469 reviews
No one should ever expect any movie about such a carnage to follow the actual events in real time. Estimates are that nearly 60 died at the train station (shown first in the movie) and more than 30 perished at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Although the train station event could have better represented in this film, the segue to the situation at the Taj was fairly seamless and leaves the viewer with little to ponder.
What follows is nothing short of gripping, as ordinary people face extraordinary situations just to stay alive. The screenplay license taken by the film's makers shows in vivid (often horrendous) detail the scope of the attacks on innocent people by this group of terrorists. I don't think anyone who lived through this event can quarrel with the realism portrayed in the film, let alone the outcome. I found this movie to be fine cinema and I watched it twice before returning it to Red Box. I don't regret watching it a second time. Strongly recommended, but be prepared for a lot of blood and violence.
Recommend you to get some time and watch Mumbai Hotel. A truly great movie with an excellent International cast. And Dev Patel. Superb. Also, another great Aussie production by Screen Australia and partners. 👋👋👋
- forevertiago
- Jun 8, 2019
- Permalink
I dislike much of the reviews here. If you cant deal with watching a story of a horrific event, then dont. You know straight up front what your getting into. It's a terrible tragic situation. Yes it's frustrating watching people react that gets them killed. But we weren't there and aren't in their shoes to say we would do differently. They are afraid and desperate for a chance. The movie does a great job of telling a story and making you feel the emotions of what happened. It's awful, but that doesnt make the movie awful. There are scenes that are hard to watch. It's a great eye opener for what our world has come too and what is probably in store again. I look at it as an educational piece of history. Its intense and a must see.
- andreamojo
- Apr 5, 2019
- Permalink
It's never an easy task making a feature film of an horrific real life event, here in Hotel Mumbai the dramatization of the 2008 terror attacks that shook the country of millions and the world, but Australian director Anthony Maras manages the tricky balance of making a film that educates viewers about this terrible occurrence, while also shining a light on the many heroic actions that brought out the best of humanity in an otherwise dark and evil time.
Instead of trying to encapsulate all of the terror that took place in Mumbai during these events, Maras instead focuses mostly on the horror that unfolded in the renowned and upmarket Taj Hotel, filled with guests and staff from all over the world, who were facing a battle for their lives for a number of hours as gun toting and grenade wielding extremists infiltrated their grounds and acted out a bloodthirsty and cowardly planned attack on the facility.
By doing this Maras is able to build up a number of different characters we begin very early on to care for, from Dev Patel's kindly staff member Arjun, Anupam Kher's head chef Oberoi, Nazanin Boniadi's and Armie Hammer's newly married couple Zahra and David and Tilda Cobham-Hervey's nanny Sally, all of whom are based on real life victims of the attacks or a combination of real people that found themselves in the hotel on that fateful day.
In doing so Hotel Mumbai finds an almost constant feeling of tension and unease as these people we've got to know find themselves face to face with the very worst kind of religious violence, mindless and unwavering in its blood-lust and Maras handles the expansive cast and more close quarters confinement of the horrific attack with aplomb as he covers all bases of the incident.
Wisely for the film we also get to spend time with the man behind the murderous plight, while they are showcased as what could be perceived to be the generic version of a Muslim terrorist, its unfortunately just how it was as these brainwashed men (or really teenagers) believed they were more than justified and within their rights to enter into the sacred grounds of Indian soil to unleash their hell on earth for its unsuspecting citizens.
There are moments in Hotel Mumbai that feel a little forced and out of place, moments of dialogue that are a little heavy handed or character actions that scream big screen box ticking (people moving out of hiding spots for no good reason or unbelievable shootouts) but overall much of Hotel Mumbai provides a hold your breath like insight into a terrible day in Indian and world history and a reminder to us all of the often amazing human bravery that shines forth in such dark moments.
Final Say -
A confronting and unwavering feature length look at one of India's darkest days, Hotel Mumbai is an impressive Australian backed production that acts as a taut and tense thriller and an insightful exploration of a true life terror.
