The Popkorn Junkie :: Hotel Rwanda

      Do you remember that feeling you had when you first watched "Schindler's List"? Do you remember the sadness that you felt and how you wished you had been there to kill all of those Nazi bastards before they had a chance at genocide? That was certainly how I felt, and Steven Spielberg did a fantastic job of making it all seem so real, and yet to surreal. Maybe that's just the way it really was -- something that horrific, something that unspeakable can only seem like a nightmare. With "Hotel Rwanda", director Terry George has examined another genocide, one that is probably lesser know, but much more vicious and cruel in nature. During the mid-1990's, after a stumble in Somalia, the United States government was hesitant to get involved in Africa once more. So, when the Hutu tribe started a massacre against their neighboring Tutsi tribe, we sat back and watched the events unfold. While Americans ate their dinners, half a million Tutsi women and children were meeting their ends by machete. That TV dinner doesn't taste so good now, does it? "Hotel Rwanda" is the story of one man who tried to make a difference.

      Don Cheadle stars as Paul Rusesabagina, the house manager of the prestigious Milles Collines Hotel in Rwanda. He is a man who loves his job and gives it all of the respect and attention it deserves. Being in such a position of power gives him the chance to make friends with people in high places, by slipping them bottles of whiskey and offering them the finest in Rwandan cuisine. Paul is a Hutu, but his wife Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo) is a Tutsi. As it is explained to a journalist (Joaquin Phoenix) in the film, the primary difference between a Hutu and Tutsi is their nose -- Tutsi's have slender noses. Then the massacres start. Hutu's take to the streets slaughtering each and every Tutsi that crosses their path. Scared and helpless, Tutsi refugees flood to the only Hutu they know they can trust -- Paul Rusesabagina. At first he is hesitant to get involved in any situation that does not directly affect his family, but soon turns his five star hotel into housing for the refugees, immediately thrusting himself into grave danger. The remainder of the film sheds light on the terrifying atrocities committed by the Hutus during this time period, Paul's attempts to show the world what is happening to his people, and the bond shared between all of these refugees as they fight for their lives. Nick Nolte co-stars as a United Nations Colonel who wants to help, though his hands are almost completely tied.

      This film is all about simple shocks. They are scenes so intricately designed that you know something is about to happen, but you never quite prepare yourself for what is actually presented. The most startling scene takes place when Paul and one of his workers are driving down a Rwandan road at night. The road is bumpy and coarse, leaving Paul to believe that his driver has taken them off the road. Considering the thick fog, it is possible. So, Paul tells him to stop the truck, and he gets out. I will not reveal what happens next, but it is imagery that gets lodged inside your head and refuses to leave. Another equally unnerving scene occurs when Joaquin Phoenix brings in a videotape of footage he has recorded from outside -- footage of Hutu soldiers using their machetes against the Tutsis in the only way a machete can be used. Alas, director Terry George has also done a phenomenal job of focusing on the family element between Paul and his wife. They share a very special bond, and one of the most touching, and sincere moments comes towards the end when Paul finds his family huddled in the shower, using a shower spray for protection. Paul aptly asks, "And what were you going to do with that?" This is one of the most genuine scenes in the entire film.

      Never would I have imagined that Don Cheadle would have been the man for this role. Rumor has it that Will Smith was the original actor George wanted, but was already committed to another project. It's a good thing they chose Cheadle, because I do not imagine any other actor being able to portray Paul Rusesabagina with the same courage and strength which Cheadle conveys. This performance has Oscar written all over it, and he was given a nomination, though it is unlikely he will win. But, if he did, it would be both well deserved and gratifying. Sophie Okonedo was also nominated for her amazing performance as Tatiana. She shows all of the emotional range and complexity of any actress around today -- and we thought Halle Berry was amazing in "Monster's Ball"...you ain't seen nothing yet. Nick Nolte also added nice depth and authenticity to the film, as the American Colonel who hates seeing what is happening, but is under orders to do nothing. He has a very powerful scene with Cheadle in the bar of the hotel. Jean Reno also pops up as the owner of the hotel, who saves Cheadle's life on a couple of occasions.

      "Hotel Rwanda" is a difficult film to watch, more so I think than "Schindler's List" in that it is amazing to think that we could let something like this happen such a short time ago. We intervened during WWII and stopped the Holocaust. We did nothing here, and over 500,000 men, women, and children were killed by one of the most gruesome means necessary. This is a film that sticks with the viewer long after you have left the theatre, and I believe it accomplishes its primary goal -- to make sure nothing like this ever happens again. Well, considering what is going on in the Sudan, maybe this film will help bring attention to that crisis, before it becomes worse than the Rwandan genocides. Director Terry George has crafted a cinematic masterpiece and one of the best films that was released in 2004. I wish this could have made my list. Just know that it is on there. I encourage all of you to see "Hotel Rwanda" and receive a valuable history lesson in one of the worst misfires in world history.

-- Billy Ray ( 4 out of 4 pops )

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Mike ( 4 out of 4 pops )

Telling an inspired and uplifting story surrounding one of the most horrendous acts of genocide ever seen on this planet is not an easy thing to do. But get a great script and some very good supporting actors to go with the always outstanding Don Cheadle and this film proves it can be done. The fact that this story about a man who puts thousands of people's lives before his own makes this film even that more powerful. Cheadle gives a grand performance here by playing this real person in a real way, and not in an over-sentimental way to make us like him. The story keeps us on the edge of our seats knowing that at any time this story can take a turn in the worst way. I can't think of anything that is not right with this film.