A colourful tale well told.

Rating: 9/10 (2 August 2014)

A period piece that evokes a bygone age that (probably) never existed as depicted here, 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' is a brightly coloured journey through a landscape populated by wonderfully imagined eccentrics.
The script, cast and cinematography are of the highest order and the narrative, though hardly original, feels fresh and new and holds the attention for the duration. Most importantly, it makes the viewer care about what happens and who it happens to.
Ralph Fiennes is centre stage, and gives one of the finest performances of his career as the concierge of the titular establishment. Newcomer Tony Revolori is equally impressive as his sidekick and protégé. He deserves to go on to great things.
There are many Big Names in the cast including 4 Oscar winners and 11 nominees, most of them in much smaller roles than usual, and none of them disappoint. In fact, most of them seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. And Tilda Swinton is clearly having the time of her life!
To sum up, 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' is a wonderful, imaginative, eccentric and glorious tale that never forgets that it's main purpose is to to tell a story. A magnificent success.