Hotel Rwanda

[Lani]

Alex and I just got home from seeing "Hotel Rwanda" at the movie theater.

Oh my goodness, this is one of the most powerful movies I've ever seen in my entire life. Both Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo were incredible; they definitely deserved to be nominated for the best actor/supporting actress Oscars.

It's a very intense movie. It's only rated PG-13 but it's a very mature theme about the Hutu uprising against the Tutsis in 1994 Rwanda. I realize for many of us that was just a distant news report on CNN, but I do recommend you go watch it. It's an incredible movie.

At this point I hope Don Cheadle gets the Best Actor Oscar. Clint Eastwood can get Best Director for "Million Dollar Baby" -- Cheadle was simply amazing in this one.

[kisroo]

Mr kisroo has liked Don Cheadle since Picket Fences. He's an amazing actor that we now both like very much.
We can't wait to see this one.

I have a feeling that I will be covering my face through many of the violent scenes.I don't do well with scenes like what I saw on a preview.

It looks pretty similar to the atrocities that were depicted in the movie "Cry Freedom"~and although it's hard to watch "true fiction" such as this, I think this movie a must see for many reasons.
~kisroo

[Emma]

My husband wants to see this, so I assume we will see it pretty soon. Thanks for the review, Lani, I am relieved to hear that its a good one.

[bubsy]

This movie ripped my heart out. I cried and one point was sobbing.

Great movie (not easy to watch though), great acting.

[stinkerbell]

I saw it last month and it was incredible. I was bawling. Sophie's performance was just amazing. I was so relieved to see her nominated for an Oscar.

Like Mr. Kisroo, I've been a Cheadle fan for eons, so I was going to see the movie, no matter what. But the subject matter totally drew me in as soon as the movie was released here. The theater was packed......and when it was over, no one moved. I was among some of the first to leave, but it was only because we were trying to make another movie (Finding Neverland or A Very Long Engagement).

I really hope Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo win.....Sophie in particular.

 

When she realized he wasn't going with them.....her face was just devastating. I'm practically tearing up thinking about her performance. Amazing actress! Then when they returned.....her anger was so real.

The other parts that got to me......the bodies in the road--made it all so real....and when he thought his family had jumped off the roof. I was heartbroken. Then practically laughing when they were safe. Then laughing hysterically when she was holding the shower sprayer and he asked her what she planned to do with it. The relief, the unexpected humor seemed to catch everyone off guard. Everyone was laughing, nervously.

There were many twists and turns in the script. It was so well done!

[Lani]

stinkerbell -- the first thing you mentioned in your spoiler -- that was indeed quite powerful and intense.

 

I was very impressed with how developed the two characters were, when after they were reunited, they had that "talk" walking on the hotel grounds, where Sophie's character said, "It wasn't up to you to decide" -- I could tell they had a real partnership in their marriage, and I respected them all the more.

[no1here]

This was a fantastic movie. I am all for the occaisional brainless flick, but it's movies like this that make you contemplate life, family and the world we live in.

[sdfilmcritic]

This was a great film. I can't believe Don Cheadle didn't win the Oscar for this film. Great movie. Very powerful and interesting to watch. I highly recommend it to everyone.