Hotel Rwanda (2004)
ADULT THEMES, MEDIUM LEVEL VIOLENCE, LOW LEVEL COARSE LANGUAGE
When the world closed its eyes, he opened his arms.
It seems inconceivable that atrocities on the scale of those in this film could ever be allowed to happen, but they did and, basically, the rest of the world looked away. The outrage occurred in 1994 when members of the Hutu tribe in Rwanda carried out a 100-day campaign of annihilation against members of the Tutsi tribe and massacred one million people. It may be indicative of the West’s politically enfeebled response to this when, near the end of the film, an official is interviewed on radio and is clumsily reluctant to use the word, genocide in describing the bloodbath.
Hotel Rwanda personalises the shameful event by centring on a single story – that of a man called Paul Rusesabagina, played by Don Cheadle who has been rightfully lauded for his superbly understated, emotionally controlled performance. Paul, a Hutu married to a Tutsi, Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo), is manager of the classy, Belgium-owned Hotel Des Milles Collines located in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali.
| Status: | Normal |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 121mins |
| Origin: | CANADA |
| Aspect Ratio: |
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Member Reviews (189)
189 Member
Reviews
Lynnieb
says
An absolute must watch. We are so protected here we need to be aware of what happens in much more disadvantaged places. With all the horror it's amazing to see true heroes. If people complained it was too gory I can only imagine it was a thousand times worse in real life.
says
Dramatic insight into real events. Shocking story. Hard to believe all that really happened : (
Aaron Ramon Ki Re
says
Damn good movie that exposes the political and unfortunately racist agenda of most developed nations when it comes to being involved in a nation's affairs when it comes genocide based on their size and importance in natural resources. Superb acting and a great pivotal role by Cheadle - highly recommended viewing. Tragic but also an uplifting story about one man's struggle to keep his humanity during a time of savagery.
Cheryl.
says
Excellent movie with great acting. A must for those who took an interest in the early 1990s of the crisis in Rwanda.
Don
says
since neither of the dvds worked I can't make a comment.
LS
says
Brilliant brilliant brilliant! Please don't stick your head in the sand just because you can't hack the confronting and brutal FACTS. Interesting that people who gave this movie less than 3 stars mostly because of the gore. The sad thing about this movie is that it is based on real life stories not gratuitous violence....not brilliantly acted, but brilliantly told.
marian
says
Quite liked the historical aspect of the the film but found it rather too gory for our tastes
margaret worth
says
good movie but a bit slow to start with took a while to get to the story, well for me any way
mcfrood
says
I put off watching this movie for years, because I thought it would have the effect that it did. Very confronting. I don't think this film pulled any punches, when Nick Notle's character (Canadian General) says to Paul (Don Cheadle) "You are sh*t" it was about the most bloody honest dialogue they could have used. Because he nailed it as to why the international community was prepared to stand by and do nothing. If Rwanda had oil, like Libya and Iraq, it would have troops in there like a shot.
Antony D
says
This movie can not be rated. how can you rate something that is true.... how can you rate the road full of dead bodies? how can you rate the acts these ppl did, bec of the width of their noses? I cried through the whole movie, not only from sadness, but also from anger. That the powers to be just let this happen, like in mnay other places of the world.....
This is a movie that should be compulsory watching not only in our schools, but also in the halls of the UN, the leaders of the world..... What happened here, while the whole world stood by... again!
MUST WATCH BY EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!
A2Z
says
Thought provoking. Well done.
Andrew
says
Superb - an amazing story and a star turn by Don Cheadle.
David B.
says
Highly recommended. A big eye opener
Melanie
says
Very powerful
Debbie
says
Exellent.
Gerd H.
says
Label a group of people "cockroaches" and they can then be killed with impunity. Couldn't happen? It did in Rwanda. This is a powerful, well-told moving story of how one man saved a thousand. That he helped in the filming and is seen in the 'Making of' feature is a demonstration of the authenticity of the film. Of course some of it is invented, like everyone speaking English. But that doesn't distract from the movie. (On a bizarre note, Rwanda today is replacing French with English as the language of education!)
Tammy L.
says
This movie is a MUST WATCH. I made my whole family watch it. Its been our topic of conversation for weeks.
