may contain spoilers!

Rating: 9/10 (1 August 2010)

A film of this proportion covering the 1994 Rwandan conflict would have to stock its shelves with a dominant and talented cast to create the sense of emotion that such a topic deserves. This film forms the harsh contrast of terrible truth in a world that we thought was civilized.
Don Cheadle plays the role of Paul Rusesabagina, a real-life hotel manager in Rwanda who begins the film simply trying to save his wife, Tatiyana (Sophie Okonedo) and children. Supported by a UN General played by Nick Nolte, Paul becomes a savior, and his hotel is the only "oasis" for over 1,200 people in a nation filled with turmoil. As the world turns their back on his country, he realizes that he cannot turn away from the hundreds of people who look to him for strength.
Cheadle gives a commanding performance in his portrayal of Rusesabagina. One realizes the ignorance of so many people in this third world country, and Cheadle shows a sophisticated and intelligent difference from this norm in each one of his actions. From his treatment of the orphanage children to the way he makes the President of Sabena stand up and listen, his presentation is truly inspirational.
In comparison to the high-strung UN general played by Nolte, Cheadle is the "eye of the storm"; he beautifully illustrates the emotional strength and clarity of thought that had to be the only traits that saved the real Paul and his refugees.
Okonedo, who plays Paul's wife Tatiyana, delivers an outstanding supporting role as a strong wife and mother who is a member of the Tutsi tribe that is being attacked. She is the main reason that Paul even allowed refugees in his hotel; begging him do save their friends and neighbors who gathered at their home. Okonedo excellently conveys the emotional strain of a woman in such a difficult situation.
The story of what happened in Rwanda needed to be told by something other than the film camera crews that were on location. But to display the magnitude of what really happened, the resulting would need to put the viewer right there, in the middle of the action. This film provides the viewer a true story of Paul Rusesabagina who is a hero and a victim at the same time. Terry George creates a dramatic and emotional film with the location, the special effects, and the hundreds (possibly thousands) of extras that give the viewer a sense of how cruel and ignorant humans can be to one another.
A difficult, but realistic film to watch, I have not seen something so powerful since The Shawshank Redemption (1994). Such a high-quality story accompanied by several commanding performances deserved more than a few award nominations, and many more wins; I expected to see the entire main cast on stage for the Oscars and Academy Award nominations.