Hotel Rwanda
Hotel Rwanda

Hotel Rwanda

2004Movie122 minEnglish

Inspired by true events, this film takes place in Rwanda in the 1990s when more than a million Tutsis were killed in a genocide that went mostly unnoticed by the rest of the world. Hotel owner Paul Rusesabagina houses over a thousand refuges in his hotel in attempt to save their lives.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users95%
Director: Terry GeorgeGenres: Drama, History, War

Plot Summary

During the Rwandan genocide in 1994, Paul Rusesabagina, a Hutu hotel manager, risks his life to save over a thousand Hutu and Tutsi refugees by sheltering them in the Grand Hôtel des Mille Collines. As the violence escalates and international aid falters, Paul uses his influence and courage to negotiate with Hutu extremists, providing a temporary sanctuary amidst the brutal conflict. His actions become a powerful testament to the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horror.

Critical Reception

Hotel Rwanda was widely acclaimed by critics for its powerful storytelling, emotional impact, and Cheadle's compelling performance. It was praised for bringing attention to the Rwandan genocide and serving as an important historical document, though some noted its dramatic license. Audiences were deeply moved by the film's depiction of courage and resilience.

What Reviewers Say

  • A harrowing and deeply affecting portrayal of one man's courage during the Rwandan genocide.
  • Features a standout performance by Don Cheadle that anchors the film's emotional weight.
  • Praised for its accessibility in bringing a difficult historical event to a global audience.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praise Hotel Rwanda for its moving story, Don Cheadle's incredible performance, and its vital historical significance in highlighting the Rwandan genocide.

Awards & Accolades

Received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for Don Cheadle. Nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and won a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor for Djimon Hounsou (though not in the main cast listed). It also received critical acclaim at various film festivals.

Fun Fact

The real Paul Rusesabagina and his family were granted asylum in Belgium and later the United States, and he has continued to advocate for human rights and reconciliation.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Don Cheadle is super as Paul Rusesabagina, the manager of a Belgian-owned hotel in Kigali in 1994 during the civil strife that saw Hutus relentlessly and ruthlessly persecute the minority Tutsis in Rwanda. Once he is directly touched by one...