At the start i thought it was going to be shit cos i didnt know what was going on, but by the 15 minute mark i was 100% hooked. i watched it with my 10 year old girl and we both cried our eyes out. It was so powerful and heartbreaking i would recommend it to anyone.
Hayley
says
Enjoyed this movie. Good watch.
Kim
says
Excellent, a real eye-opener and well presented. Having no idea of the Rwandan massacres, I found it a very watchable way to learn more.
Denise
says
Very moving and marvellous acting. Highly recommended.
Heather
says
Gripping and emotive. The filmmakers have done a good job of presenting the atrocities in Rwanda without using high level violence. Instead, they have followed the intense, emotional journey of the characters. Recomended.
Anne D.
says
Excellent movie. It is good to see the good in people alongside unfortunately the bad also. Found this movie rivetting and very moving.
Debbie B.
says
one of th
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A must
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Anita L.
says
I read a book the other week about a lady called Immaculée
(http://www.immaculee.com/) who survived the Rwandan genocide. It was a very moving book. She mentioned the movie 'Hotel Rwanda' and said it gave people a good idea of what they went through. I watched the movie and was shocked at the lack of help the Rwandan's got from the outside world.
Scott P.
says
This was an excellent movie, a real eye opener to what happened in Rwanda. This is a must see for everyone, amovie that is very well done on a subject that is a blight on African history and something that should never be forgotten. The cast did a great job at portraying the story.
Michael W.
says
Sad movie but Cheadle shines as brightly as the character he plays.
Sandy
says
A must see.
Peter F.
says
Brilliant from start to finish. In a time when the Western world is waging a supposed war on terror a movie like this comes along and asks searching questions about our priorities.
Melissa G.
says
everyone needs to view this film - heartbreaking at times, solid performances
Jennie F.
says
excellent movie, bit slow to start but worth persevering.
Daphne C.
says
great movie frightening even better when you know it actually happening
Allan B.
says
a good movie
Judith B.
says
A very powerful message
Vicki S.
says
How quickly we forget that a million people were slaughtered in Rwanda while the west decided they weren't worth saving. Excellent movie
Nigel W.
says
Even though this movie should be congratulated for dealing with such a tragic event, I don't think it truly captures the fear and horror of what took place. There is a 'gloss' to it which somehow shields against the reality of it.
Judy M.
says
Very good viewing..disturbing content though, but well worth watching.
Vee
says
I was disappointed with this movie as I don't think they captured the despair as well as they could. A bit too Hollywood for my liking.
Esperanza R.
says
This is an excellent movie. Makes you realise just how privileged we are. The interview with the real Paul is very good too. A must see!
John S.
says
Stewart J.
says
Stunning. Must see.
Charmaine R.
says
Very sad but very true, my kids watched it and learned about what happens in other countries and how lucky we are to live in a safe place like Australia.
Fiona B.
says
very moving tale of dignity under extreme adversity.
Angus T.
says
Tracey H.
says
Fantastic Movie. Very confronting.
Betty K.
says
Naomi P.
says
A wonderful film which uses a kind of happy story to highlight the atrocities in Rwanda - not least the international embarrassment
Pam F.
says
A compelling movie that every one should see. If any of us gets disgruntled with our mundane lives, watch this movie & i'm sure, we wouldn''t complain again.
Tragic & uplifting at the same time.
Robert G.
says
Very powerful and moving story. Great performances by all cast and location shots authentic and harrowing.
Peng G.
says
David J.
says
Claire L.
says
A powerful film of a story that had to be told. I found it extremely moving and also, very human.
Neeky P.
says
Brian R.
says
Very intense. Taught me a lot about the trouble in Africa
Florence S.
says
terrific movie
Renee H.
says
Fantastic movie. Very moving. The story was told very well. One not to miss.
Maria J.
says
Gripping, heart-wrenching movie. Not entertainment. Must see.
Ursula S.
says
Rhoda J.
says
Amazing movie, brilliantly done. The actors were excellent (Don Cheadle in particular) and it was a very moving insight into true events. What a travesty that this actually took place.
Dawn F.
says
A wonderful story of a man trying to keep so many people alive and how he played mind games with some of the bad guys. A real insight into governments and their priorities!
Paul S.
says
Must watch, In your face story of deep down human instincts. A real eye opener.
Margaret H.
says
A truly well done film covering the carnage done without displaying the terrible scenes which was seen daily on TV (in Europe). A horrific time in history.
