Terrific

Rating: 10/10 (7 August 2006)

There's a staggering, emotional power to this movie, which won the popular People's Choice Award at this year's Toronto Film Festival over more than 200 other films. Set on the eve of the Hutus' genocidal massacre of the Tutsis in 1994, the film's about the bravery of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who harbors hundreds of Tutsis from slaughter. As Rusesabagina, Don Cheadle delivers a real throat-choker, and his performance is even more poignant by dint of being based on reality. Sophie Okonedo is also effective in the film. The fact that she was able to swim(and not sink)next to Cheadle is an accomplishment in itself, but the performance is truly riveting. Don and Sophie definitely deserved the Oscars they were nominated for, unfortunately they left unrewarded for their work.