Hotel Rwanda is a 2004 historical drama film directed by Terry George and starring Don Cheadle as Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who housed and protected over a thousand Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan Genocide. The film is based on the true story of Rusesabagina's experiences during the genocide, in which an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by the Hutu majority government and extremist militia.
The film opens in April 1994, as tensions between the Tutsi minority and Hutu majority in Rwanda are reaching a boiling point. Paul Rusesabagina is the manager of the luxurious Hotel des Mille Collines in the capital city of Kigali, and is respected by both Tutsi and Hutu people for his fair treatment of all guests.
As the genocide begins, Rusesabagina is forced to confront the reality of the situation and the danger that it poses to his family and the Tutsi refugees who seek shelter at the hotel. Despite the threat of violence and the risk to his own safety, Rusesabagina uses his position and connections to protect the refugees, providing them with food, water, and medical care, and negotiating with the Hutu militia and government officials to prevent their being discovered and killed.
As the violence escalates and the situation becomes increasingly desperate, Rusesabagina uses his wit, charm, and persuasion to keep the refugees safe, even as the UN peacekeeping forces prove ineffective and the international community remains indifferent to the crisis.
Through his bravery and determination, Rusesabagina is able to save the lives of over a thousand people, and his actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Overall, Hotel Rwanda is a poignant and powerful film that portrays the horrors of the Rwandan genocide with a humanistic and thought-provoking perspective. It serves as a tribute to the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of great adversity.
