An Excellent Film

Rating: 10/10 (19 July 2006)

This film could easily beg for comparison to a film such as "Schindler's List", however, as wondrous as "Schindler's List" is this film offers, for me, a more complete and satisfying look at universal tragedy and the small pieces of humanity within it.
Director Terry George would have likely failed miserably had he chosen to make a film based upon the Rwandan genocide of nearly 1,000,000 Tutsi's. The sheer scope and intensity of the tragedy would have made for a nearly impossible screenplay that would have, inevitably, dwelled upon immense violence and tragedy and hatred. Instead of attempting to encompass the entire scope of the Rwandan experience, George's film wisely focuses on one hero within the tragedy...one man who stood up to it and made different choices for the good of all.
Rusesabagina is played with understated power,focus and stunning clarity by Don Cheadle in what is, without a doubt, the performance of his lifetime. Throughout the award season I have been a loud and active advocate for Paul Giamatti's performance in Sideways", however, let me state this without hesitation and without any doubt. Don Cheadle absolutely, 100% deserves the Oscar for Best Actor. Having seen nearly 80 films during 2004, I have not seen a performance come close to this intensity and tenderness and complexity and power. Cheadle, quite simply, nails every aspect of this character in a performance that leaves me shaking my head thinking to myself "How did he do that?" Giamatti's performance was magnificent, but Cheadle's performance leaves me speechless.
As his wife, Sophie Okonedo, begs to be considered as a Best Supporting Actress. Knowing that her husband, a Hutu, is safe from the genocide, Okonedo's performance as Tatiana, a Tutsi, is nothing short of wondrous. As mother and wife and sister and friend, Okonedo's Tatiana is a woman of fierce determination, uncommon loyalty and remarkable strength.
Along with these leading performances, Terry George offers us tremendous production design, excellent pacing, awesome cinematography and a remarkable score. Once again, it is important that this film never resorts to trying to "sell the drama" through intense violence or special effects...George trusts this material implicitly and wisely uses smoke and fog and distance shots quite often in creating scenes that are violent without becoming histrionic and overwhelming.
Likewise, George offers brilliant timing in giving the audience moments of levity...human moments of tenderness between Paul and Tatiana...human moments between Paul and the various military players...small, intimate moments between family members that remind us so deeply and powerfully of the humanity within this immense tragedy. These little moments are interspersed throughout the film and are timed perfectly. The film is constantly moving and emotional and life-changing but never feels completely overwhelming to the point of alienating the audience.
George, who also co-wrote this script, has written such films as "The Boxer" and "In the Name of the Father." George reportedly envisioned Cheadle for this role from day one, despite investor's desires for the likes of Denzel, Snipes or even Mekhi Phifer. I cringe at the thought of either of these three actors in this role...perhaps there is an argument that it would have made more money, but Cheadle clearly owns this role and creates a film that demands attention. Denzel, perhaps, would have given a solid performance here BUT Cheadle is simply masterful beyond anything Washington could have offered.