Hotel Rwanda

[moviegroupie]

4th limited film i'm ranting about because i can't see it... wait a sec, it is playing 30 minutes away!!!! w00t, looks very good imo. others?

[Fisting Ackbar]

Originally posted by moviegroupie
looks very good imo. others?

It is in fact very good, worth seeing for sure. I was also happy to see Cheadle stand strong in his first (?) leading role.

[Moviefan1234]

There is no doubt I am going to love this movie, since I doubt it'll come anywhere near me I'm sure I'll blind buy it on DVD.

[Briare Rabbit]

This movie was awesome. Makes you realize how very useless the UN is, and it kinda made me glad Bush told them to go fuck themselves.

Cheadle and Nolte as mesmurizing. One of the better of the year.

[Jose Pidol]

The year was 1994. Try remembering what you were doing that year. I was still in grade school then, probably worrying about the science or math quiz that I didn’t study for (come to think of it, I never really gave a *bleep* about my grades anyway). Checking on the significant events of that year, I see that it was the year O.J Simpson lost his mind, Ayrton Senna lost his life, and Kurt Cobain lost both (Sorry y’all Cobain fans, I apologize already even before I receive hate messages). However, none of them compares to the loss of thousands of lives in Rwanda that year. If you asked me 11 years ago what I knew about Rwanda, I would’ve shrugged my shoulders. The sad thing is this: apparently, the whole world also did, and looked the other way.

Based on a true story, Hotel Rwanda is an account of how hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle) sheltered hundreds of refugees from ethnic cleansing. For years, the two major ethnic groups of Rwanda – the Hutus and the Tutsis – have been at odds with each other. Just as the two groups were about to sign a peace accord to end decades of animosity, the plane of the Rwandan president (a Hutu) is gunned down, sending the country into a state of anarchy. Military and militia groups began rounding up and killing as many Tutsis they could find, as well as Hutus sympathetic to the Tutsis.

The brilliance of director Terry George’s work is that he doesn’t concentrate on the gruesome aspect of the situation. He doesn’t try to do a Michael Moore-esque impression of the horrors of war, nor does he make the film a political statement on who-is-to-blame-for-what. There are no fancy camera tricks here, no special effects, no horrid and violent pictures of people killed with bolos and machetes. Instead, he centers his film on Cheadle’s character, and how he reacts to the atrociousness that is unraveling around him. The film is hinged on its subject matter, and delivers its message strongly and convincingly. George masterfully builds up the pace of the story just as you’d expect in real life situations. At first, the tone of the film is more subdued and indifferent to the escalating tension that surrounds the hotel. He gradually changes the pace, giving the viewers a real sense of panic as violence slowly approaches the hotel and its occupants. I kid you not; it’s story-telling at its finest.

George also uses a faceless voice as the film’s antagonist – the Hutu radio station announcer who incites the militia to seek Tutsi blood. With words of hatred and calls for bloodshed, the voice can be compared to the evil whisper that we hear in our heads. As the hate-mongering voice bombards the airwaves with messages like “Kill the cockroaches,” we are reminded by the ugliness that humans are capable of.

Don Cheadle gives the performance of a lifetime as hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina, the unwitting hero. He worries for his family’s welfare first and foremost; his heroism is not really borne out of bravery or a sense of righteousness. But as the war is brought closer and closer to his hotel, we see Paul coming to terms with his role as the protector and father figure not only of his immediate family, but also of 1200 people. Cheadle delivers a passionate and powerful performance as Paul. Consistent with the film’s style, there are no big speeches or fist-wagging calls for courage ala-Braveheart here, but Cheadle manages to convey the sentiments of hopelessness and valor in a compelling fashion. His portrayal is not as high-profile as Jamie Foxx in Ray, but I truly believe he deserves the Oscar more than anybody else.

The underlying love story between Paul and his wife Tatiana is held together by Sophie Okonedo, making her an underdog for a supporting role award this year. Nick Nolte and Joaquin Phoenix play lesser roles as a UN Colonel and American journalist, respectively. Given minimal screen time, Phoenix makes do with what he has, and by the time he delivers the film’s most important message, he does so in a way that hits you in the gut.

"I think if people see this footage they'll say, ‘Oh my God, that's horrible,’ and go on eating their dinners."

Hotel Rwanda is inspiring and disturbing at the same time. It has drawn comparisons to Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List, and it’s a pity the film is not getting the same buzz as Spielberg’s work. Be that as it may, Hotel Rwanda is a must-see, and may well be the most important film of the year.

Rating: 10/10

[ilovemovies]

I really wanted to see this movie this weekend but because of the snow storm I might have to wait till next weekend. :(

[someguy]

Hotel Rwanda


It's guaranteed that people will be comparing this movie to Schindler's List, because they both have the same type of storyline. One man saving many people. While Cheadle's character can be called a "mini schindler," I think it's rude to do that. Hotel Rwanda was a great film, pure and simple.

The story involves how there are two different types of people in Rwanda. The Tutsis and the Hutus. The president, a Hutu, signs a peace treaty with the Tutsi rebels but is murdered while leaving. The army and other citizens then rebel against the Tutsis and kill every single one of them they can find. The problem for Cheadle is that his wife is a Tutsi and his kids can possibly be considered one too.

