HOTEL RWANDA
About ten years ago a bloody and brutal
revolution took place in Rwanda, and the rest of
the world watched. Genocide in its purest form is
depicted in this compelling drama of one man's
attempt to save innocent lives despite the odds
against his success. Paul Rusesabagina (Don
Cheadle) is that one man who offered shelter and
hope to thousands who had nowhere to go. As
the manager of a fine, European-style hotel, Paul
uses his many connections with local military,
political and business leaders to pull off a rescue
that seems nothing short of impossible under the
circumstances.
Always putting his own family above all else, the
courageous hotel manager saves his charges
from a certain death, as about one million are
killed over a three month period in the country
torn by civil, and tribal, strife.
Fine performances by Don Cheadle, Nick Nolte
(Colonel Oliver), Joaquin Phoenix (Jack), and
Sophie Okonedo (Tatiana Rusesabagina), under
the direction of Terry George, throw light on a
tragedy that shames the rest of the world for its
inaction. The Tutsis were systematically, almost
completely, wiped out by the Hutu militia in the
ensuing struggle for power in Rwanda.
revolution took place in Rwanda, and the rest of
the world watched. Genocide in its purest form is
depicted in this compelling drama of one man's
attempt to save innocent lives despite the odds
against his success. Paul Rusesabagina (Don
Cheadle) is that one man who offered shelter and
hope to thousands who had nowhere to go. As
the manager of a fine, European-style hotel, Paul
uses his many connections with local military,
political and business leaders to pull off a rescue
that seems nothing short of impossible under the
circumstances.
Always putting his own family above all else, the
courageous hotel manager saves his charges
from a certain death, as about one million are
killed over a three month period in the country
torn by civil, and tribal, strife.
Fine performances by Don Cheadle, Nick Nolte
(Colonel Oliver), Joaquin Phoenix (Jack), and
Sophie Okonedo (Tatiana Rusesabagina), under
the direction of Terry George, throw light on a
tragedy that shames the rest of the world for its
inaction. The Tutsis were systematically, almost
completely, wiped out by the Hutu militia in the
ensuing struggle for power in Rwanda.
Mary’s comments
A tough film to watch. Genocide is a very
heavy topic. I'm actually surprised by the
PG-13 rating. The subject matter alone
seems to warrant a stiffer call. Great
performances, but a troubling backdrop
make for a sad, sad story. Adults only
would be my call. Way too troubling for the
young.
A tough film to watch. Genocide is a very
heavy topic. I'm actually surprised by the
PG-13 rating. The subject matter alone
seems to warrant a stiffer call. Great
performances, but a troubling backdrop
make for a sad, sad story. Adults only
would be my call. Way too troubling for the
young.
Brenda’s comments
Genocide of the Tutsis at the hands of the
Hutus comes to the forefront, finally, as this
troubling film opens across the world. It's
so difficult to understand the politics of the
world and how they could turn their backs
to the reality of what was happening in
Rwanda. Hotel Rwanda puts it right up front
on the big screen. Now, no one can say they
didn't know what went on during the
revolution in Rwanda. See it and weep for
the innocent lives lost.
Genocide of the Tutsis at the hands of the
Hutus comes to the forefront, finally, as this
troubling film opens across the world. It's
so difficult to understand the politics of the
world and how they could turn their backs
to the reality of what was happening in
Rwanda. Hotel Rwanda puts it right up front
on the big screen. Now, no one can say they
didn't know what went on during the
revolution in Rwanda. See it and weep for
the innocent lives lost.
© 2003 St. Louis Movie Review Weekly. All rights reserved, except where indicated.
| ST. LOUIS MOVIE REVIEW WEEKLY Publishers: Brenda S. Ladd & Mary K. Morgan |
Movie Details
Official Movie Website
Theatrical Release
2004
Home Video
4/12/05
MPAA Rating
Rated PG-13 for violence,
disturbing images and brief
strong language
Running Time
2 hour 2 minutes
Directed by
Terry George
Cast
Don Cheadle, Nick Nolte,
Sophie Okonedo, Joaquin
Phoenix, Leleti Khumalo
Studio
MGM/UA
Theatrical Release
2004
Home Video
4/12/05
MPAA Rating
Rated PG-13 for violence,
disturbing images and brief
strong language
Running Time
2 hour 2 minutes
Directed by
Terry George
Cast
Don Cheadle, Nick Nolte,
Sophie Okonedo, Joaquin
Phoenix, Leleti Khumalo
Studio
MGM/UA
DVD Details
Disc Specs
Languages: English, French
Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Running Time: 2 hrs. 2 mins.
Number of Discs: 1
Features:
· "A Message for Peace: Making
Hotel Rwanda" documentary
· "Return to Rwanda"
documentary
· Commentary by director Terry
George and the real-life subject of
the film, Paul Rusesabagina
· Selected scene commentary by
actor Don Cheadle
· Select commentary by musician
Wyclef Jean
Languages: English, French
Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Running Time: 2 hrs. 2 mins.
Number of Discs: 1
Features:
· "A Message for Peace: Making
Hotel Rwanda" documentary
· "Return to Rwanda"
documentary
· Commentary by director Terry
George and the real-life subject of
the film, Paul Rusesabagina
· Selected scene commentary by
actor Don Cheadle
· Select commentary by musician
Wyclef Jean