Lovilen E.
says
Great movie (Schindler's List set in Africa) but harrowing to watch. Uplifting knowing that in the midst of all that chaos and anarchy, there are still noble and decent people.
Monireh M.
says
Stuart D.
says
Very good film. Heavy story, graphic in its humanistic issues, but a story that needed to be told. It stirs up a miriad of emotions,and leaves you with the sense that there are some people who are just inspiring. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Cheadle deserved his Oscar nomination.
Richard D.
says
Kelly B.
says
One of the best movies I have seen this year!!!
Colin W.
says
I enjoyed this movie very much. It showed pretty much what was going on over there and unfortunately still is. A really good film.
Kitty L.
says
sad but essential viewing
Susan P.
says
A very good movie that shows the horror of people turning against each other and the slide into genocide. It captured the hopelessness of the local population as they were left on their own as they were abandoned by the west. Good acting by all characters
Brian B.
says
Jennie M.
says
One might watch this movie and ask...how could this be true? How could this happen? But we all know that it is true and that it did happen! This movie touches your soul and forces you to act. Never again will such a shameful event be tolerated and so poorly handled.
Julie L.
says
I've been wanting to watch this film for 2 years, the wait was worth it. Fantastic film.
Deborah S.
says
One of the best movies I've seen. Brilliant acting, disturbing storyline. A must for everyone of us lucky enough not to live in such difficult times.
Jean J.
says
Fabulous, but not light watching. If you want to know more about the genocide read Shake Hands with the Devil by Roméo Dallaire.
Stephen M.
says
Sarah L.
says
Narelle A.
says
Kim S.
says
Absolutely superb film. Hard to believe this is based on real events that occurred less than 15 years ago.
Bernadette B.
says
A heart-wrenching, stomach-turning yet also uplifting story. Paul Rusesabagina, who's story this film is based on, is a true hero of our times. This is one of those movies that everyone should see.
Ross G.
says
A beautifully filmed account of a disgraced period of recent history. All wrapped around a lovely story of courage and love. Well acted, well directed.
Michele G.
says
Cynthia R.
says
Great movie, great determination
Zak R.
says
Stuart C.
says
Powerful stuff, a very moving & thought-provoking true story which everyone should get to see. Superb casting.
John P.
says
Doug K.
says
very good. worth watching
Kevin C.
says
Glenda D.
says
A good movie, rather depressing to know such atrocities went on. Very well acted and a heart-wrenching story.
Bradley W.
says
Michael C.
says
Matt G.
says
While violent and graphic in parts, the heart warming story of courage amidst the helplessness is what makes this movie great!
Julie P.
says
Although at times it was hard to watch because it was harrowing and unbelievably a true story- it was brilliantly done. Acting was superb, the interviews were really interesting. Do yourself a favour and watch this. It shows us how lucky we in the West are.
Cheryl T.
says
Excellent Movie, and the world didn't want to know it was happening.
Steven D.
says
A beautifully thought provoking, at times sad, but a movie that should be watched by all...
Gordon M.
says
The movie is excellent, but the subject matter is tough stuff. Not recommended as entertainment, but it is real.
Elaine A.
says
John M.
says
Noelene H.
says
This movie is an excellent production depicting the slaughter of Africans in the Rwanda massacres. Kept a secret for far too long.
L B.
says
James H.
says
Fantastic movie which really makes you question the segregated role of governments in global society; the power they hold and the catastrophic human consequences of their decisions to only help their own citizens.
Jeannie H.
says
Very good movie. Well worth watching.
Margaret C.
says
This was a beautiful movie and really showed how indifferent the western world is to poorer african nations
loop
says
This is a well told story and well acted but don't watch it with any hope for the future of humanity. Anyone with an ounce of human kindness is likely to get swamped by the majority who are ruled by greed. Doubtless a truthful story, Hotel Rwanda shows that the 'goodies' are only a minute spark in a swirl of malevolence and evil.
Shannon M.
says
An unbelievably powerful film. Tradgic and deeply moving. A tale of truthful inhumanities. Highly Recommended!
Julie G.
says
Henry M.
says
Really excellent , live like acting .Great human story. Great sad human story.Wonder with me : why these horrible things do happen ? Gods' will , or human real nature at work.
