A heart moving make.

Rating: 9/10 (2 July 2008)

Saw this movie today. I heard about this movie a long time back. With those high praises about this movie and the outline story in mind I started watching the movie. Until the half I was not moved much inside the movie. But when Paul tore off his shirt and tie it started feeling like real world. Excellent performance by Don Cheadle.
History: The historical genocide (3 million people) of 'tutsi' race people by 'Hutu' race people in Rwanda happened in 1994. This happened becos the President who was a Hutu was assassinated by the 'tutsi' militia which triggered this genocide. The wikipedia history page on Rwandan 'tutsi' and 'Hutu' race division reads that this racial difference was a long existing one for centuries. Both people look same. Both race people are genetically from Africa. i.e. the two races are not as contrasting as blacks and whites in South Africa. The racial conflict was enforced becos the Belgium rulers picked the highly skilled, fair skinned, long nosed Rwandan people among them and classified them as 'tutsi's in order to have a good subordinates in their rule of Rwanda. This overrode the original racial differences. This divide and rule tactics of Belgium led to the ever lasting struggles between these classifications.
The story is based on the true events happened in 1994 in Rwanda. True story of an high class Hotel Manager in Rwanda who fought all odds and saved many 'tutsi' and 'hutu' people's lives (about 1200) during this genocide by giving them shelter at his hotel. How he tried to wade of the surrounding dangers of Militia attack.. How he managed..and what happened..etc.
The movie gave me lot of insights into the life of people in tough times. How third world countries like Rwanda are similar to my country India in many aspects.. How as simple and as silly as a 'long nose' and 'fair color' is enough to cultivate a differentiation and hatred among people. The technical part of the movie is flawless. Photography, music, editing(the van returning-on-morning-frost scene). Above all the direction. There should definitely be some motive behind the news that this movie did not get to any Oscars.
I was much moved by the great deeds of Paul on behalf of humanity. Please watch this movie and show it to your children. It is true that people born into different races. But it is also true that race is just skin deep; and underneath, every human is having the same blood, heart and mind. When people start to realize it someday then will there come a change.