MARCH 2023:
HUMANITARIAN VACANCY…
Hotel Rwanda a 2004 docudrama, directed by Terry George and starring Don Cheadle is a harrowing and emotionally charged film that provides a gut-wrenching glimpse into the Rwandan genocide that occurred in the Spring of 1994. The Rwandan genocide occurred between April 7th and July 15th 1994 during the Rwandan Civil War. During this period of around 100 days, members of the Tutsi minority ethnic group, as well as some moderate Hutu and Twa, were killed by armed Hutu militias. The most widely accepted scholarly estimates are around 500,000 to 662,000 Tutsi deaths. The movie tells the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who courageously sheltered and protected over a thousand refugees during the horrific ethnic conflict in the besieged Hôtel des Mille Collines.
![The Hôtel des Mille Collines (French pronunciation: [otɛl de mil kɔlin]) (English: Hotel of the Thousand Hills) is a large hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. It became famous after 1,268 people took refuge inside the building during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. The story of the hotel and its manager at that time, Paul Rusesabagina, was later used as the basis of Terry George's film Hotel Rwanda in 2004. Photo Credit: Alamy Images](https://i2.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Hotel-des-Mille-Collines.png?ssl=1)
Cheadle‘s performance as Paul Rusesabagina is nothing short of extraordinary. He captures the complexities of Rusesabagina‘s character, from his initial pragmatism to his eventual transformation into a heroic figure who risks his life to save others. Cheadle‘s portrayal is both powerful and deeply moving, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
The film‘s storytelling is gripping and unflinching. It doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutal realities of the genocide, making it a challenging but essential watch. Terry George‘s direction, coupled with Robert Fraisse‘s cinematography, masterfully creates a stark contrast between the serene setting of the hotel and the violence raging outside, emphasizing the stark choices faced by Rusesabagina and the refugees.
Hotel Rwanda excels in shedding light on the lesser-known tragedy of the Rwandan genocide, offering historical accuracy and a human perspective. It serves as a powerful educational tool, making the audience acutely aware of the horrors and complexities of this dark chapter in history. The original screenplay by Terry George and Keir Pearson earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
The supporting cast, including Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte, and Joaquin Phoenix, delivers commendable performances, adding depth to the narrative. Sophie Okonedo‘s portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
One of the film’s strengths is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. It elicits anger and despair at the cruelty of the genocide, but it also inspires compassion and hope through the acts of bravery and humanity portrayed on screen. The message of the film, that even in the direst circumstances, one person can make a difference, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
In conclusion, Hotel Rwanda is a cinematic tour de force that should be viewed with a readiness to confront the darkest aspects of human nature. Don Cheadle‘s exceptional performance, coupled with the film’s historical significance and compelling storytelling, make it a must-see for those seeking a profound and thought-provoking cinematic experience. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of empathy and action in the face of unspeakable atrocities.
Hotel Rwanda is available to rent now on all streaming platforms...