That's the backstory to the whole situation. I'm sure everyone knows that Cheadle is setting up the hotel as an area for refugee Tutsi and Hutus to come in. The movie is two hours long and appears to be split into two halves. The first half involves the U.N. there protecting them and the news reporters along with other Europeans still at the hotel. The other half involves when the hotel is baiscally on its own and tries to get help escaping.

The film is filled with devastating moments, one of the biggest being when Nick Nolte's character explains to Cheadle about why the armies aren't helping them. "You're not even a nigger" he says. "You're African." The line is just brutal to hear in the movie but reflects the truth about it. Sadly these countries looked upon saving Rwanda on an economic standpoint and not a moral one, and that was pretty devastating in itself.

There are plenty of suspenseful scenes, most involving Cheadle having to bribe or stop the Hutus from killing everyone. The most intense scene being when an escape attempt goes awry. The acting is great all around and I'm happy for Cheadle's and Okonedo's noms.

The only problems I did have with the film is that at times it had dry spots, the whole bribing thing became repetitive and the ending wasn't well done. The ending decided to quickly explain what was going to happen and just rushed it by, and it also got way too sappy. Luckily the text at the end adressed what happened afterwards. Either way, even with those little problems, I enjoyed the film immensly, and I recommend that people go see it. I still wonder why it didn't make best picture.

[BakeTheMooCow]

Originally posted by someguy
I still wonder why it didn't make best picture.
I think it was because while it was a good movie with great performances, it wasn't particularly a good-looking movie. The direction was sophomoric and had a grainy TV movie-of-the-week feel. That's why the director didn't get a nom either. All the Best Picture nominees have a distinctive feel to them, and Hotel Rwanda just misses the mark.

[Strider]

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/united_artists/hotel_rwanda/_group_photos/antonio_lyons2.jpg

I understand why this film is receiving comparisons to Schindler's List, but I wouldn't say it's as good or superior to that film. Hotel Rwanda is a good film with a fascinating and absolutely depressing true story. However, there's really nothing I can think of in the film that blew me away. The only thing that did blow me away is Don Cheadle's commanding performance in the lead role. Cheadle is such a good actor, and he has never been better in any other film. As of right now, this is the performance of his entire career. I can only hope this performance brings Cheadle more recognition, acknowledgement, and fame than he's ever had before. Hotel Rwanda didn't leave me stunned as it has done to others, yet this is still an intriguing piece of work. It should be seen by all simply for Cheadle's powerhouse of a performance.

Grade: 7/10 or ***1/2/***** stars

Strider

[chinton]

heres my review


“Rwanda” Is A Powerful Story By Blake Hinton

Films that deal with his historical tragedies in which the United States either ignored or had a part in can take on two different tones. A good example of the wrong way is a film like the pretentious Salvador by Oliver Stone. Using his common melodramatic tendencies Stone wanted to point his finger at the audience and shame them for not responding to the tragedies that happened in the area however many decades ago. Thankfully, there are examples of films in which real tragedies are handled with dignity and power. The release of the powerful Hotel Rwanda is an example of that kind of film.
The plot of the film is based on a true story dealing with the 1994 genocide of the Tutsis by Hutus in Rwanda where a million people were slaughtered within a hundred days. The plot follows real life man Paul Rusesabagina(Don Cheadle), manager of a local hotel. Paul is happily married to his wife Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo). His business is also going quite well. He is a smooth businessman and, therefore, has great relationships with everyone around him. This even extends to the head general of Rwanda’s army.
Yet, all is not well in Rwanda. Tensions between the Hutus and Tutsis are boiling over. Things turn from bad to worse when the Hutu militia turn to the streets and start slaughtering Tutsis left and right. Some of the scenes in which men, women, and children are hacked to death with machetes are extremely hard to watch.
The remaining Tutsi refugees come to Paul for help. His hotel is being protected by the UN so they can hold up there with little chance of being hurt. Yet, things get worse for Paul when the United States along with every other big power pull out the UN leaving the country to descend into chaos. Suddenly, Paul goes from hotel manager to savior as he must wheel and deal with the Rwanda army and other officials to keep his hotel and the refugees inside protected.
This is an important movie to see, and that’s not just because it’s a great film. This is a political film at heart, and like all political films it has something to teach you. If someone has never heard of the Rwanda genocide or knows only a little about it please take the time to see this film. While it is not the best historical document as to what happened as most of the film is told from Paul’s POV it is still a moving and enlightening document about a real tragedy. Also, this modern day Oskar Schindler is something to behold too. Most people have probably never heard of this person named Paul, which is sad because his story is absolutely fascinating.
Another fascinating and great aspect to the film is the tone that the film takes. On one hand, it is made perfectly clear that the US did not care about what happened in Rwanda and stood by as a million people were slaughtered. Yet, this film is not a diatribe. It does not want to shame the audience but rather deliver a powerful visceral punch. There are shocking scenes that are meant to be shocking, but it’s countered by the strong relationship of Paul and his wife. This is a story just as much about them as to what is happening outside the hotel walls.
Thankfully, we have two lead performances that are up to this task. If one has already looked at the Academy Award nominations one would notice both Don Cheadle and Sophie have been nominated. They deserve this. Don Cheadle does a great job of tackling a complex character who has two distinct sides both fighting for control. One is the hotel manager who just wants the comfort of the hotel restored and the other is the emerging position of rescuer that has been thrust on his lap. Sophie Okonedo also does a great job and steals the movie every scene she is in. It is because of her that the story of their relationship is powerful and important.
Another part of the film that has to be greatly complimented is the screenplay. The script, especially as things are leading up to the slaughter, is consistently suspenseful. Some may say that there a few scenes that are created for dramatic conflict, yet even if this is true the film never stumbles on them. The movie consistently hums along going from a surprising amount of humor to terror in the next instant. One must give the screenwriter credit for placing the film firmly in Paul’s POV.
This is a really great film and one of the best of the year. It is consistently engaging, powerful, graceful, and more specifically important. Admittedly, the movie is sentimental and a bit manipulative. Yet, if only all manipulative films could be this well-handled. This is playing in Greensboro for a limited time so run to see it.

