Hotel Rwanda
Directed by Terry GeorgeInspired by true events, this film takes place in Rwanda in the 1990s when more than a million Tutsis were killed in a genocide that went mostly unnoticed by the rest of the world. Hotel owner Paul Rusesabagina houses over a thousand refuges in his hotel in attempt to save their lives.
Cast of Hotel Rwanda
Hotel Rwanda Ratings & Reviews
- mickerdooAugust 25, 2025Important piece of film. Shameful there wasn't more outside assistance. Especially on such a clear cut case of genocide. Hopefully we learn.
- HakihikoDecember 16, 2024A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Courage Amidst Chaos Hotel Rwanda is a heartbreaking and powerful portrayal of one of the darkest chapters in human history-the Rwandan Genocide. Director Terry George delivers a gut-wrenching film that captures the brutality and chaos of the genocide, yet also shines a light on the courage and resilience of those who tried to save lives amidst the horrors. Don Cheadle gives an extraordinary performance as Paul Rusesabagina, the hotel manager who becomes an unlikely hero by sheltering over 1,200 Tutsi refugees in the Hôtel des Mille Collines. Cheadle's portrayal is deeply moving, balancing fear, desperation, and an unwavering sense of duty. His nuanced performance gives the film its emotional core, making the audience feel every ounce of his character's anguish and bravery. The script is equally compelling. It masterfully builds suspense, capturing the rising tension as the outside world turns a blind eye to the slaughter, leaving Rusesabagina and those he protects in an increasingly perilous situation. The screenplay deftly blends personal drama with the broader political landscape, showing how an ordinary man is pushed into extraordinary circumstances. The way it slowly unravels the impending genocide creates a feeling of dread that is both heart-stopping and heartbreaking. The film doesn't shy away from the brutality of the conflict, presenting gut-wrenching scenes of violence and fear that are difficult to watch, yet necessary to convey the sheer horror of what took place. These scenes are powerful and unflinching, but never gratuitous-serving as a reminder of the human cost of hatred and indifference. While the movie can be hard to watch due to its raw portrayal of real-life atrocities, its message of hope and humanity amidst chaos shines through. The supporting cast, including Sophie Okonedo and Joaquin Phoenix, also add depth and weight to the narrative, making this film a well-rounded, emotionally charged experience. Overall, Hotel Rwanda is a suspenseful, heartbreaking, and incredibly important film. Its brutal story is difficult to process, but its powerful message about the human capacity for both evil and good lingers long after the credits roll. This is a movie that stays with you, earning a solid 8/10 for its impactful storytelling, extraordinary performances, and unflinching honesty.