Kerryn P.
says
Vikki B.
says
Kirsty M.
says
Fantastic!!!!!!!
Margaret W.
says
Did not look at this DVD rented by mistake
Scott H.
says
I thought this might have been really heavy hard to swallow. Not so. This movie tells the story of this genocide well without being too draining on the viewer.
Alistair L.
says
Craig Hill
says
Riveting and enlightening, this film will make you sad and angry. One can't help but wonder whether Western intervention would have happened had their been money to be made. ie: oil
Lyn J.
says
I Love true stories and this one brings home what really went on then
Greg V.
says
Excellent movie-Very disturbing but a story well worth the telling.
Tim B.
says
Raymond J.
says
Diane R.
says
Susan G.
says
WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TO WATCH MOVIES LIKE THIS SO WE ALL CAN BE AWARE AND TO MAKE SURE HISTORY DOES NOT EVER REPET THIS AGAIN (WORLD PEACE) PLEASE
Peter Hentrich
says
This movie based on a true story is worth watching for its message, not its acting and entertainment value. But this movie was never created to entertain but to inform. I suggest you put subtitles on, as the accents and dialogue can be at times hard to understand. I think we can all learn from attituded of the central character, Paul Rusesabagina. He did everything in his power to help (save) people and administer justice. Racism brings a new meaning when we see people of the same country differentiating between each other because of tribe, appearance, social and political status.
Megan S.
says
A truly haunting film of the atrocities that humans can inflict on one another and then the beautiful side of people who desparately live to save themselves - the west is the true evil here - a film every person should see.
Greg M.
says
David R.
says
JW
says
Rachael F.
says
Gary M.
says
Everyone should see this! Raising more questions than it answers - sometimes brutal - sometimes poignant. Makes the viewer look deep inside themselves and question their morality.
Janelle S.
says
Many people say they want to see truths. Here's one of them - have a look at it.
Mila
says
Disturbing realism. Has a documentary flavour. Don Cheadle
and Nick Nolte are convincing. The "special features" option is
particularly rewarding, as we meet the real hero of the story
and total authenticity is confirmed. Harrowing but tremendous.
JamesFrangi
says
At first, I was a bit skeptical, thinking it could be boring. But the performance of the actors were excellent and conveyed the intense anxiety and tension in the dangers and cruelty and insanity of widespred killings that surrounded them. It's like a Lord of Rings reflection of man's inhumanity and hatred. We've even bought the book to get the full story straight from the horses' mouth. Recommended for all ages and those who want a glimpse of historical legacies, narrowness of human nature, of a true story which happened just 10 years ago.
Sandra H.
says
T K.
says
Touching & brave story..its sad to see how people can treat each other but nice to know there is always someone who will help!!! Excellent viewing...an eye opener!!
Patricia O.
says
excellent gripping film-stays with you for many days!!
Zainab Z.
says
Sally C.
says
Disturbing, exhilarating, brilliant, moving.
Susie C.
says
interesting film.
Desney S.
says
Stunning. So moving, so important - and yet so watchable. Superb casting and acting. Content we should not flinch from, but embrace.
Karen M.
says
Matthew R.
says
Not the most uplifting film but well worth watching nonetheless. Don Cheadle is fantastic in the lead role - a very underated actor.
Certainly makes you feel fortunate to live in the country that you do and at the same time disappointed to be a part of a country that essentially ignored this human tragedy.
Catriona C.
says
I cried. I missed it the movies and wish I hadn't. Don't miss it now. A heart-wrenching tale of a country the west forgot. There is some hope of humanity though amongst it all.
lakme
says
How the Western world could sit back and let this terrible event continue was as big an atrocity as the event itself. Even today, when you mention Rwanda, many people have no idea that this despicable act of genocide even happened. This movie tells a terrible tale and although it has great impact, it is sensitively portrayed by a terrific cast. Very sad and very humiliating.
Beverley A.
says
Brian G.
says
I couldn't hack the violence and cruelty, and baled out early in the movie! I was particularly offended at the portrayal of United Nations staff apparently watching the atrocities taking place, without lifting a finger! A terrible re-creation of man's inhumanity to man (women, children, the elderly , the weak and infirm)). A society in tatters, with human life of no value! A very ugly movie, especially when it was true!
