Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Drama | History | Thriller | War

A true story.

As his country descends into madness, five-star-hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina (Cheadle) sets out to save his family. But when he sees that the world will not intervene in the massacre of minority Tutsis, he finds the courage to open his hotel to more than 1,200 refugees. Now, with a rabid militia at the gates, he must use his well-honed grace, flattery and cunning to protect his guests from certain death.

User Comment: cauzzajr from San Diego, CA, 14 December 2004 • I was fortunate to attend a pre-screening of this intense picture in San Diego this week. The film is one of the most gritty, intense,factual dramas in the past few years. Terry George, Don Cheadle, and all who were involved should be praised for their work. The Rwanda Crisis in 1994 was a horrific atrocity, but it must be made known to the world. Many people don't know about politics and Africa and other troubled nations throughout the globe.

It would have been easy for the crew to give a one-sided tale about the horror of war and fill a 90 minute picture with nothing but blood and guts. It would have been easy to "shame the world" by painting a picture of a negligent international community who has larger concerns than the Rwandan people.

But the crew of this film put together a film that will resonate for many years. It involved politics, culture, family, religion, race, and many other questions of ethics. It told the WHOLE story from all perspectives and made you see the HUMANITY.

This film is a must see for anyone who claims oppression or has an interest in international affairs. It was almost like watching a documentary. This was a real event, with real people, and real consequences. If more people knew about these atrocities maybe something could be done.

I am pulling for "Hotel Rwanda" to do well this awards season. It should at least get nominated for Director, Screenplay, Actor, Supporting Actress, and Picture. I haven't seen Ray, the Aviator, or Kinsey yet, but I must say Don Cheadle needs to be commended for his work. Too long has he been overlooked for his fine performances and he truly embodies Paul and takes the movie to new places.

Tell your friends to stay at the Hotel Rwanda, or at least fork up the ten dollars to see an actual work of art, instead of watching the trash on television.

Summary: A Must See!.

--- JOYA ---

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