Hotel Rwanda (2004)

3 out of 4

Starring: Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte, Desmond Dube, Cara Seymour, Joaquin Phoenix

Director: Terry George

Time: 121 mins

Viewed: in home theatre

Modern day Schindler's List, set during the horrific genocide in Rwanda in 1994, when the Hutu tribe slaughtered thousands of rival Tutsis while the world watched and basically did nothing. Story focuses on Paul Rusesabagina (Cheadle), a Hutu and the manager of a Belgian hotel chain, who cajoles, bribes, and begs the military warlords to house and save over a thousand Tutsis, including his wife Tatiana (Okonedo). Important film about the dark side of human nature is anchored by towering, Oscar-nominated performance from Cheadle, with fine support by Okonedo and others. Joaquin Phoenix has a small role as a reporter.

(c) Joe Wong (14 May 2005)