3 ½ pairs of work shoes out of 5
Instead of trying to encapsulate all of the terror that took place in Mumbai during these events, Maras instead focuses mostly on the horror that unfolded in the renowned and upmarket Taj Hotel, filled with guests and staff from all over the world, who were facing a battle for their lives for a number of hours as gun toting and grenade wielding extremists infiltrated their grounds and acted out a bloodthirsty and cowardly planned attack on the facility.
By doing this Maras is able to build up a number of different characters we begin very early on to care for, from Dev Patel's kindly staff member Arjun, Anupam Kher's head chef Oberoi, Nazanin Boniadi's and Armie Hammer's newly married couple Zahra and David and Tilda Cobham-Hervey's nanny Sally, all of whom are based on real life victims of the attacks or a combination of real people that found themselves in the hotel on that fateful day.
In doing so Hotel Mumbai finds an almost constant feeling of tension and unease as these people we've got to know find themselves face to face with the very worst kind of religious violence, mindless and unwavering in its blood-lust and Maras handles the expansive cast and more close quarters confinement of the horrific attack with aplomb as he covers all bases of the incident.
Wisely for the film we also get to spend time with the man behind the murderous plight, while they are showcased as what could be perceived to be the generic version of a Muslim terrorist, its unfortunately just how it was as these brainwashed men (or really teenagers) believed they were more than justified and within their rights to enter into the sacred grounds of Indian soil to unleash their hell on earth for its unsuspecting citizens.
There are moments in Hotel Mumbai that feel a little forced and out of place, moments of dialogue that are a little heavy handed or character actions that scream big screen box ticking (people moving out of hiding spots for no good reason or unbelievable shootouts) but overall much of Hotel Mumbai provides a hold your breath like insight into a terrible day in Indian and world history and a reminder to us all of the often amazing human bravery that shines forth in such dark moments.
Final Say -
A confronting and unwavering feature length look at one of India's darkest days, Hotel Mumbai is an impressive Australian backed production that acts as a taut and tense thriller and an insightful exploration of a true life terror.
3 ½ pairs of work shoes out of 5
- eddie_baggins
- Jun 16, 2019
- Permalink
I presume all those one star reviews are just spammer trollers.
This movies is gripping from start to finish. Great acting and great characters. My only gripe is that in Mumbai was there only 6 policemen. No nearby army units etc...
This movies is gripping from start to finish. Great acting and great characters. My only gripe is that in Mumbai was there only 6 policemen. No nearby army units etc...
One the one hand, it is a very powerful drama. As the violence escalates, so does the suspense, and the interspersing of real news footage from the actual event (I assume) is a nice touch.
But besides the main characters being uninteresting, I've never seen a more stupid bunch! I can't speak from any personal tragedy to what I would do in such a situation, so I mean no disrespect to survivors of extreme violence, but these people act so irrationally that you'll feel like they deserve it. Some just boldly make their presence known instead of remaining in hiding and waiting for the coast to clear. There are seemingly plenty of unwatched back exits (a handful of cops eventually enter through one), but the victims decide the best course of action is to flee across the hotel from one room to another. In the meantime, a couple of gunmen are going down hallways, knocking on the doors and subsequently shooting the occupants when opened. Apparently no one can hear the stream of gunshots outside, but can immediately respond to gentle rapping at their door. And since peepholes don't seem to exist, it's common courtesy to just blindly open the door to strangers without inquiring their identity/purpose beforehand.
But besides the main characters being uninteresting, I've never seen a more stupid bunch! I can't speak from any personal tragedy to what I would do in such a situation, so I mean no disrespect to survivors of extreme violence, but these people act so irrationally that you'll feel like they deserve it. Some just boldly make their presence known instead of remaining in hiding and waiting for the coast to clear. There are seemingly plenty of unwatched back exits (a handful of cops eventually enter through one), but the victims decide the best course of action is to flee across the hotel from one room to another. In the meantime, a couple of gunmen are going down hallways, knocking on the doors and subsequently shooting the occupants when opened. Apparently no one can hear the stream of gunshots outside, but can immediately respond to gentle rapping at their door. And since peepholes don't seem to exist, it's common courtesy to just blindly open the door to strangers without inquiring their identity/purpose beforehand.
