Zero is crying about Agatha's death, an obvious indication that it's important in the story (see e.g. Chekhov's gun principle), but then it figures exactly 0% into the story

-at the end of the film Jude Laws character asks Zero why he still keeps the Grand Budapest, is it to stay close to Gustav? The answer was no, it's to remain close to the memory of Agatha. I'd say that her death plays an important role in the film. If she were still alive, that sad old man never meets the author.

Also, Gustav's death is absolutely a part of the story. It doesn't happen too far removed from the events of the plot. Much like Royal's death in Tenenbaums, it occurs after the plot resolves, therefore giving us the satisfaction of knowing that he enjoyed the resolution, even if only briefly. Then, as the war escalates and his charms no longer suffice as a shield he is killed. Old Zero says something akin to "He was a man out if time with his era," and as such his death is almost merciful given what would have come to pass. -Died in his prime. The irony is that the war that killed Gustav will now make Zero a very wealthy man.

There was plenty of plot in this film, interesting characters etc. It's definitely fantastical and even ornamental, but like the best art those ornaments have representation behind them.

Two thumbs up, even with the pseudo SS "zigzags." But I can see that if you wanted a film with actual nazi's that wasn't essentially a dreamscape remembrance, you'd be disappointed.

Watched it again last night. It didn't disappoint with a second viewing either.