Hotel Rwanda Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fancy hotel manager uses complimentary scotch and room service to avoid a Rwandan timeshare presentation from becoming a permanent stay for over a thousand people.

🍿 Hotel Rwanda: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Calm Before the Storm

In 1994 Rwanda, Paul Rusesabagina, a Hutu, manages the luxurious Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali. He navigates the complex social landscape, maintaining connections with powerful figures and ensuring the hotel’s smooth operation. Paul is married to Tatiana, a Tutsi, and they have three children, reflecting a society where intermarriage was not uncommon despite underlying ethnic tensions.

The Descent into Chaos

Following the assassination of the Rwandan President, the delicate balance shatters, and Rwanda descends into genocidal violence. Hutu extremists begin systematically targeting Tutsis, and the streets become battlegrounds. Paul witnesses the brutality firsthand as his neighbors and friends become victims of the escalating conflict. The initial shock and disbelief quickly give way to a desperate struggle for survival.

Sanctuary at the Mille Collines

As the genocide intensifies, Paul uses his influence and resources to transform the Mille Collines into a refuge. Hundreds of terrified Tutsis and moderate Hutus seek shelter within its walls, hoping for protection from the Interahamwe militia. Paul leverages his connections, bribes officials, and utilizes his managerial skills to keep the refugees safe, facing constant threats and dwindling supplies.

Desperation and Resilience

Inside the hotel, tensions rise as resources dwindle and the threat of invasion looms. Paul grapples with moral dilemmas, making difficult choices to ensure the survival of those under his care. He witnesses acts of both incredible courage and devastating betrayal, highlighting the complex nature of humanity in the face of unimaginable horror. The film portrays the psychological toll on Paul, torn between his duty to protect and his fear for his own family.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle): The resourceful hotel manager who risks everything to protect over a thousand refugees during the Rwandan genocide.
• Tatiana Rusesabagina (Sophie Okonedo): Paul’s Tutsi wife, whose safety and the safety of their children, fuels his determination to save others.
• Colonel Oliver (Nick Nolte): The Canadian UN peacekeeping force leader, who is frustrated by the international community’s inaction.
• Jack Daglish (Joaquin Phoenix): A photojournalist documenting the atrocities, struggling with the impact of witnessing the genocide.
• George Rutaganda (Hakeem Kae-Kazim): A Hutu businessman and radio personality who promotes anti-Tutsi propaganda and violence.
• Gregoire (Tony Kgoroge): A hotel employee whose betrayal endangers many refugees.
• General Bizimungu (Fana Mokoena): The Hutu Chief of Staff who initially provides assistance in exchange for bribes.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Paul: “I am glad that you have shot this footage and that the world will see it. It is the only way we have a chance that people might intervene. How can they not intervene when they witness such atrocities?” – Paul expresses hope that the journalist’s footage will spur international intervention to stop the genocide.
• Jack: “I think if people see this footage they’ll say, ‘oh my God that’s horrible,’ and then go on eating their dinners.” – Jack cynically predicts the world’s indifference despite witnessing the atrocities in Rwanda.
• Paul: “I can’t watch this anymore. I don’t want to be a refugee.” – Paul expresses his despair and refusal to become a displaced person as his country descends into chaos.
• Colonel Oliver: “We’re here as peacekeepers, not peacemakers.” – Colonel Oliver explains the limited mandate of the UN forces, highlighting their inability to actively stop the violence.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $17.5M
• Domestic Gross: $23.5M
• Worldwide Gross: $33.9M

