Anderson's most accomplished film yet, it's his most genuine work and will certainly make you smile.

Rating: 8/10 (9 March 2015)

Wes Anderson's dazzling comedy caper 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' tells the story of legendary millionaire Zero Moustafa (F. Murray Abraham). Situated in the Republic of Zubrowka, 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' is a gloriously pink old Baroque European establishment where rich people go to spend time. It is here where Zero started as the hotel's lobby boy.
In 1932, young Zero (Tony Revolori) was hired and worked under the direct tutelage of legendary concierge Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes). One of his most loyal customers, Madame D. (Tilda Swinton), passes away leaving him an invaluable painting, much to the annoyance of her despicable son and heir Dmitri (Adrien Brody) who frames Gustave for Madame D's murder.
This charming hotel is a cinematic event in itself, 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' is very much a filmmakers film with some outstanding cinematography. Everyone from Anderson to the art directors, set designers, cinematographers, and composer are as much the stars in an all-star line-up including Bill Murray, Mathieu Amalric, Saoirse Ronan, Harvey Keitel, Edward Norton, Jason Schwartzman, Tom Wilkinson, Owen Wilson, Willem Defoe, Léa Seydoux, and Jeff Goldblum.
Gustave is a hilarious creation, so typically English in his genteel courtesies, wit and humility. Fiennes is perfectly cast and must have relished playing such a delightful character. 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' has an energy which previous films by Anderson lacked, told with a much more purposeful sense of storytelling which feels real.
I've never been a fan of Andersons cultivated brand of quirks and charms, films with irritating characterisations and cameos, mannered dialogue and contrived use of twee and nostalgia. And what does he see in Owen Wilson? Above all of this and much more, his films often lack any genuine character development, resulting in often uninteresting films full of sheen and little substance. But in Gustave H. he's finally crafted a well- rounded individual which we can believe in and appreciate, regardless of how fantastical he appears.
'The Grand Budapest Hotel' is Anderson's most accomplished film yet, it's his most genuine work and will certainly make you smile.