Review of Hotel Rwanda (2004) by Adrian B — 11 May 2011

"Hotel Rwanda" is brutal, unrestrained, and very educational movie. Two ethnic group within the troubled African nation of Rwanda, the Hutu's and Tutsi's clash and begin a brutal civil war, in which Paul Rusesibagina (Don Cheadle) and his family are caught in the middle of the disputes. The film immediately falls into the intense war scenes within the first 15 minutes and Paul, his family, and a number of his neighbours escape through the bloodshed to the Sabena Hotel, of which Paul is the manager. There, they seek shelter and many more innocent citizens are brought to the hotel. Sadly, it takes a while for them to get out of the hotel and they not only see violence, but they are also rejected for help by the western world (such as the U.K., U.S.A., France, etc.).

There are a number of reasons I enjoyed this film, such as its intensity, acting, thrills, realism, editing, and photography, and the colour was noticeably was done. I also liked the perspective I gained on the brutal atrocities on the genocide in Rwanda, which was briefly touched on by ignorant history instructor back in high school. She knows little to nothing on this or anything else. I also agree to those that this is similar to Schindler's List, though perhaps not as brutal. An excellent film!