Hotel Rwanda Movie Review:


Probably one of the most unsung actors working in Hollywood today is Don Cheadle. The man has been involved in some huge ensemble films and scored a lot of critical acclaim for his character performances in such films as “Devil in a Blue Dress”, “Rosewood”, “The Rat Pack” and of course, “Ocean’s Eleven”.

It seems like it has been forever for Cheadle to find a project where he could carry it and finally deliver the performance a lot of us knew was inside him. “Hotel Rwanda” seems to be that project.

Cheadle plays Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who makes it possible to house over 1000 refugees during a struggle with Hutu militia in Rwanda. This true story is an unbelievable story of dedication, strength and perseverance.

Back in 1984, a little film called “The Killing Fields” erupted onto silver screens across the country and unearthed a new horrific side of the Vietnam War away from the conflict. The film focused on journalists and their determination to nail down a critical story amongst the chaos that was the evacuation of Saigon. The tearing apart of families, the not-knowing if your love ones made it out of the chaos and dissection of the events were utterly amazing in this landmark film. For me, it is still my favorite film on Vietnam.

That landmark film has a lot of things in common with “Hotel Rwanda” including the tone, desperation, struggle, plight and lead performance.

I loved the Rwanda’s pacing as it slowly but inevitably builds toward the looming chaos. The film’s direction seems to have a mind of its own as it is able to harness each and every emotion as the film winds towards the conflict. The audience is able to see the world come crumbling down through Don Cheadle’s Paul and what a sight it is.

Cheadle’s performance as Paul is challenging, assertive, brilliant yet cautious. He brings many levels to the man who has to balance so many things while riding this tidal wave of unrest. With every look and emotion you can see what the man is thinking. Cheadle is utterly brilliant someone has to remember him come Oscar time.

What probably differs between this film and “The Killing Fields” is the support given to Cheadle’s performance. I wasn’t that impressed with a very weathered Nick Nolte as the commander of the UN Peacekeepers and Joaquin Phoenix isn’t ever given a chance to really participate before he whisked away.

I kind of wished that the film had better supporting performances so that Cheadle had more to work with. But even without them he is able to carry the full weight of the film. Now that is amazing unto itself.

“Hotel Rwanda” is an amazing story and a truly unforgettable film.

So Says the Soothsayer



Dean Kish

Because I’m a confirmed movie addict, I always admit to enjoying films primarily for their escapist entertainment qualities. But I also love to be enchanted by cinematic artistry, enlightened by a great story and inspired by memorable performances.

“Inspirational” is certainly the right word to describe Don Cheadle’s riveting portrayal of a hotel manager who saves the lives of over 1,000 refugees in “Hotel Rwanda.” Based on a true story that happened in 1994, this film shows the bravery of a man caught in the crossfire when one tribe, the Hutu, tries to exterminate the other, the Tutsi.

Paul Rusesabagina (Cheadle) loves his work. Trained in Belgium, he’s in charge of a 4-star hotel in Kigali. He dresses impeccably, makes all his guests feel special, and knows how to deal with suppliers as well as government officials. Although he’s Hutu, his wife (Sophie Okonedo) is Tutsi. At great danger to himself, Paul provides shelter to Tutsi refugees within his hotel while hoping for assistance from the United Nations. Sadly, the UN presence, led by Colonel Oliver (Nick Nolte) is only a “peacekeeping” – not “peacemaking” -- force, which means its members aren't allowed to engage in active interference of the kind desperately needed.

Paul uses every management skill in the book to handle this explosive situation -- while Cheadle draws us more deeply into his character’s plight with each successive scene. He adopts a convincing accent and displays greater emotional range than in previous movies like “Ocean’s 11” and “After the Sunset.” As a an additional plus, Cheadle and Okonedo (“Dirty Pretty Things”) project the strongest chemistry together I’ve seen on screen this year, especially in tender scenes where the husband and wife they portray think all hope is gone.

In “Reel Spirit: A Guide to Movies That Inspire, Explore and Empower,” author Raymond Teague states that certain movies enable us to meet people who are remarkable because of their “inner strength” and their “service to humankind.” He mentions Gandhi, Malcolm X, Brigham Young, Helen Keller and Oskar Schindler as examples of individuals portrayed in film who are “monuments to inspiration.” After seeing “Hotel Rwanda,” I believe Paul Rusesabagina also belongs on Teague’s list. I’m not surprised that some of the leading U.S. colleges screened this uplifting movie in honor of the United Nations Human Rights Day, December 10, 2004, and in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the Rwanda genocide crisis.

Directed by Terry George (“The Boxer”), co-author of the suspenseful screenplay (with Keir Pearson), “Hotel Rwanda” moves along without one unnecessary bit of footage – a refreshing experience for viewers like me who’ve been sitting through so many long, repetitive films lately.

“Hotel Rwanda” proves once again that movies can be inspiring and enlightening as well as entertaining.

Betty Jo Tucker

This riveting true story is told in an unflashy way that heightens the authenticity and gently--but rightfully--shames the West for its shallow selfishness.

Paul Rusesabagina (Cheadle) manages of a four-star Belgian-owned hotel in 1994 Kigali; he has a comfortable life with his wife (Okonedo) and kids, and knows how to work the system to keep everyone happy--from generals to black market profiteers. When he hears that a nationalist Hutu faction is planning to rebel against the ruling Tutsis, he thinks it's just the usual rumblings over an artificial distinction imposed in colonial times. And as revolution and genocide break out he somehow keeps a level head, turning his hotel into a refugee sanctuary against all odds.

Events are recounted here with shocking intimacy as we see society unravel through Paul's eyes, observing the powerlessness of the few Westerners who actually care (Nolte's UN colonel, Phoenix's news cameraman, Reno's Euro-businessman, Seymour's Red Cross worker). At the centre is Cheadle, a fine actor who's waited too long for a major role like this! He is simply perfect--grounded and real, witty and charismatic, gripping and sympathetic. He takes is through this story with dignity and clarity.

And what a story! This is not an easy film to watch in many ways--the descent into chaos in Rwanda was basically ignored by Europe and North America, simply because we have no monetary interests there. So let them sort out their problems themselves, right? Wrong! The problem was started by Europe in the first place, and abandoning them when they cried for help resulted in more than a million brutal deaths and far more displaced refugees.

It's to director-cowriter George's great credit that he never sensationalises anything. He establishes Rwandan society briskly, then lets us hear the growing frustration on the streets, as well as the increasing ineffectiveness of the UN. There are a few awkward dramatic elements, but the layers of characters and interrelationships keep us glued. And as Paul reluctantly steps into the brink, risking everything to save his family--and a lot more people--he becomes the kind of hero we should really celebrate.

Rich Cline

 

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