Wow. That's all I can say upon leaving the theater after watching this incredibly moving film. When I first heard about it, I wasn't sure I wanted to see it. Sure the early word was positive, but it was based on actual events of which I was sadly unaware of. Don't misunderstand me, I was aware that it was happening, but outside of that I knew none of the details. But when it opened near me, and all of the great word surrounding Don Cheadle's performance, I decided to go and see it.
This isn't a film that I feel that I can do a straight forward review of, but I have to write something. The film was eye opening, perhaps even moreso than a film like Schindler's List. Not to take anything away from Spielberg's masterpiece, but that subject was taught in school and it happened prior to my lifetime, whereas this happened not so long ago, and it sadly shows that these atrocities can still occur.
Director Terry George deftly brings the story to the screen, he also served as co-screenwriter based on Paul Rusesabagina experiences. He doesn't shy away from portraying the atrocities, but he brings all the aspects of their life into focus. He also doesn't allow the characters to become one dimensional victims of the circumstances, he injects humor into the proceedings. This I felt was key to the film, without it the audience risks losing themselves in the bigger picture and not realizing that their are individuals here. I don't think I explained that all to well, I hope I was clear enough. Let's just say that there is an individual focus here in addition to the big picture and it is crucial, to me, that both be represented.
Don Cheadle is the driving force on the screen. I have always liked his work, but here he owns the screen. He is amazing in his portrayal of Paul Rusesabagina, hotel manager and savior to over 1200 Rwandans. We watch him change from more of a pure businessman early on into someone doing all that he can for his family and as many people as he can. Sophie Okonedo plays his wife and also delivers an incredible performance.
Besides the obvious big picture issues, there are many small moments throughout the film that really strike home. The moments between Paul and his family. When Paul is faced with the arrival of the orphans. When Colonel Oliver (Nick Nolte) tells Paul that there is no help coming, and the reason why. But there are two moments that really stand out to me, one has been glimpsed on review shows and in the commercials, involves a conversation between Paul and a news crew cameraman regarding the effect on other countries that video footage of a massacre is likely to elicit. And finally, I will not give this away, but it involves a trip to get supplies to for the hotel, I dare not say more.
There were many times which moved me to the brink of tears, and from the sounds of it, many members of the audience went over that brink. It is rare that a movie gets me to that point but this one did, even after the film was over and I was on my 45 minute ride home, it took me the entire time and then some to regain my composure.
Bottomline. An incredible film, and one of the best films of 2004. Don Cheadle gives the finest performance of his career thus far. I want to say that it was an eye-opening film, but I don't think that does it the justice it deserves. My recommendation would be go see it and try to tell me that it is not a great film.
Highly Recommended.
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