Hotel Mumbai

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.

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.

There is no heroes, every guest and staff is just a victim, and I like the way the director tell the story.

Sad to say, but this is a detailed & graphic reminder of what happens all too often when fanatics of one specific religion get together with hate in their heart and time to plan.

Whether it's a beach on Tunisia, or a concert in Manchester, or in Paris, or it's a western 5-star hotel in beautiful Bali, an upscale mall in Nairobi, attacks on festivals in Paris, Nice, Canada, America, Boston Marathon, San Bernadino, Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, 9-11 etc. This movie is a stark visual reminder of the power of evil and what fanatics of this particular religion are not only capable of, but continue to plan. Do not let your guard down.

I know natives in Sweden, Germany and France know what happens. It's not Buddhists or Christians or Hindus.

This movie is difficult to watch because of some of the terrible things that happen in the story but I can recommend it because the performances were strong and the pacing/storytelling captured the tension throughout. You will come out a little different after seeing this film. 👍