Century Hotel (2001) User Reviews (20)

A thoroughly decent movie...

[ammerz · 7/10 · 24 February 2007]

A score of seven might seem a bit high for a "decent" movie, but I so rarely enjoy movies these days that this one deserves it.

Basically, it's seven stories that happen in this one hotel room at different points in the twentieth century. Some of the stories are good, some are only mediocre, but overall it's a nice effect. The distinct atmosphere of each story gives you a good feel for the changing time periods. The transitions take a bit of getting used to at first, but I've seen worse. The ending isn't anything spectacular, but it fits in all right with the rest of the movie.

This is the kind of movie that you can walk away from without feeling that you've wasted an hour and a half of your life. As a rule, I like that in entertainment. It's an interesting film that never slows down so much as to lose your attention. It's not a heavy film by any means; it's even got it's amusing moments. Watch it some evening when you've got nothing better to do.

Good Storyline, Boring Screenplay

[claudio_carvalho · 5/10 · 21 March 2015]

A young woman (Lindy Booth) lodges in the room 720 of the Century Hotel and the old bellboy tells that that room has several stories. Along the years, an old man marries a young virgin; a whore and her client fall in love with each other; a man is left by his wife and seeks her out in the hotel; a musician and the chambermaid has a weird relationship; two friends from navy have a gay relationship; a Chinese woman comes to America to get married with a powerful Chinese. Some of the relationships have good ending, others have tragic conclusion.

"Century Hotel" is a movie with a good storyline of romances along many decades in a hotel room. However, the screenplay is boring with too long and fragmented with entwined segments. The most attractive plot is certainly the love story of a prostitute performed by the gorgeous Mia Kirshner and her client. Unfortunately the movie does not work well. My vote is five.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

A little disappointing, but still some some moments worth savouring...

[squodge · 5/10 · 7 April 2003]

I got this film on the strength of one actress that I like... Lindy Booth. Her performance in Century Hotel seems a little below par, but it was adequate.

The film doesn't seem to go anyway in the first hour, but then it unfolds nicely after that. Which is unfortunate since the film is only about 90 minutes long.

The Cantonese pronunciations were absolutely crap. I didn't they just stick to using imitation bad English (Canadian) accents instead of getting the actors to speak very poor Cantonese? Or perhaps they should have rewritten that part of the script. Sorry, it's a nitpick, but I believe films are an art form and, as such, should be given more TLC than Century Hotel was given.

I did like the little "twist" regarding the soldier guy who was soon to be married to his sweetheart who he hadn't seen for a long time. Watch the film and you'll find out!

All in all, this wasn't a bad film. But they could've done so much more with it. 6/10 is a fair indication of its entertainment value.

a good one, a spiral of short stories, a different touch

[KGB-Greece-Patras · 4 October 2002]

This all takes place in the very same room of a hotel at different times (old & modern). Although it starts off rather indifferently, it slowly unfolds into small really interesting stories which finally end up delivering the "goods" and being satisfying, at least to me. Unpredictable, with intense use of colour filters, it succeeds in its goal and in spite of dealing with -not-so-original- subject matters, it still remains authentic in story, technic & style and leaves you with a smile. Not for everyone...

One room can hold so many secrets.

[kudos4kkms · 7/10 · 1 August 2006]

The winding stories of each of the characters make for interesting plot lines. Alone they could each stand as a separate movie, making the film even more interesting. I find that the cinematography is quite fluent: always finding the right angles and points that are most interesting for the viewer.

Yes. It is a little slow going, but completely and totally worth the sit through. Especially if you like plain old GOOD film.

The acting in it is superb from every angle, making each of the characters unbelievably believable. You care or hate for each of them, and are constantly wishing to see "What happens next". My friends and I all sort of latched on to a certain story line and were all anxious to get back to different pieces throughout the movie, which made for a great time.

But over all, terrific casting, clean cut scripting, and just a damn good movie. Props to David Weaver and the cast.

the female lead from the crow 2 and our lady peace front man... how can you go wrong ??

[mikeycmikeydo · 7/10 · 20 February 2003]

The problem with a lot of films that revolve around a central concept is the rest of the film suffers because the writer figures that one idea can carry the film.

While "Century Hotel" is far from "brilliant" or a "must see" but it is quite good. It's cleverness is nicely balanced with sincere emotion and gender/socio-political commentary.

