Hotel Mumbai: el atentado

For the true accounts of exactly what happened at Hotel Mumbai (and around the city) during the terrorist attacks, watch any one of the many documentaries available. This is just a fantasy version trying to mix "Die Hard" with "hotel Rwanda". It's bad. Of course, because it was marketed to American audiences they had to have an American protagonist who has to show an act of bravery...but not enough to actually result in anything, since that would prompt people to look him up and realize there were no Americans killed during the Hotel siege. And there has to be a "western" muslim to balance out the terrorists to show "see? They're not ALL like that!" And while this character was portrayed as a hot, rich Persian chick, the reality is she was a dumpy, old turk (and her husband); both atheists/secular who quickly pretended to be muslim (the woman put her sash around her head) to show the terrorists "look! don't kill us! We're one of you!!!!" and subsequently lived.

Yes, gang, the reality is far more horrible and there really were very few heroes or likeable characters at all...save the waiter and head chef portrayed who really did help many to safety. If you have nothing else to do (i.e. are on an airplane) then fine, watch it (that's how I saw it). But don't expect much.

This movie is brutal, let me just say it on the outset. Based on the real life Mumbai terrorist attack which happened on 26 Nov 2008, this is also a very claustrophobic undertaking, because you are trapped in small confined areas when seeing the characters just trying to survive the horror of a terrorist attack, just takes a lot out of you. For almost 2.5 hours, the movie amps the stress level one notch at a time, maintaining a nerve breaking cat-and-mouse type of tension when the movie's myriad of characters attempt escape their situation by hiding in closets, kitchens, club rooms and bathrooms. You will be straining at every scene.

Hotel Mumbai is a really well made film that captures the horror and devastation of the Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008. The film is relentless and doesn't hold back - at times it is difficult to watch and may be too much for some viewers - but it feels incredibly realistic and completely draws you in emotionally. There is not a dull moment and you will be holding your breathe the entire time. The cast all give great performances, especially Dev Patel as a kind hearted waiter. The characters are really well written and easy to become invested in, making it all the more devastating when something happens to them. Obviously the most devestating thing about the story is the fact that it actually happened. Stories like this show the worst in humanity, but they also show the best in humanity, and the power of the human spirit. It's a challenging watch that succeeds at gripping its audience until the very end.

Based on true events, Hotel Mumbai is not a polished Holywood flick that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, not while you're watching it and not after it's over.

The movie has a very gritty and real feel to it. The shooting is filmed in an almost first person view, with the screen shaking in all directions every time guns go off. It kind of makes you feel like you are there, right beside the shooters and helpless victims as the scenes unfold.

Hotel Mumbai does not have a central character or "hero" who saves the day. If you're expecting a shootem up action flick with a central character who kills all of the bad guys with guns blazing, do not watch this movie.

If you can stomach watching innocent people get killed in masse, along with a lot blood spweing everywhere, and you want to see what terror looks like in the first person, go watch this movie.

8.6/10 - One of the best thrillers of 2019.

Can't figure out why this film has such negative reviews here! A large group of us went to see it, and afterwards, all were positively breathless and exhausted from the non-stop intensity of the film. It moved several of us to tears and we all agreed it could be an award winner! The actors, including Dev Patel, Anupam Kher, Nazanin Boniadi, Jason Issacs, Armie Hammer were excellent. There was not one moment that didn't have all riveted, both by the pathos of the individual stories as well as the excellent and effective direction of action sequences! Though not Indian, I am still well-acquainted with the fact that many films and documentaries have been made on this subject and have seen many of them. This one holds its own! Also, having stayed in Taj properties allows one to agree that "Guest is God" is indeed the supreme mantra there. The true fact that over half of those who were there at Taj Palace at during the horrific attack were real-life employee heroes who stayed to help guests is a story well-worth repetition. It's also is a testament not only to the sincerity of that maxim, but to courage and determination often present in much of Indian culture in general-fierce even when pitted against insurmountable odds. Highly recommend this film, particularly for westerners new to the story.