Hotel Rwanda

| 2004

Directed by: Terry George

Main Plot

"Hotel Rwanda," directed by Terry George, is a gripping historical drama set during the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. The film centers on Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager in Kigali, who uses his position and resourcefulness to shelter over a thousand Tutsi refugees from the Hutu militia. As the violence escalates and international intervention remains absent, Paul negotiates with military officials and uses his connections to protect those seeking refuge in his hotel. The story highlights the horrors of the genocide, the failure of global powers to intervene, and the extraordinary courage of individuals who risked everything to save lives amidst the chaos. Through Paul's actions, the film underscores themes of humanity, resilience, and the impact of individual bravery in the face of overwhelming atrocity.

Characters

  • Don Cheadle portrays Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who shelters over a thousand Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan genocide, risking his life to save others.
  • Sophie Okonedo plays Tatiana Rusesabagina, the supportive wife of hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina, helping him shelter refugees during the Rwandan genocide.
  • Joaquin Phoenix plays Jack Daglish, a journalist who documents the genocide, raising international awareness of the atrocities occurring.

Ending Explained

In the concluding scenes of "Hotel Rwanda," directed by Terry George, the protagonist Paul Rusesabagina, played by Don Cheadle, successfully negotiates with the Hutu militia to protect the Tutsi refugees sheltered in the Hôtel des Mille Collines. As the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) advances, the hotel becomes increasingly unsafe. Paul and his family, along with the remaining refugees, are eventually evacuated by UN forces to a safer location. The film ends with Paul reuniting with his nieces and nephew, who had been separated from their parents. The family, along with other refugees, is taken to a refugee camp. The movie concludes with a poignant note, highlighting the aftermath of the genocide, where Paul and his family, along with many others, seek to rebuild their lives amidst the devastation. The film closes with a dedication to the victims of the Rwandan Genocide, emphasizing the real-life impact of the events depicted and honoring those who lost their lives.

Terry George Biography Drama History Don Cheadle Sophie Okonedo Joaquin Phoenix