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Rwanda Paper

In: English and Literature

Submitted By bonita2016
Words 304
Pages 2
Bonita Robinson
October 24, 2013
English 102 11:00 – 11:50
Professor: Adam Fisher
Hotel Rwanda Movie Review “Hotel Rwanda” is a harsh drama based on a true story that addresses the genocide in Rwanda in the early mid to nineties. Generations of European conquest by the Belgians, resulted in the establishment of two social classes: the Hutu and Tutsi. For the majority of the movie, the minority Tutsi ruled and oppressed the Hutu, but as the level of power reversed, the Hutu, who were in the majority, became determined in their objective for eradicating the Tutsi people. The movie “Hotel Rwanda” is an adaptation of the story of Paul Rusesabagina (played by Don Cheadle), who is a mild mannered, well respected, and business savvy, Hutu hotel manager whose livelihood is sacrificed for a greater cause amidst widespread savagery and barbarism. Although his social status provides him with relatively safety, his Tutsi wife, family and neighbors must face life-threatening conditions. Paul’s elite Hotel des Milles Collines, becomes a safe-haven for his family, neighbors and hundreds of other Tutsis. Their lives are in constant danger, but critical thinking by Cheadle’s character keeps his family from becoming victims. Paul becomes responsible for several hundred lives as he welcomes others in the hotel, and relies on the prospect of international intervention. As the film progresses, Paul understands that the UN will no longer provide assistance, forcing him to become self-reliant. With cunning (and some extra cash) he maneuvers around violence to overcome ubiquitous destruction. “Hotel Rwanda” reminds us of the harsh reality of genocide that was neglected by American society. The movie is very powerful because it follows the struggles of a particular group of Rwandans as it illustrates the far reaching implications of European imperialism with respect to the continent of Africa.

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