Ten years ago some of the worst atrocities in the history of mankind took place in the country of Rwanda and in an era of high-speed communication and round the clock news, the events went almost unnoticed by the rest of the world. In only three months, one million people were brutally murdered. In the face of these unspeakable actions, inspired by his love for his family, an ordinary man summons extraordinary courage to save the lives of over a thousand helpless refugees, by granting them shelter in the hotel he manages.
Directed by
Terry George
Written by
Keir Pearson (written by) & Terry George (written by)
Starring
Xolani Mali (Policeman); Don Cheadle (Paul Rusesabagina); Desmond Dube (Dube); Hakeem Kae-Kazim (George Rutaganda); Tony Kgoroge (Gregoire); Rosie Motene (Receptionist); Neil McCarthy (Jean Jacques); Mabutho 'Kid' Sithole (Head Chef (as Kid Sithole)); Nick Nolte (Colonel Oliver); Fana Mokoena (General Bizimungu); Jeremiah Ndlovu (Old Guard); Sophie Okonedo (Tatiana Rusesabagina); Lebo Mashile (Odette); Antonio David Lyons (Thomas Mirama); Leleti Khumalo (Fedens). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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Selfless Courage in the Face of Evil
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
In my one-line summary above I've written "in the face of evil" referring to the armed gangs of thugs that were out for blood in Rwanda, but it doesn't take much to realise that that statement could equally refer to the inactivity of the UN to act in a situation that was so overtly evil. The film Shooting Dogs (aka Enemy at the Gates) also provides strong testament as to the inactivity of the UN and the West in general. Enough of the negatives though, Paul Rusesabagina (as played by Don Cheadle) is such an inspirational figure to come out of this atrocity, and whether he had a strong faith or not he is an example to all Christians, and indeed to all men, as to the courageous way to act in the face of evil. The performances throughout this film are excellent too, especially of Sophie Okonedo playing Paul's wife Tatiana. Having seen such a film the onus is now on us to ensure we don't sit back and pat ourselves on the back for empathising with the people of Rwanda, but instead do all we can to ensure such atrocties do not happen again, and more to the point that our governments and international institutions don't sit idle in the face of such evil again. Holy Michael Archangel - pray for us all.
