Hotel Rwanda (2004) - Don Cheadle , Nick Nolte , Joaquin Phoenix

Hotel Rwanda is probably one of the most inspiring and disturbing film I have ever seen. It is not disturbing due to any act of brutality or inhumanity shown in the film. But because , this film was based on a true story. Hotel Rwanda is set at one of the darkest parts of history, one that happened not too long ago. Many of us have heard of the Rwanda genocide , but you have to admit most of those who have probably heard of it may just have said, and I will borrow a quote from the movie and it goes like this " I think if people see this footage, they'll say Oh, my God, that's horrible. And then they'll go on eating their dinners. " The film actually gave me a glimpse into how horrible and devastating this event was , but obviously it can never capture even one fourth of the extent of it. But it will certainly open your eyes,

The movie tells the story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager working at the Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali, during this time there has been brewing tensions between two "ethnic" groups, although both groups seemed to be more akin to a social class than an ethnicity Per Se. The two groups are the minority Tutsi , long perceived ruling class of Rwanda and the majority Hutu, which is perceived as the masses.The UN is seen supervising a peace treaty between the Hutu majority led government and the Tutsi rebel forces. Things start escalating quickly when the Hutu President is assassinated in an attack on his plane. Thus begins the genocide , with the prodding of the government, Hutu militia begins killing Tutsi people on the streets. Although Paul is an ethnic Hutu his wife isn't , and amid the violence in the middle of the night , frightened tutsi neighbors hide in their house knowing full well that Paul in his position as manager , had often mingled and served powerful people in an effort to create contacts. Paul eventually ends up bribing a military officer to allow him to bring his family and neighbors to the hotel. It is there that he ends up taking in more refugees as he tries to use his contacts to keep the hotel safe and away from harm even as the rest of the world seems to be ignoring what is happening on the ground.

A beautiful movie, if you haven't seen it, don't do any research prior to watching it, trust me it is much better to watch this film not knowing any "spoilers". You will be horrified , you will cry and some scenes but still feel inspired.The true story is already amazing as it is, the movie does a good job in conveying it to screen. The cast led by Don Cheadle is stellar, even the supporting roles are great. This is one of those rare gems of film making that you must never pass up, this is one truly great movie.

Watch Trailer Here