‘Hotel Rwanda’ true, heartwrenching tale

Reel Reflections

"Hotel Rwanda," the first full-length film from writer and director Terry George, embraces the difference that one person can make.

Early in the film, genocide erupts as a result of ongoing tension between the Hutus and Tutsis, two prevalent Rwandan ethnic groups. Then the Rwandan Hutu president is assassinated by a ruthless group of Tutsis rebels during a peace signing. A group of radical Hutus respond with an attempt to eradicate the entire Tutsis population. This true story details the 1994 genocide that left behind one million corpses.

Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle, "Traffic") is the Hutu manager of an opulent four-star hotel. He is in no immediate danger, but his wife, Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo, "Dirty Pretty Things"), and his children are Tutsis. Early on, Paul says to Tatiana, "We must protect our family, our only concern." As the violence escalates, however, he begins to house Tutsis refugees in his hotel, disguising them as guests — a feat that eventually saves the lives of more than 1,200 Tutsis.

The film is like a retelling of "Schindler’s List." "Hotel Rwanda" portrays one man’s selflessness and courage, which saves the lives of many during the mass extermination of a population. Paul uses his connections to continually avert danger, but as the film progresses, the people upon whom he most relies begin to turn their backs on his cause. He is forced to rely upon his own courage, and in doing so, he discovers a strength he never knew he had. It seems appropriate, though, that a film such as this would be made in the ever-growing climate of intolerance that is so prevalent in today’s world. Because intolerance breeds hate and causes war, "Hotel Rwanda" is a wakeup call to the world.

The acting is marvelous, with the two leads — Cheadle and Okonedo — stealing the show. Okonedo is incredible in her role as Tatiana. Her facial expressions alone convey extreme emotion and raw power. Cheadle brings a quiet understanding to the character of Paul. Both Okonedo and Cheadle deservedly earned Academy Award nominations for their roles.

Praise aside, though, the film is occasionally absorbed with conversational clichés, self-conscious dialogue and unnecessary pretension. If the film relied more upon its visual skill and emotional content to convey the messages that it verbally addresses, the outcome would have been more effective.

Overall, "Hotel Rwanda" is an incredible film of immense importance and undeniable courage. It’s heartbreaking to learn such deplorable acts are ignored by the reigning powers of the world. At one point, a reporter who has filmed footage of the genocide says, "People will see this on television, say ‘that’s horrible,’ and go on eating their dinners." Today, we still watch the horrors on television or see them on the Internet and go about our business — like with the war in Iraq. Detachment from the world only magnifies horrors like the one depicted in the film "Hotel Rwanda."

Starring: Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo

Running Time: 121 minutes

Rated: Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo

4 out of 5 paws