Megan S.
says
Ange K.
says
A gripping tale of survival in the midst of war, racism and indifference from the world powers
Anthony B.
says
Susan H.
says
Matthew B.
says
J. T.
says
everyone should view
Robyn P.
says
Amazing story, makes you think. Well worth watching.
Monic R.
says
A devastating portrayal of one of many instances when the West has stood by and watch death and destruction in Underdeveloped countries. Why? Because that country offered no advantage to the superpowers.
I avoided watching this film for a long time because I expected it to be totally depressing and negative. It was in fact the opposite. Although I was sobbing through several parts of the film, the incredible true story of this man’s humanity is ultimately uplifting.
Of course it also made me very angry!
Margaret M.
says
Bev M.
says
The director has spared us the gore but the knowledge of the horror that is occurring all around may still depress some. For all that it is a story full of hope that there are still some good people in the world who can stand up to evil and prevail
Andrew E.
says
Bram H.
says
Raelene P.
says
Highly recommended viewing.
Jan B.
says
Jan B.
says
Karen K.
says
Truly mind blowing; a real eye-opener. The saddest thing being that it happened in this day and age.
Catherine M.
says
Rob R.
says
Totally loved this movie. You can't help but be affected by the callous nature of human beings. It makes me much more attentive to world events and the tragedies that happen every day.
Tracey S.
says
Audrey C.
says
Chris D.
says
Actually the film is excellent rather than not to be missed, but the dvd extra of the making really is not to be missed. Films will manipulate your emotions with soundtrack and such to heighten response, but interviews with dull men who speak about their experiences in ways that make you weep are not common. That the writer could even perceive this truly wrenching tale as being ultimately entertaining and uplifting had me reaching for the dictionary to make sure I actually knew what these words meant.
If nothing else this film shows that the mere word genocide is too antiseptic a term to cover a situation where neighbours and colleagues hack each other to death with machettes, and that a society where heroism is displayed through threats, corruption, bribery and lying is woeful indeed.
4th
says
Another stunning release from the lion gate film studios, it is a bit full on at times but in some ways it is very clever in the themes and messages portrait without ever directly saying them. For example racial injustice by showing the genocide of a particular tribe based on a stamp on a semi passport identity card as to who will live or die. Also depicting what little power the United Nations has in the face of some of the horrors they must helplessly witness when we in the western world may only hear of a travel warning to delay our visit while general unrest settles down.
Pablo I.
says
Great film about a horrific episode in African history.
Tania M.
says
Peter B.
says
Gripping recount, masterly directed story with a point to make and with adequate acting.
Kirsty Z.
says
Michelle P.
says
Absolutely gobsmackingly amazing!
This is a film that should be studied in Years 11 and 12.
Don Cheadle deserves every accolade! Simply awesome.
Steve N.
says
Tracey H.
says
A tragic, heart-achingly beautiful tale.
Vito L.
says
Excellent choice to view great movie and a great story.
Karenne P.
says
not bad, a little sad. The plot is quite different.
David C.
says
Great Movie! Don Cheadle is amazing
Philip W.
says
Manages to be both profoundly disturbing and uplifting, and conveys the horrors without much graphic violence.
Frank
says
A great drama of one person's courage amidst insane violence in the world around him.
He's not a cardboard action hero fighting back with a gun or fists, but using words.
Based on a true story.
After watching this movie, it motivated me to make a donation for emergency relief in Darfur, Sudan.
Eileen
says
Lisa D.
says
Excellent movie-Very disturbing but a story well worth the telling.
Pamela E.
says
Hotel Rwanda is a movie that everyone should see, so that something like this does not happen again. Well acted, beautifully shot, don't miss.
Nigel R.
says
Karen Q.
says
A touroughly riviting film. Enlightening as well.
Terry S.
says
outstanding. We should all be aware of events such as these
STEWART
says
this film depicted the tragedy of Rwanda in a realistic and moving narrative , almost a documentary but woven through the experiences of one family . Must see film if you want more than entertainment from your DVDs
William
says
Very realistic presentation of the civil war in Rwanda and the indefensible 'sitting on theri hands' of the major western powers who could have prevented the slaugter. Should be compulsory viewing for Bush, Howard and Blair, et al!!
Inara W.
says
Catriona M.
says
Paul D.
says
Fred W.
says
Kui-Kwong Shum
says