How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Quote #7
ZERO: Well, you see, my father was murdered and the rest of my family were executed by firing squad. Our village was burned to the ground and those who managed to survive were forced to flee. I left because of the war.
GUSTAVE: I see. So you're, actually, really more of a refugee, in that sense?
ZERO: Truly.
GUSTAVE: Well, I suppose I'd better take back everything I just said. What a bloody idiot I am.
When Gustave learns of Zero's origins he, along with viewers, gains a new respect for Zero. He's not just an immigrant, but someone who experienced and fled from the atrocities of war. It's a very sobering moment amidst the craziness of the film, which makes us stop and reevaluate the lobby boy.
Quote #8
GUSTAVE: I'm not angry with Serge. You can't blame someone for their basic lack of moral fiber. He's a frightened little yellow-bellied coward. It's not his fault, is it?
Um… isn't it? We don't want to descend into the circular realm of "it depends," but how is it not his fault? You can't exactly pick apart how someone acts from the person they are.