Hotel Mumbai is the movie no one is talking about but EVERYONE should see!!! Have you ever heard of attacks in Mumbai, India, in 2008, when over 170 people were killed? Exactly. We don't know anything that's going on not under our nose. Amazing movie. Sadly based on the true events. I warn you: you will have a hard time trying to find a minute to go to toilet. MUST.
Overall I thought this movie was well done. It's a fairly intense ride, and it has some very brutal moments of violence, so I urge caution if you're a squeamish person. While I wish some of the scenes weren't as sensationalized, "Hotel Mumbai" does get the story out there about some truly tragic events, and while it's not perfect, it is mostly respectful to the victims.
- truemythmedia
- Jun 16, 2019
- Permalink
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.
Great movie. i'm unable to put my finger on it but there is something hollow about it. on a production level... it's not B grade, the writing, acting, camera... are all fine... yet the immediacy is not there...
perhaps they tried to over characterise... and part of that was a deliberate choice to over sanitize... shallow and distant. not such a problem for a first viewing... but it's not a movie you could re-watch and feel a second time.
perhaps they tried to over characterise... and part of that was a deliberate choice to over sanitize... shallow and distant. not such a problem for a first viewing... but it's not a movie you could re-watch and feel a second time.
There are few movies that have moved me as much as Hotel Mumbai. Based upon true events, it shows how Pakistani Islamist terrorists attack numerous locations in the Indian metropolis of Mumbai. The showdown takes places in the prestigious Taj Mahal Palace Hotel where personnel and guests fight for survival.
The film offers a short and concise introduction that gives us an idea how the terrorists proceed to attack as many places as possible to assassinate as many victims as they could. We are also introduced to numerous characters that will end up in the hotel from a rich family over escaping backpackers to a dedicated server from a poor neighbourhood. The events in the hotel start taking place about thirty minutes into the film and the following ninety minutes are filled with incredible tension, brutal acts of violence and an oppressive atmosphere of despair. The film only slows down in the final few minutes that offer a brief tearjerking conclusion. Once the credits roll, the audience will be shook and speechless.
This movie is a statement against terror by showing how incredibly devastating such acts are. In its intensity, it reminds of Roman Polanski's The Pianist which portrays the horrors of the Holocaust best. Hotel Mumbai is so brutal, intense and thrilling that it shouldn't be watched by children or teenagers but only by adults with a very strong stomach. Despite the obvious violence, the movie is equally emotional and intellectual. The audience empathizes with the desperate victims. The conclusion leads us to think that no other species in the world does as much harm to its own kind than human beings do to one another. The only way to stop such horrible actions is through peaceful education. Ironically, this honest movie contributes to such peaceful education by exposing such sickening degrees of violence. In order to understand the devil, you have to look into his eyes.
The film offers a short and concise introduction that gives us an idea how the terrorists proceed to attack as many places as possible to assassinate as many victims as they could. We are also introduced to numerous characters that will end up in the hotel from a rich family over escaping backpackers to a dedicated server from a poor neighbourhood. The events in the hotel start taking place about thirty minutes into the film and the following ninety minutes are filled with incredible tension, brutal acts of violence and an oppressive atmosphere of despair. The film only slows down in the final few minutes that offer a brief tearjerking conclusion. Once the credits roll, the audience will be shook and speechless.
This movie is a statement against terror by showing how incredibly devastating such acts are. In its intensity, it reminds of Roman Polanski's The Pianist which portrays the horrors of the Holocaust best. Hotel Mumbai is so brutal, intense and thrilling that it shouldn't be watched by children or teenagers but only by adults with a very strong stomach. Despite the obvious violence, the movie is equally emotional and intellectual. The audience empathizes with the desperate victims. The conclusion leads us to think that no other species in the world does as much harm to its own kind than human beings do to one another. The only way to stop such horrible actions is through peaceful education. Ironically, this honest movie contributes to such peaceful education by exposing such sickening degrees of violence. In order to understand the devil, you have to look into his eyes.
