Hotel Rwanda, based on a true story, is a sort of a film that moves the viewers by making the person feel intelligent. At the end of the show, phrases such as Tutsi genocide and Hutu militia mean something more than hazy memories of long gone head lines.
But it would be a pity to dismiss this film as merely a clever way of drawing attention to the Rwandan atrocities. Film is a great watch. It has drama, intrigue and a lead man whose subtle networking, elegant trade of favors and clever bribery save about 1200 lives that he shelters in Rwanda’s posh Belgian owned Milles Des Collines hotel.
Don Cheadle as Rusesabagina creates a fascinating character. In the midst of so much drama, it would be tempting to have played up the character. But Cheadle remains understated throughout. If Rusesabagina was played by someone more Hollywood, like say Denzel Washington, the character would be more obviously the hero of the story.
The film is also a great illustration of the apathy of the haves against the have-nots. In a rabble-rousing dialogue, head of the U.N. peacekeepers, Colonel Oliver tells Rusesabagina why no one’s saving his country men- “You are black. You’re not even a nigger. You’re an African.”
But it would be a pity to dismiss this film as merely a clever way of drawing attention to the Rwandan atrocities. Film is a great watch. It has drama, intrigue and a lead man whose subtle networking, elegant trade of favors and clever bribery save about 1200 lives that he shelters in Rwanda’s posh Belgian owned Milles Des Collines hotel.
Don Cheadle as Rusesabagina creates a fascinating character. In the midst of so much drama, it would be tempting to have played up the character. But Cheadle remains understated throughout. If Rusesabagina was played by someone more Hollywood, like say Denzel Washington, the character would be more obviously the hero of the story.
The film is also a great illustration of the apathy of the haves against the have-nots. In a rabble-rousing dialogue, head of the U.N. peacekeepers, Colonel Oliver tells Rusesabagina why no one’s saving his country men- “You are black. You’re not even a nigger. You’re an African.”
