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College of Hospitality and Tourism Management

THC 101 – MACRO PERSPECTIVE OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY

1st Semester, A.Y. 2023 – 2024

Movie Review: “Hotel Mumbai and A Tourist’s Guide to Love”

Name: Carlin Miel L. Perioles
Course, Year & Sec: BSTM 1-A

“Hotel Mumbai”
The captivating and dramatic thriller "Hotel Mumbai" narrates the events leading up to the
terrifying 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Anthony Maras directed the film, providing a detailed
portrayal of the events that transpired at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel during the attacks. A depressing look
at how humans persevered in the face of unfathomable terror. The movie shows the confusion, fear, and
bravery that happened during those difficult days in Mumbai.
The film begins by introducing us to various characters, including Arjun, a waiter at the hotel,
David, a wealthy Russian businessman, and Zahra, a mother who is staying at the hotel with her baby.
The primary focus of the film "Hotel Mumbai" revolves around an act of terrorism. A group of terrorists
attacked the city of Mumbai, India, targeting the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. This iconic palace, once
renowned for its grandeur and luxury, became a horrifying scene of bloodshed within the city. Despite
the intense gunfire and bomb assaults within the palace, the hotel staff exhibited remarkable resilience in
managing the crisis. Like what the manager has said in the movie “Remember, always, here at the Taj,
guest is God”. They ensured the safety of the remaining hostages by relocating them to the chamber's
lounge, a comparatively safer and more secure area within the palace. Following the Mumbai attacks,
nine out of the ten terrorists were found dead, but the mastermind behind the operation remained at
large.
Hotel Mumbai depicts actual events that unfolded in the city of Mumbai, offering a glimpse into
the history of India. The film extends beyond its portrayal of terrorism, shedding light on the genuine
duties and obligations of individuals working in the tourism and hospitality sectors. It underscores the
vulnerability of a location or a nation when law enforcement is insufficient, emphasizing the necessity for
stringent security measures to safeguard both the populace and the nation. Ultimately, the movie, titled
'Hotel Mumbai,' effectively communicates the significance of unity to its audience.
The film is deeply saddening as it portrays terrorists shooting innocent people. The hotel staff's
character is commendable and something to take pride in. Despite the tragic events within the palace,
their heroic actions in fulfilling their duties to prioritize guest safety are noteworthy. In summary, the
movie 'Hotel Mumbai' highlights three crucial insights. Firstly, it underscores the urgent need for

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improved security systems and tighter measures in various areas, urging those in higher positions to
address this concern. Secondly, it emphasizes that roles in the tourism and hospitality industry extend
beyond providing excellent service; individuals, be they flight attendants, front office staff, cooks, or
waiters, are trained not just for service but also to ensure safety and security. Lastly, the film illustrates
the strength of a country and its citizens when unified. The successful rescue of the remaining guests by
the hotel staff depended on the cooperation and unity of the guests. Applying these lessons from the
movie to various aspects of life could contribute to creating a more harmonious world, with well-trained
law enforcement and dedicated employees serving and protecting every individual, fostering unity.

“A Tourist’s Guide to Love"

"A Tourist's Guide to Love," a romantic comedy on Netflix Original that stars Rachael Leigh Cook
as Amanda Riley, was written and directed by Steven K. Tsuchida. When Amanda's five-year boyfriend
John (Ben Feldman) recommends a "hiatus" rather than a marriage proposal, the executive of a travel
firm faces a turning moment in their relationship. She responds by setting out on a life-changing trip to
Vietnam as a covert shopper for her business, which is thinking of buying a tour operator there.
In 'A Tourist's Guide to Love,' Amanda, a travel executive sent to Vietnam by her company,
Tourista, for intel on acquiring Saigon Silver Star, finds herself forming a close connection with the
spirited tour guide, Sinh. Complications arise when Amanda's ex-boyfriend, John, unexpectedly appears,
adding a layer of complexity as Sinh's cousin, Anh, reveals their company's impending sale to Tourista.
Despite Amanda's pleas for discretion, Sinh decides to depart. Following an honest conversation with
John, they part ways. Anh later informs Amanda of Sinh's departure, leading her to make a last-ditch
effort to stop him. The movie concludes with Amanda and Sinh reconciling at the bus stop, sealing their
renewed bond with a passionate kiss, and the two ending up together.
The movie's main topic centers on the ability of travel to transform and the unexpected
connections it can make. The film's criticism revolves around the writers' reliance on genre clichés and
an underestimation of the audience's ability to discern underlying emotions, even as they advocate for
their protagonists to choose a less conventional path. While some critique the movie for heavily
promoting Vietnam as a vacation destination, the early establishment of Amanda and Sinh's bond
receives praise for allowing their romance to unfold naturally. The performers' likability is attributed to
their strong chemistry and shared characteristics. For the most part, the film focuses more on Amanda's
personal development than on Sinh and her together. However, their interactions boosted my happiness
for her rather than increasing it for them both. Sinh remains a flat character the entire way through with
no personal growth to speak of. It is not a negative thing; Amanda had a nice path, and it is refreshing to

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see a man, for once, act as a tool for a woman's development. Viewers are given hope and faith that
difficulties in relationships may be addressed by the idea that love can overcome barriers.
In conclusion, "A Tourist’s Guide To Love" indicates that the magic of a trip could last forever. It
takes a predictable route, but in the world of romantic comedies, predictable isn't always a bad thing.
Anticipating the genre's common elements gives a certain sense of comfort, even though the movie's
emphasis on pushing comfort zones gives that feeling a hint of irony. Even though the main romance may
not always work out as planned, Amanda's journey alone makes the experience worthwhile, and the
supporting cast of characters lends the story a charming charm.

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