There is obviously a concerted effort to score down the film. Presumably as it depicts the actions of Islamic fundamentalists. It's a good film. Good acting. Tense. Gritty action sequences
- ritchieswailes
- Dec 1, 2020
- Permalink
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.
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.
- hddu10-819-37458
- Jul 4, 2019
- Permalink
Greetings again from the darkness. A group of quiet and focused young men with backpacks arrive by boat and then split into taxis. We hear the calm voice being fed into their ear buds. The voice assures them that "God is with you" and "Paradise awaits." Of course, since this is based on true events from 2008, we know the horror that is about to be unleashed by these terrorists (more than 170 killed).
This is the first feature film from writer-director Anthony Maras, and with his co-writer John Collee (MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD, 2003), we are taken to CST, the train station which is one of the 12 terrorist targets. Actual footage is mixed in, leaving no doubt as to the panic and violence that unfolded. As the individuals in the group divide into their well-orchestrated terrorist teams, we flash to the morning routine at a nearby home. Arjun (Dev Patel) is frantically getting prepared for work before heading to his pregnant wife's place of work. He is dropping off their young child since the sitter was a no-show.
Arjun is part of the staff at the prestigious Taj Mahal Hotel Palace, affectionately referred to as "The Taj". The service is impeccable ... to the point of checking the temperature of bath water for one of the guests. Those who stay here are accustomed to and demanding of the very finest. However, on this stay, they will experience the sharp contrast of ultimate luxury and raw terror. As viewers, our guts sense the feeling of dread, even as the hotel managers and staff are welcoming arriving guests such as a retired Russian Special Forces officer turned wealthy playboy (Jason Isaacs) and newlyweds David (Armie Hammer) and Zahra (Nazanin Boniadi, "Homeland"), along with their newborn baby and nanny Sally (Tilda Cobham-Hervey).
As the cold-blooded attack is carried out by the terrorists at The Taj, we witness so many innocent people mowed down with precision - some execution style. Many hotel guests find hiding spots, including an exclusive club in the heart of the hotel. The staff, including Arjun and renowned Chef Hermant Oberoi (Anupam Kher), courageously try to survive while also protecting the guests. David and Zahra get separated from each other and from their baby, leaving the nanny desperately trying to keep the oft-crying infant from being heard.
We also witness the local police - undermanned, under-armed, under-trained - try their best to defuse the situation, knowing that Special Forces are "hours away". Courage is on display throughout the film, but this is no Jason Bourne or John McClane scenario. These are cooks and waiters and hotel guests caught in one of the most frightening situations imaginable.
For cinematic effect, the attack seems to take place over the course of a single night, whereas the actual events were over 3 days, resulting in 31 deaths at The Taj. The level of tension is maintained throughout ... it's a well-made thriller centered on actual events and real people. The filmmakers seem to go out of their way to avoid any political, social or religious commentary or insight. We only know the terrorists are told to take American prisoners and "Go and do Jihad". It's described as "indiscriminate terror" and that they are reclaiming what has been taken from them over the years. It is a difficult film to watch, though we understand there will always be bad people doing bad things for what they believe are the right reasons. Fortunately, there will also always be courageous and good people. More than once we hear the staff mention "Guest is God" ... but not all of these guests were welcome.
This is the first feature film from writer-director Anthony Maras, and with his co-writer John Collee (MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD, 2003), we are taken to CST, the train station which is one of the 12 terrorist targets. Actual footage is mixed in, leaving no doubt as to the panic and violence that unfolded. As the individuals in the group divide into their well-orchestrated terrorist teams, we flash to the morning routine at a nearby home. Arjun (Dev Patel) is frantically getting prepared for work before heading to his pregnant wife's place of work. He is dropping off their young child since the sitter was a no-show.
