Set in 1994, Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle) is the hotel manager of the Milles Collines a Belgian owned hotel in Rwanda. When civil war breaks out between the Hutu And the Tutsis (the two main tribes). The Hutu want to wipe the Tutsis from the face of the earth because when the Belgians colonised Rwanda they gave the best jobs to Tutsis and let them rule the country. Now that the Belgians are gone the Hutu who regard Rwanda as their land want revenge, which is stirred up to fervour point by use of radio.
Paul a Hutu who is married to Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo) a Tutsis, uses the hotel to shelter both Hutu (not caught up in the fervour) And Tutsis Refugees, He manages this by both bribes and influence. As the hotel fills with men, women and children Paul try's everything he can to keep them safe using money and whiskey to keep the local Hutu general on side in order to keep the rebels away and frantic phone calls abroad pleading for some kind of intervention. The UN who are led by the sympathetic Colonel Oliver ( Nick Nolte) are in small numbers with strict orders not to open fire and cannot offer the help or assistance that is required. There are film crews that try to capture the horrors that are happening in order to show the outside world, Jack (Joaquin Phoenix) a cameraman does shoot some horrific footage but all foreigners are soon required to leave as it becomes apparent that help is not coming. As Jack walks to board the bus taking the foreigners to safety he holds his head low and say's " Oh, God, I'm so ashamed!"
There are many poignant lines in this film, one of which is recited by an aid worker which was said by an orphan just about to meet their death because of the tribe they were born into; "Please don't let them kill me. I... I promise I won't be Tutsi anymore". You can imagine a child saying such a thing, not realising it is something that can't just be turned off.
This is a extremely moving film of a true event, it is powerful in it's telling of such horrors including genocide. Hatred of such a level that it cause's neighbours to kill neighbours just because of the tribe they were born into. It is expertly acted throughout and you can feel real empathy for the characters that you get to know, tears will come as you witness the shear evil that humans can inflict on each other for no other reason than being born into a cruel and bitter world. You watch as the western world turns it's back on suffering so bad that it is deemed better to kill yourself than be caught by the wrong people, the agony endured by people who watch as their families are ripped apart, children slaughtered so that the next generation would not happen.
This is a must see film, everyone should watch this just so that we realize how lucky we really are and maybe just maybe we won't let our governments turn a blind eye again. You cannot help but have your heart pulled in all directions as you witness what the governments of the western world ignored for so long. It must be said that this is an account of one event in Rwanda and not a reflection of the whole terrible affair which was much worse than this film could portray. Approximately 0ne million men, women and children lost their life's in roughly three months. Over 1000 people were saved by being in the hotel.
I had heard of the Rwanda war but never really took it in as I should have. This film brought it crashing down on top of me, it moved me to tears at the suffering and the courage shown by people in order to help others.
Hotel Rwanda was nominated for three Academy awards in 2004 for best actor (Don Cheadle), best actress in a Supporting role (Sophie Okonedo) and best original screenplay (Terry George and Kier Pearson), it won unfortunately none of them.
There are three special features two of which are self explanatory;
Directors commentary, Don Cheadle selected scenes with commentary, Plus "A message for peace: making Hotel Rwanda" This is worth watching, it lasts about 28 mins and we get to meet the writers Terry George and Kier Pearson along with Don Cheadle but most poignantly we meet the real Paul Rusesabagina. We are told a little more about the horrors that went on and hear why in the opinion of Paul Rusesabagina nobody came to help.
All in all in case you haven't grasped it, I highly recommend this film which can be bought at the time of writing for £5.95 from dvd.co.uk, I would happily pay double that.
It was given a Certification of 12 in the uk but in my opinion may be a bit 'old' for a 12 year old to watch.
Some of the cast all of whom were excellent:
Don Cheadle .Paul Rusesabagina Sophie Okonedo .Tatiana Rusesabagina Nick Nolte .Colonel Oliver Jean Reno .Mr Tillens the Belgain president of the hotel chain. Cara Seymour .Pat Archer the aid worker who recited what the orphan had said before being killed. Joaquin Phoenix . Jack Daglish Hakeem Kae-Kazim .George Rutaganda leader of the Hutu militia. Fana Mokena .General Bizimungu leader of the Hutu army.
The running time is 121 mins but time passes fast.
Director Terry George (who also co wrote) has also directed 'Some mother's son'.
Today I have a new Hero in the form of Paul Rusesabagina a man who truly is a hero .
More details
Soundtrack
Good
How does it compare to others by the same director?
Outstanding
Value for Money
Excellent
What format are you reviewing?
DVD
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Hotel Rwanda
Solidly built around a subtle yet commanding performance by Don Cheadle, Hotel Rwanda
... more
emerged as one of the most highly-praised dramas of 2004. In a role that demands his quietly riveting presence in nearly every scene, Cheadle plays real-life hero Pau...
Hotel Rwanda
Solidly built around a subtle yet commanding performance by Don Cheadle,Hotel
... more
Rwandaemerged as one of the most highly-praised dramas of 2004. In a role that demands his quietly riveting presence in nearly every scene, Cheadle plays real-life hero Paul ...
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