The Story: Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo star in Terry George's drama, which is based on an event that occurred during the Rwandan genocide of 1994 when Hutu hotel owner Paul Rusesabagina sheltered over a thousand Tutsis from the rampaging Hutu militia. Cheadle and Brit actress Okonedo have both received Oscar nominations for their work.
UK Box Office: £1.597 million (as at 5th June 2005)
Useless Fact: The real-life Paul Rusesabagina says the film is "about 90%" accurate. Rusesabagina now lives in Belgium with his wife and six children.

THE REVIEWS...

"The film carries both an emotional and a political punch" (4/5)

"Terry George has done a remarkable job in conveying a very personal story while also establishing the broader political picture" (8/10)

"George's drama has a surreal, nightmarish momentum. Its sense of menace is like a blade against your throat" (3/5)

"George doesn't overwhelm us with the barbarities but instead focuses upon the absurdist horror of one man holding back a tide of blood" (3/5)

"Deeply moving, well acted and convincingly staged"

"Will test your belief in mankind but at the same time prove that humanity can triumph in even the most terrifying of circumstances"

"This epic production is emotionally exhausting. Cheadle is magnificent as the reluctant hero"

"This riveting true story is told in an unflashy way that heightens the authenticity and gently shames the West for its shallow selfishness" (4.5/5)

"I wished that the film had better supporting performances so that Cheadle had more to work with. But even without them he is able to carry the full weight of the film" (4.5/5)

"It's a weighty message movie, but it's a message worth delivering - and the cast's delivery is flawless" (4/5)

"A courageous, heartfelt movie that, given what’s happening right now in Darfur, is also extremely timely" (4/5)

"A bizarre effort by Hollywood to make romantic sense of the 1994 genocide in which a million people were butchered" (3/5)

"Overall it feels too glossy, like a Hello! version of a much darker tale" (3.5/5)

WEB WATCH...

Hotel Rwanda
Official site

"I am embarrassed to confess that I knew very little about it"
Don Cheadle interview

From four-star sanctuary to star of Hollywood
Hotel Rwanda article

The man behind Hotel Rwanda
Hotel Rwanda article

"I'm gonna grab that Oscar"
Don Cheadle interview

"I guess I'm up for grabs now"
Sophie Okonedo interview

"Fame, here I come"
Sophie Okonedo interview

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