Arjun is part of the staff at the prestigious Taj Mahal Hotel Palace, affectionately referred to as "The Taj". The service is impeccable ... to the point of checking the temperature of bath water for one of the guests. Those who stay here are accustomed to and demanding of the very finest. However, on this stay, they will experience the sharp contrast of ultimate luxury and raw terror. As viewers, our guts sense the feeling of dread, even as the hotel managers and staff are welcoming arriving guests such as a retired Russian Special Forces officer turned wealthy playboy (Jason Isaacs) and newlyweds David (Armie Hammer) and Zahra (Nazanin Boniadi, "Homeland"), along with their newborn baby and nanny Sally (Tilda Cobham-Hervey).
As the cold-blooded attack is carried out by the terrorists at The Taj, we witness so many innocent people mowed down with precision - some execution style. Many hotel guests find hiding spots, including an exclusive club in the heart of the hotel. The staff, including Arjun and renowned Chef Hermant Oberoi (Anupam Kher), courageously try to survive while also protecting the guests. David and Zahra get separated from each other and from their baby, leaving the nanny desperately trying to keep the oft-crying infant from being heard.
We also witness the local police - undermanned, under-armed, under-trained - try their best to defuse the situation, knowing that Special Forces are "hours away". Courage is on display throughout the film, but this is no Jason Bourne or John McClane scenario. These are cooks and waiters and hotel guests caught in one of the most frightening situations imaginable.
For cinematic effect, the attack seems to take place over the course of a single night, whereas the actual events were over 3 days, resulting in 31 deaths at The Taj. The level of tension is maintained throughout ... it's a well-made thriller centered on actual events and real people. The filmmakers seem to go out of their way to avoid any political, social or religious commentary or insight. We only know the terrorists are told to take American prisoners and "Go and do Jihad". It's described as "indiscriminate terror" and that they are reclaiming what has been taken from them over the years. It is a difficult film to watch, though we understand there will always be bad people doing bad things for what they believe are the right reasons. Fortunately, there will also always be courageous and good people. More than once we hear the staff mention "Guest is God" ... but not all of these guests were welcome.
- ferguson-6
- Mar 28, 2019
- Permalink
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. 👍
- julius_willis
- Apr 4, 2019
- Permalink
Be prepared. This movie is a little too close to reality. People were leaving the cinema as it was so brutal. Really not sure why this movie was not pulled after what happened in New Zealand
- steve-dawkins
- Mar 19, 2019
- Permalink
There is no boring in this movie. This movie is full of suspense, overturning situations - you can not actually leave the cinema because you actually lose the sequence of events. An excellent film. Do not miss this movie!
- paul-allaer
- Apr 2, 2019
- Permalink
It was a fantastic movie about a hideous event.
Extremely violent, but considering it's based on a true event, it's understandable and was within expectations.
Bear in mind it was a most inhumane act of atrocities but was all about the humanity that prevails in situations like this.
They managed the cinematography to avoid "direct gore", but rather show it as "off camera" horror that didn't need to be seen in its worse way.
I was impressed overall in every aspect on the how it was portrayed and despite the violence, it still was a "feel good" movie in its entirety.
I give it 2 full thumbs up! 👍👍
- pmcwalter-361-235240
- Apr 16, 2019
- Permalink
I waited what seemed quite along time for this film to finally come out and now it's here I finally watched an intense film.
I wonder how much of the film is Fiction because some parts of the film felt a little Americanised, maybe this is what I felt slightly let the film down.
Hotel Mumbai was a good film with Dev Petal and Armie Hammer who both are wonderful acting talents and in this film they deliver solid performances.
I'm glad I watched it, opened my eyes to a real life horror and just showing how powerful film can be.
- sala151183
- Jun 7, 2019
- Permalink
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.
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.
- fastdiablovt
- May 4, 2019
- Permalink