💥 Hotel Rwanda Reviews

Personal Review

Hotel Rwanda hit me hard. I remember watching it in my small apartment and being absolutely floored. Don Cheadle’s performance, the raw emotion, and the realization that this was real life for so many people…it’s something that stuck with me. I felt ashamed that I didn’t know more about the Rwandan genocide before, and the movie motivated me to learn. Specifically, the scene where Paul drives through the road littered with bodies… I don’t think I’ll ever forget that. It’s a powerful reminder of the depths of human cruelty but also the strength of the human spirit to survive and find hope even in the darkest of times. I left feeling both heartbroken and inspired to do better. I was truly deeply saddened by what I watched in the movie and I recommend this movie to all that are interested in watching a war-torn and divided nation.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Those seeking thought-provoking films about social justice”
  • “Fans of Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo”
  • “Anyone interested in learning about the Rwandan genocide”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Scenes of violence and genocide”
  • “Disturbing images and themes”
  • “Emotional distress”
  • “May not be suitable for young children”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Hotel Rwanda isn’t just a movie; it’s a visceral experience. Don Cheadle delivers a career-defining performance, capturing the essence of a man forced to make impossible choices. The film doesn’t shy away from the horror, but it also emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit.
• A.O. Scott: “The film is wrenching. The story is a simple yet complex one; that when faced with our greatest fears, what choices do we make? Hotel Rwanda is a great historical recounting of the Rwandan genocide, but it is also a very basic tale of human rights.
• Peter Travers: “It’s a film that stays with you, not because of graphic violence (which is mostly implied), but because of the emotional depth and the powerful message it conveys. Don Cheadle’s performance is nothing short of stunning. This is a must-see film.

Audience Reactions

Don Cheadle’s performance was phenomenal; he truly embodied the character and brought the story to life.: Viewers praised the film’s ability to raise awareness about the Rwandan genocide and its emotional impact.

The movie made me question the world’s indifference to the Rwandan genocide and the UN’s failure to intervene effectively.: Many viewers felt the film was a powerful indictment of international inaction.

Overall Consensus: Hotel Rwanda is a powerful and moving film that serves as an important reminder of the Rwandan genocide and a call for global responsibility, though some criticism exists on potential historical inaccuracies.

Awards

1. Black Reel Award (Outstanding Actor)- 2005
2. Black Reel Award (Outstanding Film)- 2005

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The screenplay was written over the course of a year, with the writer reaching out to the Rwandan embassy in Washington D.C., where he spoke with a survivor of the Milles Collines Hotel.”
• “Don Cheadle’s performance as Paul Rusesabagina was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.”
• “The film was shot on location in Rwanda and South Africa, adding to its realistic portrayal of the Rwandan genocide.”
• “Part of the profits from the film are donated to the Rwandan Survivors Fund, which supports the victims and families affected by the genocide.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hotel Rwanda?

Hotel Rwanda is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where it’s available for rent or purchase. Check local listings for television availability. Many libraries also offer DVD copies. Keep an eye out for special editions that may include behind-the-scenes features and interviews.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hotel Rwanda, you might like these similar films:

• Schindler’s List (1993): Both films depict an individual’s courageous efforts to save lives during a genocide, highlighting themes of morality and humanity in the face of extreme evil.
• The Killing Fields (1984): Illustrates the horrors of genocide and civil war in Cambodia and the impact on both locals and foreign journalists, sharing similar themes of human suffering and resilience.
• Blood Diamond (2006): Focuses on the brutal realities of conflict diamonds in Sierra Leone, showcasing the exploitation and violence that fuel civil wars in Africa.
• Shake Hands with the Devil (2007): A documentary featuring Roméo Dallaire’s firsthand account of the Rwandan genocide, offering a deeper understanding of the events depicted in ‘Hotel Rwanda’.

🛒 Hotel Rwanda Related Products

• Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda: General Romeo Dallaire’s harrowing account of leading the UN peacekeeping force during the Rwandan genocide. A crucial read for understanding the political and human dimensions of the tragedy.
• Hotel Rwanda [Blu-ray]: Experience the powerful story of ‘Hotel Rwanda’ in stunning high definition. A must-own for anyone moved by the film’s message.
• Rwandan Coffee: Authentic Rwandan coffee, sourced directly from the region. Enjoy a rich, flavorful brew while supporting Rwandan farmers and communities.
• We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda: Phillip Gourevitch’s book dives deep into the Rwandan genocide and investigates the causes that led to the mass killing.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hotel Rwanda features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Umqombothi” – performed by Yvonne Chaka Chaka
• “Inema Nshuti” – performed by Intore Cultural Group

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

What caused the Rwandan Genocide? – Susanne Buckley-Zistel

Dig deeper into the historical roots of the Rwandan Genocide in this captivating video that helps you grasp the complexities of this tragic event.

The Rwandan Genocide

Journey through the horrors of the Rwandan Genocide in this eye-opening documentary that sheds light on one of the darkest chapters in human history.

How could the Rwandan genocide happen? – BBC Africa

Discover how the Rwandan Genocide unfolded and its profound impact on the nation in this thought-provoking documentary from BBC Africa.

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