A Review by Phil Calabro
***HIGHLY RECOMMENDED***
*** #5 - TOP 10 OF 2004 ***
2004, United Artists/Lions Gate Films, Dir. Terry George - Starring Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte, Desmond Dube, Antonio David Lyons, Mothusi Magano, David O'Hara, Joaquin Phoenix, Cara Seymour
How is it possible or morally correct that world populations can not notice the massacre of over one million Africans, and do nothing about it? If it wasn't for films like 'Hotel Rwanda', people across the country would be living on their normal lives without ever realizing that atrocities like these ever took place. We are given films about Pearl Harbor and the Holocaust - both horrific events that the US took part in. But what happened in Rwanda in 1994 was equally as distressing, but is somehow ignored from the history books. The film tells the true story about a rich Rwanda businessman and his struggle to keep peace in the country - a one-point perspective that is just as in-depth as 'Schindler's List'. Director Terry George executes at the same steady pace - and the final product is a film that will tug at your heartstrings, that will inspire its audience, and will not let down.
In 1994, Paul Rusesabagina (Cheadle) runs the most luxurious hotel in Rwanda. During this time, a civil war has broken at between its two wholly different heritages, the Hutu and Tutsi. The Hutu is run by a corrupt general who has not yet been charged for war crimes - and is constantly bribed by Paul - who is a Hutu - to safeguard the hotel. The Tutsi are an angry population who have begun an incessant massacre of anyone suspected to be a Hutu. Paul does not support either side in this war, because all that matters to him is his wife Tatiana (Okonedo) and his children. But when the goings get tough, Paul is under fire. His friend, UN Colonel Oliver (Nolte), has told him that their troops in Rwanda will be pulling out despite his attempts to remain there. Refugees, both Hutu and Tutsi, start piling into the hotel to keep safe from the insurgents - and Paul does every possible action he can to keep them safe and healthy. In total, Paul Rusesabagina housed over 850 refugees in his hotel.
The film's centerpiece is none other than Don Cheadle, in possibly his greatest performance yet. His character of Paul Rusesabagina makes him a prime example of a real hero - he has style, grace, and brillance written through his actions. His progress is the best feature to his acting job. In this case, his 'progress' is how he is percieved by the audience during the runtime. In the beginning, we see the stiff-necked but mindful businessman Paul, who always feels the need to wear a suit wherever to give a good impression, and who picks his friends wisely. In the middle, we see the transitioning Paul - the massacre has begun to unfold, and he has realized what he must do. He ditches his own reputation for the way of his heart, opens the hotel to house children and other refugees, and lets no one intervene or harm his guests. And at the end, we see the new Paul - a man of determination, heart, and purity of soul. He begins to live a mission of caring for others instead of the hotel. Don Cheadle has officially been branded an A-list actor - through an independent film.
The other acting jobs are successful, especially the other two supporting characters. Sophie Okenedo is heartwarming as the wife Tatiana Rusesabagina, who loves her husband and family, but still feels that Paul is making himself a better man through helping others. Cheadle and Okenedo have a creative chemistry together, being both deeply in love with each other, but working together as teammates. Nick Nolte is surprisingly good as UN Colonel Oliver, a man who is in the divide of the massacre - the higher officials want him and his troops out, but he feels the moral deed to stay. We watch as he tries his ultimate best to save as many as possible - through convoys and all.
Director Terry George has a knack for filming great footage of the African communities in Rwanda. It is heartbreaking to watch, yet necessary to add emphasis to the conflicts abroad. George cuts to the chase when it comes to the Rwandan cultures - there are no silly interludes of popular dances or group meetings. He feels no need to add in cultural tweaks to make the film feel more at home - it is a straightforward biography about a man who loves his people more than himself. There aren't any breakthrough stylistic features, or even storyline features - the director seems just fine telling this tale without being creative.
'Hotel Rwanda' is a tear-inducing film of amazing, yet simplistic, dimensions. It allows us to take a respectful look into a conflict that was naturally forgotten because of its location in impoverished Africa - and come to realize the strength of one human who was willing to risk everything to save as many as possible. Apparently, the real Paul Rusesabagina attended many of the press screenings recently with director Terry George. This is a great example where more people will give a standing ovation to not just the movie, but the hero himself.