Also the chance to see Chantal Kreviazuk playing maid and Raine Maida as a paranoid, drug, addict, agoraphobic rock star is too tempting to pass up.

One of the better English Canadian films I've seen but if you really want to see some incredible Canadian cinema check out "Jésus de Montreal", "Léolo", "A Tout Prendre" and "Le Confessional".

Century Hotel succeeds for what it is.

[anithyng_gose · 8/10 · 1 March 2004]

Anyone who reads the back of the movie sleeve will have some idea of what Century Hotel is about. ONE ROOM, SEVEN STORIES, etc. For the most part, every major event in the film takes place in room 720, as if the room (or a ghost who inhabits the room) is telling us each of these tales.

Since all seven stories are being told from the ROOM'S perspective, we can only expect to know what goes on in that room and nothing more. Not all the stories are completely wrapped up in room 720 and we shouldn't expect them to be. Just as we don't see everyone check in, we shouldn't be surprised that we don't see everyone check out.

What Century Hotel provides for viewers are glimpses into different people's lives from different time periods. Each of these stories is about a different form of LOVE and it is interesting to see these sides of love, even if each story only occupies about 15 minutes of film.

To quote the great Roger Ebert, "I prefer to evaluate a film on the basis of what it intends to do, not on what I think it should have done." On this basis, Century Hotel succeeds for what it is: Seven glimpses into different forms of love, complimented with good acting, great cinematography and beyond.

Averagely good but nothing special (possible spoilers)

[Raleon · 7/10 · 2 May 2003]

The sole reason that this movie isn't anything special is that it doesn't try to be. It's creative in the way it weaves the stories together but they're not tied together enough to be considered "Arty". It doesn't take itself seriously enough to be a real good drama either.

If you compare this to something similar, like Le Violon Rouge, which took many stories and successfully combined them into one, you see the flaws. There are too many stories in Century Hotel, and they're chopped up which makes it harder to present. (I agree that this is the only way to present this movie but I think it works better with less stories) There is also very little significance among some of the stories; you could take out one and most likely wouldn't effect the main story. It would be a lot better if there was a connection with the stories told and the main story. It would be even better if there was real significance with that particular room, instead of the actions just happening in that room and not being connected.

*******(Definite Spoilers)********* One thing everyone would notice is the sex- after all what else goes on in a hotel room? But it happens in every story except the last, and even then it is just a joke: you think that's what they're doing but the expectation is cut short. This could have worked better if there was either less stories or less of them contained sex. If just the three scenes before the last had sex in them, the joke could have worked. The main story is good too, but why were they going to do it? Why in that particular room? Just by chance? It should have been played out more clearly. ******end of spoilers********* But overall it's just a simple good-viewing flick, which is okay. But with an ensemble of great Canadian actors like there was in this movie you would think it would have been something bigger.

Visually and Emotionally Fascinating Movie

[talkingmuffin · 10/10 · 7 February 2002]

I just saw this film last night at the Victoria Independent Film Festival and was very impressed. The intertwining stories of eroticism, death, betrayal, love and understanding were a feast for the eyes and the heart. David Weaver and Co. give a lesson in how to construct a beautiful movie on a limited budget with a minimum of location.

The set design was impeccable. From the opulence of the turn of the century to the stark functionality of the recession era 80's the designers managed to capture the essence of each era in the furnishings and decorative aspects of the room.

Less than convincing was Raine Maida's effort at the cliched emotionally unstable rock star recluse. I suppose my judgment is clouded by seeing the excellent portrayal of said cliche by Maury Chaykin in Whale Music. Also, the dialogue between Raine and Chantal was strained and really didn't fit into the stream of the rest of the movie.

Of particular enjoyment were the scenes between the Hotel Detective and the Nerdy Book Lover. Their chemistry together was unmistakable. The simplistic dissection of the nature of love between a man and a woman gave me many a laugh.

All in all, a highly recommended Canadian flick.

