Outstanding Work by Wes Anderson (Again)

Rating: 10/10 (10 July 2015)

Wes Anderson creates a beautiful, intriguing world I wish I could visit. As per usual, the cinematography and colors are beautiful. Gorgeous costumes fit each character and scene, along with adding a whimsical, playful feel to the film. His colorful settings build a marvelous and captivating picture that intrigued me and left me wanting more.
The movie begins with several frame stories, leaving me to wonder where this plot was ACTUALLY going. (Don't get me wrong; I enjoyed the depth and characters of each plot, all of which serve their purpose well.) When we arrive at the final story, featuring young Zero and M. Gustave (portrayed flawlessly by Ralph Fiennes), I felt compelled to continue. Many complain about the shallow characters, but Gustave seemed very deep. His pretentious, passionate, unpredictable personality combined with hints of sadness and poetry proved simultaneously comedic, heart-breaking, and touching. I sympathized with him, and, of course, our other protagonist: fumbling, awed Zero, who develops into a respecting apprentice and, in times of need, a quick-thinking and helpful comrade to Gustave. Adrien Brody pulls off a slightly creepy and violent character as a classic, greedy relative with a deep hate for Gustave. Zero's love interest, Agatha, is a cute, brave, and smart-- also marred with a birthmark in the shape of Mexico (another flourishing touch, only in a Wes Anderson movie.)
Another big complaint about the movie was its "lack of comedy", yet it being labeled a comedy. Parts of the film are so purposely outrageous, it's hard NOT to laugh. Bits of awkwardness, sarcasm, profanity, bluntness, and chaos make it enjoyable and hilarious.
I'll never get sick or bored of this movie. It is also my first Wes Anderson movie, which introduced me to Anderson's other films, (which I highly recommend-- particularly Moonrise Kingdom and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.) Ralph Fiennes, Edward Norton, Tony Revolori, Adrien Brody, Saoirse Ronan and Willem Dafoe perform wonderfully. 10/10!