IvanF's Cut and Paste, No-Name Theatrical Review of
Hotel Rwanda 2005

- IvanFian written January 28th, 2005 -

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- Commentary from a friend -

"Well, I saw "Hotel Rwanda" last Saturday at 7:30pm...and to be honest this was quite possibly the best movie I've seen in a long while...at least in the true story department with a powerful emotional punch...

This film starred Don Cheadle as Paul Ruseabagina as a hotelier (hotel manager) in the capital of Rwanda, Kigali who opened up the hotel as a santuary for Tutsis as a lone source of hope and protection. This is the true story from 1994 when the Hutus opened fire on the Tutsis. This is because their had been increasing historical tribal conflict. This is due to the fact that the Hutus were in power in the beginning, then the Tutsis came into control. As a result, this tribal conflict led to a Hutu uprising on the Tutsis causing a country wide genocide killing thousands. And to make things worse, the conflict in Rwanda became out of sight to the world community especially the global powers. This is because within the past 2-3 years the global powers found themselves in situations they didn't really want to be in, and they couldn't sustain the power to help. Therefore, the U.N. peacekeepers that were stationed in Kigali and had set up refugee camps were left helpless as the Hutus increased their hostility toward the Tutsis. Oh, Paul Ruseabagina was a Hutu while his wife was a Tutsi.

The movie was a straightforward story about the life of Paul in 1994 as the Hutus became increasingly hostile. The film begins as Paul is characterized as a straight-laced businessman who will stop at nothing to get the best for the Hotel. I might add that the hotel that Paul runs is actually run by Belgian company. The Belgian boss that is in contact with Paul most often is played by Jean Reno. (Many might know Mr. Reno as DeNiro's sidekick in "Ronan", the police detective in "French Kiss", and in "Mission: Impossible".) As the Hutus increase the violence, it is through this connection with the Belgian boss that Paul is able to take further control of the hotel and open it up to those in need of shelter.

Now, many critics and reviews have made the comparison of Paul Ruseabagina to Oskar Schindler. And, I can honestly say that this is quite accurate. This is because both men are on the inside track of their respective "tribes"...Paul is Hutu...Oskar is of the Aryan race/Nazi. As well, both men share an indelible spirit that all people are unique and special and deserve to live their lives as anyone else. Also, both men share an aspiration for hope, safety, and security.

Also, I must give mention to Paul's wife played by Sophia Okonedo. The way that she is able to keep a level of poise throughout the film is astounding. I mean, this is not to say that she doesn't have her moments of breakdown...but the way that Paul and his wife balance off each other for support is simply a sign of the truest romance.

I must say that this film had moments of hope, joy, anger, and sadness. However, the sadness was one on a couple of levels. There was sadness of what has happened to a whole tribal people. And, there is sadness of a happy state of mind. For instance, there is a scene where a priest and nuns are running towards the hotel with a slew of orphans to give to the U.N. peacekeepers to go to the refugee camps. However, the U.N. don't have room so Paul sends the children to the hotel to stay. But, the fact that the priest and nuns with the children are running down the "driveway" towards the hotel in the rain is simply heartbreaking...just the way that it was filmed.

Also, this film also starred Nick Nolte has the main General who was in charge of the U.N. peacekeepers. He happened to play a Canadian. The scene where he has a strong conversation about the help of the west and how there won't be any to Paul is especially effective. Another extended cameo performance is Joaquin Phoenix, who plays a western photographer/cameraman who happens to take some of the most disturbing footage.

Overall, this film is terrifically acted and portrayed. Therefore, I shall give this film a 4/4 stars and a 9/10."

Film Design - 9.0
Enjoyment Factor - 9.5
Overall (not an average) - 9.0
(4 out of 4 stars)
- Risen Phoenix -