The Fundy Film Society

Hotel Rwanda

Hotel Rwanda is as gripping a film as any seen in recent memory. Based on true events that emerged from the atrocity of the Rwandan civil war, director Terry George’s masterful Hotel Rwanda introduces us to Paul Rusesabagina, then the manager of the posh Hotel Milles Collines. In 1994, Hutu extremists held the nation by the throat, their hatred focused on moderate Hutus and the whole Tutsi population. Almost overnight, menace turned to violence and caught thousands unaware. When Rusesabagina’s wife Tatiana, family and neighbours are threatened by the militia, he exchanges cash, liquor and stockpiled favours with the authorities for the lives of those closest to him. Barricaded in the hotel with those he is trying to protect, Rusesabagina is a reluctant hero. At first, he assumes that once outsiders know what is happening, help will come, but the truth descends like a dark, desolate cloud. Despite a fax campaign pleading with the hotel’s European owners and even President Clinton, the refugees at the Milles Collines realize there is little the outside world is able – or willing – to do. Rusesabagina is left to keep the hundreds of Tutsis who have taken sanctuary in his hotel safe for just another day, another hour. For an historic one hundred days, until rescued by the United Nations, he held the line against terror. These days of tragedy, triumph and heart-pounding suspense are portrayed with a most sensitive touch, while the awesome Don Cheadle delivers an astonishing performance as Rusesabagina, capturing every fibre and sinew of this remarkable, complex man. He is joined by Nick Nolte as the head of the beleaguered United Nations peacekeeping force, crazed with frustration but unwilling to abandon the country to its fate.

“Both tough and tender, the movingly rendered production often strikes a devastating chord without resorting to any of the manipulative string-pulling known to accompany movies about ‘men who made a difference.’ Cheadle impressively carries the entire picture, delivering the kind of note-perfect performance that’s absolutely deserving of Oscar consideration.” – Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter