Grand Hotel Reviews

This doesn't belong in the top 50, let alone the top 5. The other 49 I think are the finest movies made. This is overblown, overacted, overrated. Very dated and, unless you care about these actors as celebrities, not very interesting.

Really great Garbo movie, with all the thrills of love and deception in a ritzy Hotel.

A lot has changed since 1932, when this film was first released. After watching this movie I realise that not all the changes in film making since then have been for the better.

A few of the stars from this movie made such an impact that they are still known today, such as Greta Garbomay and Joan Crawford. But It isn't the stars, cinematography or acting that will win you over. There is no CGI, no explosions here, what this film does have in heaps is a sense of realism. There is a gritty edge to the story that you don't expect from a movie of this era. Plots cross over and the ending is superb and quite unexpected, leaving you wanting much more.

The Grand Hotel isn't without its flaws, its dated, and there are stereotypes a plenty here, from the evil rich boss, to the thief with a heart of gold. But despite that the movie remains wonderfully unexpected at times. You get a sense that you are watching just a few visitors to a 'grand hotel', who arrive with a past and whose stories will continue after their stay. If ever there was movie made for a number of sequels, this is it. Thankfully no one has ever dared and as a result the movies magic remains (take note George Lucas!).

Watch it late at night, expect a predictable romatic drama and be very pleasently surprised! A 1932 best picture Oscar award winner for a reason!