Hotel Rwanda: Beyond culture

In Hotel Rwanda, a man (Paul Rusesabagina) fights for the freedom of about 1,000 Tutsi people by hiding them in his hotel. It’s hard to imagine that the 1994 massacre resulted in so many deaths. The most horrific scene for me was when Paul and another man flee from picking up supplies only to run over dead bodies that lay in the road. Not just a few bodies here and there but as far as the eye could see. Because of the acting talents, the viewer not only witnesses the impact of this terrible event but also feels the aftermath when Paul returns to the hotel. He falls to the floor, face in arms and cries out loud (no one hears him because he closed the door). It’s like a punch in the gut.

The other difficult scene was when Paul and the others would learn that the UN was not able to rescue them but rather their energies were focused on the “white internationals.” To leave defenseless people behind (orphaned children) for slaughter without a guide in place was truly unimaginable. How could any government allow this? Similar to other movies this semester, politics, social status and economic gain played a key role in Rwanda’s genocide. The Tutsis were not worth saving – there was no gain with this. Only after the fact when many learn about the murderous rampage did more attention come. Not in time of course. And today, there’s killing in Kenya and beyond. What have learned from the past? Apparently, we’ve learned very little.

Early in the film the Tutsi – Hutu people get along and work side by side. But it doesn’t take long for those relationships to divide (the tensions were there but buried for a time). Once the president is murdered by the Hutu rebels everything breaks wide open. Paul finds his attentions directed toward an amazing dilemma; the hotel becomes a forced after thought. Soon the Tutsi – Hutu people turn against one another but more against the Tutsis. It’s hard to imagine such a civil war but when propaganda and the ability to move one’s message across the “loud speakers” are in play it’s hard to stop the energy of control over the weak.

Paul’s strength is his ability to negotiate and overall resourcefulness – skills acquired through the hotel no doubt. We witness the bartering, the exchanges of liquor, jewelry, etc – all to sustain lives. To save his family he would do anything. To save the other Tutsis would require more time for him to realize that without his help they would all die. It was amazing to witness Paul convincing one military leader to help him or he may be charged as a “war criminal.” This person was more concerned about the world’s view of him versus helping innocent victims in great turmoil. Eventually, Paul and the others make it to the UN camp where they find their nieces and less turmoil. One could say it was a happy ending for them at least.

Overall, the film was alarming. It’s hard to imagine such a horrific time in my current society such as a civil war. The film actually confirmed many of my thoughts of Africa – genocide, deprivation, mass killings. On the other hand, Paul’s character demonstrated that, even during the most difficult times, the human spirit can rise up no matter where you are in the world. It doesn’t take art or a specific cultural belief to realize compassion and a strong love for one’s family and the innocent. I’m relieved that my knowledge of Africa and its people goes well beyond this film.