9/10

Help, find me the song!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fairygonesouth · 7/10 · 6 December 2005]

the way the movie bounced around kept me watching because I got involved with every story. I liked them all except for the guy with the book of poems. What was that? the story about the hooker was sad. It was sad because she continued hooking for him, a married guy, or at least thats what I understood. then towards the end, shes all trashy and just gives it away and for what? About the Cantonies ( I don't know if I even spelled that right) I don't speak it there for I don't care if it wasn't spot on. I th0ught the whole blind folded while dressing her thing was kinky. The guy coming back from war tricked me. I was thinking that they were fighting over the girl when in fact it was something very different. Nothing warms the heart like seeing two men lieing in necked embrace!!!!!!! Moving on, The beginning and end was cute. I like the whole reincarnation thing but my favorite part was the maid and the reclusive rocker. that song kept me watching the movie. Its stuck in my head. I liked her voice better than his but their duet had me watching the credits. I want so bad to find that song. I don't know if it was done just for the video or what. Shouldn't it be out there somewhere? Shouldn't it? If any one reads this. Hit me back! If anyone finds this song, PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAS get back to me.

Interesting Idea, Poor Execution

[Johno21 · 6 January 2003]

This movie was an intriguing concept- I'd read a bit about it. One room in one hotel, different years, different people. However, I found it highly disappointing for three main reasons. The first is that many of the vignettes are rather disjointed and uneven, which makes the plot really confusing and hard to follow at times. The vignettes continually weave in and out of each other, which only confused this viewer. The second is the inordinate amount of sex and foul language used in the film, often with no context. While I'm no prude, I felt that there was just too much of both in this movie, and it was overused. Did every vignette need to have some sort of sex scene? Often, no context is given. The third reason is that the particular hotel where the room is located could have been better explained. What type of hotel is it? Where is it?

Once in a while, one rents a potentially interesting movie that turns out to be a big disappointment. This was one of those for me.

a fine freshman effort

[[e-mail] · 6/10 · 18 March 2006]

Century Hotel is a movie about a hotel room, and seven stories about the people who have stayed in Room 720 over nearly a century. The writers and director made conscious decisions about the cinematic styles for each era, and even though none of the stories was very long by necessity, they brought the moment into the light and gave you enough for you to hang your imagination on. They went for edgy and succeeded in some ways with stories about love, betrayal, beginnings and endings. The stories are told through the characters' actions and dialog, and you're allowed to draw your own conclusions about what went on after.

I liked Century Hotel, it was a fine freshman effort that came in under $750,000. The DVD is nicely done, with a commentary track that is a tiny bit pretentious, but overall they do have a few things to say about the film. The short "Moon Palace" was worth the cost of the DVD.

Death by the Ending

[guyb · 6/10 · 24 October 2002]

I'm a sucker for multiple story movies about people, especially if the mood is well directed and filmed. This movie really captured my interest until the ending. The endings of many of the stories were very confusing. The endings of others were pretty trite. Too bad.

A Hotel With A Past.

[anaconda-40658 · 8/10 · 16 September 2015]

Century Hotel (2001): Dir: David Weaver / Cast: Tom McCamus, Sandrine Holt, Colm Feore, David Hewlett, Lindy Booth: Here is a fresh idea done independently but will be appreciated by anyone to loves film as an art form. It explores decades and lifestyles sheltered in one room throughout one century. Various subplots include a crass woman raped by her husband only to be revealed as a virgin. A man receives threatening calls about a briefcase. An enclosed rock star bewilders a cleaning lady. A teenage couple embark upon a dangerous ritual. An unfaithful husband is obsessed with a hooker. Intriguing with lots and lots of sex among other activities. One would think this place was a brothel for all the sex going on within its very thin walls. David Weaver effectively crosses lives and time frames as if he himself has wondered the history of particular rooms. He also makes it intriguing enough to leave viewers guessing what will happen next. Of the seven subplots, sex seems to be the most common factor. Great ensemble cast includes Tom McCamus, Sandrine Holt, David Hewlett, Lindy Booth, and Colm Feore among others. The art direction gives off mood with its lighting and how the room adapts to each decade reflecting time. Theme regards history and change within a story full of mystery awaiting viewers to check in and witness. Score: 8 / 10

Very enticing movie

[bob_miya · 8/10 · 17 March 2005]

I bought the movie for about 5 dollars brand new so I expected to see a terrible movie. The tangled stories are all wonderfully crafted the way they all tie into one another. sort of reminds one of If these walls could talk, only a lot better. The movie takes you from beginning to end with lots of twist all seemed destined to be love stories some more tragic than others. I especially loved the themed love song and the star crossed lovers. I highly recommend this movie is you are into love drama and suspense as Century Hotel has it all. A must see in my book. If you happen across a copy rent it or buy it as it is hard to obtain but well worth it. like I said I found mine for five bucks in the clearance section it should have gotten more publicity.

Multiple Occupancy

[tedg · 30 September 2003]

Spoilers herein.

