Hotel Mumbai (2018)

Hotel Mumbai, released in 2018, is a fictional film based on the true events of the multiple terrorist attacks that occurred in Mumbai on 26 November 2008. It focuses specifically on the attack on the luxurious Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

The film is well documented, as it was made with the cooperation of the government and the victims. The screenwriters conducted interviews with many survivors, had access to reports and even recordings of the terrorists' phone conversations.

The director, Anthony Maras, was mainly interested in showing the bravery of the hotel staff during the attack.

His goals with the film are to make you feel part of the group of people trying to survive and to provide some cultural insights into the sense of duty towards the guests.

One of the problems with the script is that the extreme scenes are piled up on a few characters, which can be a bit of overkill.

However, the performances, especially Patel's, are so fine that you could believe anything.

The film offers no explanation of the organisation of the attacks or their consequences on the victims and Indian society.

This may make it lose a bit of weight compared to other similar productions.

Hotel Mumbai is an exercise in tension that modestly fulfils its purpose of moving you and keeping you unblinking for two hours.

Though it has some imperfections and shortcomings, it is designed to predispose you to forgive them.