PROVOKR Pick: Hotel Mumbai
Gripping Tale of Real-Life Terror
Hotel Mumbai is a haunting, gripping depiction of the tragedy that took place in the Mumbai terror attacks of 2008. In the screenplay adaption of the documentary “Surviving Mumbai,” director Anthony Maras recaptures the horrors that unfolded over the course of four terrifying days in India’s capitol that claimed the lives of 30 people. The film is mainly set within the walls of the Taj Mahal Palace, undoubtedly one of the world’s most opulent settings; offering a cinematic backdrop of utter beauty amid violence, hostility and sheer panic.
Dev Patel, Armie Hammer, Jason Isaacs and the entire cast deliver wrenching portrayals of unsuspecting victims thrust into the throes of a violent, unthinkable terrorist attack. Through engaging dialogue and strong performances, the story of how strangers come together in unspeakable circumstances beautifully unfolds as tragedy ensues. Here in lies the true gift of this movie: Humanity in its truest, most vulnerable form.
The film is chilling, violent and emotional; all set against the backdrop of this beautifully, opulent palace. Perhaps what makes this film so breathtaking is the sudden jolt of shock that arises when we are reminded that this is in fact no scripted film. These events were all too real and in this powerful film we are reminded that sometimes the world’s greatest tragedies can coexist in the world’s most beautiful and serene settings. Hotel Mumbai is a cinematic success on many levels.
