Hotel Rwanda (2004)

“Hotel Rwanda” was directed by Terry George, and is a great film. It has been nominated for various awards. The film and story has similarity with “Schindler’s List” and as “Schindler’s list” it is based on true story. During Rwandan Genocide in 1994, the man named Paul Rusesabagina used his influence as the manager of Hotel des Mille Collines and saved 1268 people by sheltering them in the hotel.

Rwandan Genocide was not committed by another nation, but, by one brother against the other. Hutu and Tutsi peoples are described as two tribes, yet, in my opinion, they are just brothers and sisters divided by foreign invaders. It reminds me of old Latin saying “Divide et impera”, meaning “Divide and rule”. This is what German and Belgium rules did to Rwanda. As it is mentioned in the film, Belgians even measured noses in order to divide people, who had so much in common.

Paul (Don Cheadle) is a Hutu, but his wife Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo) is Tutsi. Paul is a very professional hotel manager, who is discreet, knows how to handle things and has a “style”. As the situation in the country worsens, Paul brings up his family and neighbours to the hotel and shelters them. Many refugees come to the hotel for shelter. Paul cannot turn them away.

European colonial powers that gave birth to this conflict are not there when people get killed everywhere around. All foreign nationals get evacuated, while Rwandans sheltered in the hotel stay behind watching them to leave. Though I knew what is going to happen, I was utterly disappointed to see how people were left not just to die, but, to be brutally killed.

The actors’ performances are so good that characters make us to sympathize with them and feel their pain, worry and despair. Thanks to actors’ acting skills and director’s marvelous work, the film is a great watch. In terms of Rwandan Genocide it is quite informative as well.

Reviewer’s rating: 8.5 out of 10