Released back in 2004, Hotel Rwanda is a powerful drama genre movie that tells a story based on a true event that happened in the East African country, Rwanda. Directed by Terry George and starred by Don Cheadle, Hotel Rwanda is a brilliant movie that tells about the consequences and struggle during a time of crisis in a luxurious hotel in Rwanda named de Milles Collines.
The movie begins with an introduction about the Paul Rusesabagina’s (played by Don Cheadle) daily life as an operation manager at the five-star hotel in the Rwandan capital, Kigali. In 1994, Rwanda suffered from a serious crisis between Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups. At first, Paul seems to be unaffected, but he soon realizes the severity of the situation when the hotel he works for becomes the shelter for Tutsi refugees.
Paul Rusesabagina’s life then transforms into a living nightmare and his hotel turns into a place of refuge for Tutsi civilians. Paul becomes the central character to help the people who he once considered guests. The hotel’s safe haven not only reveals the blissful lives of the Belgians, but also their complicity regarding the genocide.
The political unrest, caught between the battles of government-supported Hutus and the Tutsi rebels, makes everyone living in Rwanda fear for their safety. Paul tries to navigate this dangerous territory by establishing an ally of convenience with the General of Rwanda’s army and by playing a difficult game of maneuvering around Hutu extremists.
Throughout the movie, the audience is able to see how Paul and his family’s lives become much more difficult and complicated due to the fact that his wife is from the Tutsi ethnic group. As violence intensifies, Paul sees how his family may be targeted and he becomes even more determined to take action.
It is during this time we see a transformation in Paul’s character. He begins to realize how much of his previous life has been spent ignoring the cruelty and unfairness that exists around him, and this realization compels him to act. Paul becomes increasingly brave as the atrocities become more widespread. He is forced to hide refugees, negotiate with corrupt officials, and risk his own life to save lives of the people he has come to consider as family.
Hotel Rwanda is a brilliant representation of how war and political unrest can devastate the normal life of individuals. During this time, which was an example of some of the most despicable acts that humans can commit, Paul became an inspiration for many. His bravery and humanity shine throughout the movie, and his deeds serve as a reminder of the power of compassion even in the most dire of circumstances.
Hotel Rwanda is a representation of the chaos and devastation of war, and a reminder of the capacity of humanity for acts of kindness even during difficult times. It tells a story that is important, powerful, and unforgettable.
Conclusion
Watching Hotel Rwanda can be a difficult experience, but it is one that we must witness to understand the true horrors of the past and to learn from them. The movie teaches us about resilience, the power of the human spirit, and the importance of bravery in the face of adversity. It is a potent reminder that we all have a duty to act in the light of injustice. Hotel Rwanda is a movie that everyone should watch at least once, an evergreen movie that will inspire compassion and empathy for generations to come.