We have three scriptwriting devices here: the elevation of a space to a character, the notion of narrative composition by multiple layers and the shuffling of time.

I think it would take competence in all three and some integration among the three to make this work. The first is done poorly, and that's the problem. When you collapse the time, you have to expand the notion of space. I'm sure the young scriptwriter was aware of this rule, but the intent in practice turned into simply lush art design.

That fumble kills this, plus some bad acting in one of the stories, the musician and maid.

The integration between the other two is good enough so far as the flow of edits, and a few actual events: a shot that spans time, a common actress and common character in the framing stories. The music editor did a good job in understanding how the story about music should infuse the score for the whole project.

But it misses a greater opportunity. These stories should play off each other in some way. Its not just an anthology, it is a layering, a layering in this case that sets the table but forgets the meal. It does at least reference the meal (in the book of poems). Rack this one up as inspired writing and ordinarily competent but unknowing directing.

"Things You Can Tell By..." was a layering that worked for me. It doesn't shuffle time, but plays on repeated little motions and phrases of the actors. They combine to give one multidimensional "story." "13 Conversations" does the same thing well, but in a different way.

Projects like this, in my experience are inherently feminine, they require the actresses to bind. I have seen Lindy Booth in "Wrong Turn" where she had a couple moments where she played outside the vision of the director, and worked the red hair she wore. That moment piqued my interest. Here, she tries two varieties of mystery and utterly fails. She's off my list.

Mia Kirshner is different. Like Alicia Witt, she was the goddesslike, hypnotizing child player at the core of an important project. And that project, Mia's, is incidentally one of the best films ever made: it is about life as inept performance slipping into sexual ritual. What a setup for her role here!

She knows it and exploits it. That's her job and it almost makes the whole trip worthwhile.

Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

A Good Movie That Had Too Many High Expectations

[rebel_with_a_cause_ · 10/10 · 25 November 2001]

Not a single newspaper had nothing nice to say about this movie, almost each one said thing like "over-ambitious", "could have been good" and "if only". In my opinion it was these critics high-expectations that made them dislike the movie. If they could have just sat back and enjoyed the movie instead of marking down all the spots where something could have been done better, they would have been able to see the movie through eyes of the average "uncultured" person who just want to enjoy it not analyze all the "should haves". If a person does this then the movie they see is a smart, cool Canadian film that is a refreshing change from the movies like Black Knight and Shallow Hal which are also playing. When I went, there were no more than ten people in the theater and my bet is that half of them (myself included) were big Our Lady Peace fans who wanted see Raine Maida's acting debut. He wasn't bad and though he's a way better songwriter I'd like to see him in a movie again, his voice brings a dramatic quality to both his speaking and singing. This may seem weird but I like that the long hair and dark lights hid his good looks because it gave him a chance to get people to appreciate him for his acting, not that the critics really cared. I liked each of the setting for the seven stories except the eighties one which was a little depressing and irrelevant. I really enjoyed the story of the young flapper bride, it was really frightening and real, but still it grabs your attention. I loved the whole movie and I really think that critics should stop worrying about small meaningless points of a movie and focus on the big picture. By the way, for those who have seen the movie, does anyone know the title of the theme song for the movie by Raine Maida and Chantal Kreviazuk and if there's a place I can find it?

An intriguing movie with excellent visual imagery

[joverson · 9/10 · 20 January 2003]

Some of the acting is relatively sub-par but can easily be looked over due to the thought provoking nature of the more relatable characters.

Raine needs to act more so that overly obsessed fans like my girlfriend can see him more. Without the mullet.

A high-concept mood piece intriguing enough to warrant attention.

[TheVid · 5 May 2003]

These multiple vignettes all taking place in the same hotel room during the course of the last century are brief and engaging enough to keep you interested, but generally don't come together in any meaningful way. They all make a point, but ultimately only one works in bringing the overall framework of the picture to a satisfactory close. Amateurish writing nicely filmed.

Definitely not disappointed

[come_raine_or_shine · 4 May 2002]

I also really liked Century Hotel. I only heard about it, because I am a huge OLP fan and I just wanted to see Raine Maida. But it was good! I haven't heard anything about it other than one article before it even came out. I watched it last night and I can't stop thinking about it. I wasn't disappointed in the movie, or Raine. And to the person who was looking for the song, it's called Can't Make It Good, but unfortunately I can't find it anywhere. I've been looking all day.