involved - stay safe, help others, escape. It’s not boring, but there is minimal room to up the ante when the situation is maxed out from the get-go. Simply put, Hotel Mumbai could have been condensed and perhaps would’ve kept up the momentum.

My biggest takeaway from Hotel Mumbai isn’t merely that it’s a good film, but is instead a fascination of the real-life Taj Hotel’s staff. Truthfully, I’m floored by their heroism. It’s inspirational, and a testament to human compassion and true bravery.

7/10

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Sam's Review

Hotel Mumbai tells the story of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, focusing on the harrowing events that took place at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. I struggle with these types of films, because they can be exploitative. Using other people’s pain as entertainment. Yet they can also be important; providing information, reminding the world that it happened and honouring the memory of those who died.

While the tension is built well, and there are drawn-out moments that had me watching intensely, the story feels a bit muddled. The narrative arc is slightly rushed, which can be an issue with films based on true events. And, for a film with such high stakes, occasionally you can feel disconnected from what is happening. A slightly more modest run time may have helped, keeping the film concise and to the point. Perhaps if they’d delved deeper into the horrors that the terrorists enacted, raising the stakes even higher, there would have been more of an attachment, a greater desperation to will the victims to safety. There are those moments, but they become muffled in the chaos of this film.

The actions of the staff, the police and many individuals were brave beyond comprehension. While this is shown in the film to an extent, I felt that it wasn't done justice. A lot of the real-life staff came from impoverished homes, their job at the hotel was a source of deep pride and their actions went above and beyond. I read that some members of the kitchen staff put metal baking trays under their clothes to try and shield the guests from bullets. That is a level of bravery that deserves to be applauded and recognised.

Dev Patel as Arjun and Anupam Kher as Chef Oberoi are spectacular. Kher manages to portray a leadership that is calm and confident in the face of a crisis. And Patel carries an innocent charm with him that many stars lack. In fact, the film would have been more potent if the plot had focused on these two and the terrorists, instead of the five or six characters that diluted the story.

Hotel Mumbai reveals the pure evilness of humanity while championing the greatest of us. 31 people died in attack at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, not including a commando. 18 of them were staff, who gave their lives to help an estimated 250 guests escape.

It’s a horrific story, and its stars rise to meet the occasion. Unfortunately, the script does not.

6.5/10