Hotel Rwanda

The other week I saw Hotel Rwanda reviewed on Newsnight and they didnt seem to like it very much, but remembering what others had said I went to see it anyway and I was literally amazed by it - now I see why Hakeem was no bitter about it not being oscar nominated.

This film was absolutely brilliant from start to finish - the acting was impeccable from all characters, Don Cheadle really proving he can hack it in a leading role, and Sophie Odobo (sp??) sure deserved that Supporting Actress Nomination. The insight into Rwanda was superb, the buildup before the 'revolution' done to perfecting so as to provide an interesting view of the country and of the characters.

However, when it came to the revolt, the film took a gigantic leap even higher, really bringing home the horror while making it realisting and believable - this is the first film that has actually suceeded in scaring me for years. Cheadle played his character so perfectly, showing his flaws and how he overcomes them, that everything he does it perfectly believable when it may not have been from other actors. The scenes were people were cashing in on it all, with the bribery and looting, were the most realistic and best done I have ever seen, and the decision to allow some of Cheadles family and friends to die with the others was bold but really made everything work all the better, but, what was best of all was the contrast presented of members of the militia, showing them as calm, nice business men and workmen before the revolt and crazed maniacs after, just showing the hidden supression of the country and ruthlessness of some people.

The presentation of the UN, intervention forces, journalists and other foreign nationals was amazing also, making it believable that people could be just abandoned, yet showing the bravery and compasion of certain individuals and also the power and lack of power that the UN has, while not dweling to long on any so as to create any unbelieveable heroes. This, and other great little touches, was the icing on the cake.

All in all, this was an absolutely brilliant film which, to be honest, was far more deserving of an oscar than The Aviator or Finding Neverland, and which should have been challenging M$B to win. You must see it.

definitely it was a travesty that it wasnt nominated. cause Cheadle and Okonedo's nominations give it some publicity but an best pic nom would've been so much better.

and definitely scary in lots of parts. the driving over bodies scene was terrifying

I want to see this so bad, i might see it today.

good movie but it's a movie I wouldn't watch a second time like Schindler's List if you know what I mean.

It's brilliantly done and it's much better than that overrated pile of crap that goes by the name of The Aviator. I don't even know why the Academy keeps nominating movies like that when you have your share of oscar oriented movies every year, like Master and Commander last year. They keep falling for it...

Originally posted by Hakeem
definitely it was a travesty that it wasnt nominated. cause Cheadle and Okonedo's nominations give it some publicity but an best pic nom would've been so much better.

and definitely scary in lots of parts. the driving over bodies scene was terrifying

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The scariest bit for me was that radio presented - the cold, evilness in his voice and the things he was saying made the whole thing all the more believable and realistic.

I agree with Virgo about Schindler's List, but I definately want to see this again, infact, I almost thought about buying another ticket and going straight back in but my gal wouldnt allow it. On reflection, The Aviator shouldnt even have been nominated, let alone dubbed to win. This, Ray, Sideways and a couple of others were just so superior to it, totally different class. I hope Million Dollar Baby is in that category.

Hotel Rwanda

Its definetly in my top 10, thought it was one of the best movies this year. Great acting by the main character guy, forgot his name. Almost cried, its a really sad movie, especially when you think about how this is happenign in our world right this very moment, Sudan etc.

Yeah, it really did bring home just how terrible these things are, and it really does amaze you that people can actually do things like that. I surprised more films havent been made of this sort of genre.