Truly Outstanding

Rating: 10/10 (16 November 2004)

This film is stunning in many ways and like I say in my subject-- truly outstanding. I was fortunate enough to see it for free tonight here in DC. You think of nothing else but what's on the screen as soon as the movie starts until the finish. Like another who reviewed this film our screening was also graced with the presence of Terry George and the man himself Paul R. I wish this film could be seen in every high school in the country. It is a reminder of humanity and how we can so easily lose it; as well as being a very engrossing story and film.
It's well done all the way around. Some I guess, may be scared away by the darkness of the story, but I hope that won't happen. The viewer gets much more than just the negative portraits of the genocide happening around the hotel. It has a lovely relationship with Paul and his wife and family, definitely some humor, and a total sense of it's time and place-- including the oasis of the hotel. A poster mentioned the line "the world would watch and then go back the their dinner" (or there abouts.)
The director mentioned that line in particular in our Q&A. It's not in the American version of this film. Joaquin Phoenix implies it, but it is not said directly. The direct comment comes from the General right before the ice bucket goes flying, if you're interested.
This is a great film, I highly recommend as soon as you can to go and see it-- what an experience.