The Grand Budapest Hotel
writer: "Is it simply your last connection to that banished world - his world, if you will?"
Mr. Moustafa: "His world? No, I don't think so. You see, we shared a vocation, it wouldn't have been necessary.....To be frank, I think his world had vanished long before he ever entered it. But I will say, he certainly sustained the illusion with a marvelous grace.."
release year: 2014
genre: comedy/drama
viewing setting: home Bluray 11/26/21
synopsis: Through stories of the past, the history of an old hotel (and some of its staff and owners) unfolds in a humorous way.
impressions: Interesting and often funny, this is a sort of murder mystery with a fortune attached, to be inherited by whoever is determined to be the rightful heir. The bulk of the events take place in 1932 and center around the concierge at that time, plus his faithful lobby boy. They embark on an adventure that pits them against a hostile family (and many other obstacles.)
acting: Ralph Fiennes is the outspoken, often flamboyant concierge, and carries the tale. Tony Revolori is the kid who ends up helping him sort out his many problems. Tilda Swinton is the elderly dowager whose death sets things into motion. Adrien Brody is her scheming son, and Willem Dafoe is his hitman. Saorise Ronan is the lobby boy's girlfriend. Edward Norton is a cop. Jeff Goldbum is the family lawyer. Many others make short appearances.
final word: Fairly entertaining tale from another time, place, and culture.
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