9/10

[spacemonkey]

Originally posted by chinton
Another fascinating and great aspect to the film is the tone that the film takes. On one hand, it is made perfectly clear that the US did not care about what happened in Rwanda and stood by as a million people were slaughtered. Yet, this film is not a diatribe. It does not want to shame the audience but rather deliver a powerful visceral punch. There are shocking scenes that are meant to be shocking, but it’s countered by the strong relationship of Paul and his wife. This is a story just as much about them as to what is happening outside the hotel walls.
9/10

And yet I felt ashamed! As an american citizen, you feel like there was more that our nation could have done, but didnt, since there are no votes, no oil or no money to be won by helping them out.

I identified very much with Joaquin Phoenix's character when he had to leave and said "Im so ashamed!" ....god what a moment!

This movie really touched me and even made me cry a few times. Its one of those movies that makes you see the horrors that humans are capable off....but also the goodness.

I liked how in between the sadness there were beautiful things like Paul and Tatianas love, those little girls dancing and singing....theres a few moments sprinkled all through out to help lighten up the dark and depressing tone of the film.

[chinton]

Im not saying it didnt make me feel ashamed. It did. What was interesting though was that I didnt felt like I wa s being beaten on the head. By countering the horryfying true events with humor and the strong central love it became an even more powerful film. It was more effective than a stright Oliver Stone diatribe which this wasnt. Do you understand?


Its nice we agree on a film for once.

[ilovemovies]

Basically I agree with Strider. I wasn't blown away by this movie, it's not as deeply moving as Schindler's List. But it does have scenes that are absolutely disturbing. Disturbing that people can be that cruel and evil. Don Cheadle turns in a powerhouse performance. And there are individual scenes that are wrenching. But as a whole the movie didn't really blow me away. Not quite a masterpiece but a very good movie nonetheless.

*** (out of ****)

[Browntown]

Review: Hotel Rwanda
http://www.browntownjohnny.com/index.php


There are great political stories in movies, Oliver Stone has the corner on these type of war films like "Salvador" and "Heaven and Earth". Writer /director Terry George did a fantastic drama about the mothers of IRA members called "Mothers and Sons". His newest film is "Hotel Rwanda", an African civil war film. A true-life story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who housed over a thousand Tutsis refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda. Paul was a middle class Hutu and his wife Tatiana is a Tutsis and their friends and neighbors were a mix of both factions.In 19994, the uprising comes to Paul's doorstep when the militia starts murdering his neighbors. He takes the children and friends to his workplace for protection from the hordes of militia assassins. This is real heavy shit, and it is a very engaging film experience.

Don Cheadle stars as Paul, and deserved a nomination for best actor because he has tackled the toughest role of the year. A man of dignity that must use his resources as a diplomatic hotel employee to save over a thousand lives. This almost cost him the lives of his wife and children, and Cheadle goes through this role with high points of drama. The production is smart and real (Stone producer A. Kitman Ho does a spectacular job). Watch for great actors Nick Nolte as a UN peacekeeper who is trying to save lives but is not allowed to engage. Jean Reno in a small but important role as a hotel executive, and Joaquin Phoenix and David O'Hara as TV journalists. Former African model Sophie Okonedo is excellent as Tatiana, and will be on the rise for her tough role. Great film is one of the better films about the horror of war and the ignorance of our leaders, turning their backs on genocide.

[Briare Rabbit]

Originally posted by BakeTheMooCow
I think it was because while it was a good movie with great performances, it wasn't particularly a good-looking movie. The direction was sophomoric and had a grainy TV movie-of-the-week feel. That's why the director didn't get a nom either. All the Best Picture nominees have a distinctive feel to them, and Hotel Rwanda just misses the mark.

In other words, it wasn't the glossy, hollywood crap that the oscars usually eat up.

Heaven knows it was better than any of the nominees for best picture. Save Sideways, which I haven't seen any of (saw some of Ray, turned it off).