“Grand Budapest Hotel” is a visually enchanting yet suprisingly deep story that continues director Wes Andersen’s streak of excellent films over the past few years.

The film center’s around Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori in 1932, F. Murray Abraham in 1968) , a bellboy at the regal Grand Budapest Hotel in the fictional European country of Zubrowka. While under the guidence of Gustave (Ralph Fiennes), the hotels head concierge, Zero and Gustave discover a valuable painting was left to Gustave from a wealthy regualr guest, Madame D (Tilda Swinton). Despite the painting being left to Gustave in her will, her son, Dmitri (Adrien Brody) will stop at nothing to get the painting back and make Gustav pay all while the country is being taken over by a military force known as the ZZ.

I loves pretty much every part of this movie. It’s visuals are endlessly impressive and the use of minatures really adds a level of charm to the film that fits perfectly with the almost slapstick style the rest of the film carries. Even small touches, like food or clothing, look fantastic set amongst the colorful backgrounds and the film’s fantastic German scenery.

The entire cast was well used, but Ralph Fiennes did an especially excellent job as Gustave. His performance was zany and erractic when it needed to be and well put together and regal when the film called for it. Saorise Ronan also delivered a subtle yet effective performance as Agatha, Zero’s love interest. Honestly, it’s hard to find a performance in this film that didn’t fit perfectly with the film mood and charm.

I loved “Grand Budapest Hotel” through and through, and It may have earned a spot as one of my favorite Wes Anderson films, second only to 2004’s “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.” The film is endlessly entertaining, while at the same time delivering a sophisticated message on time and loss. I highly recommend it.

5 out of 5 Stars