Is Hotel Rwanda True Story? Hotel Rwanda Plot, Cast and Trailer
by Indhu | Updated Sep 05, 2023
Is Hotel Rwanda a True Story?
Yes, "Hotel Rwanda" is indeed a true story that provides a harrowing account of real-life events during the Rwandan Genocide. The film centers around Paul Rusesabagina, a hotelier who played a heroic role in saving the lives of both Tutsi and Hutu refugees at the Belgian-owned Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali, Rwanda.
Paul Rusesabagina, portrayed by Don Cheadle, was a middle-class Hutu who was married to a Tutsi woman, Tatiana, portrayed by Sophie Okonedo. As the genocide unfolded, Rusesabagina used his influence and, in some cases, resorted to bribes to persuade military officials to secure safe passage for approximately 1,200 people who sought shelter at the Mille Collines Hotel.
The Rwandan Genocide was a devastating event in which extremist Hutu factions targeted and killed an estimated 800,000 people, primarily of Tutsi descent. Amidst this horrific carnage, Rusesabagina's courageous actions saved the lives of not only his own family, including his wife, four children, and two adopted nieces but also a significant number of the refugees who sought refuge at the hotel.
The film "Hotel Rwanda" serves as a powerful and moving testament to the real-life heroism displayed by Paul Rusesabagina during this tragic chapter in Rwandan history.
Hotel Rwanda
"Hotel Rwanda" is a compelling docudrama released in 2004, skillfully crafted by director Terry George. This gripping film, based on a screenplay co-authored by George and Keir Pearson, features outstanding performances by Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo, portraying the real-life figures of hotelier Paul Rusesabagina and his wife Tatiana.
Set against the harrowing backdrop of the Rwandan genocide, which unfolded in the spring of 1994, the movie chronicles Paul Rusesabagina's heroic endeavors to safeguard the lives of his family and over 1,000 other refugees. Rusesabagina provides them with shelter within the besieged Hôtel des Mille Collines, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos and brutality.
"Hotel Rwanda" delves deep into the themes of genocide, political corruption, and the enduring consequences of violence. It serves as a poignant exploration of human resilience and the lengths one person can go to in order to protect innocent lives in the face of unspeakable horrors.
Produced as a collaboration between United Artists and Lions Gate Films, the film saw distribution through United Artists in theaters and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for home media. "Hotel Rwanda" made its debut in the United States with a limited release on December 22, 2004, followed by a wide release on February 4, 2005.
It garnered immense support from audiences, grossing over $23 million in domestic ticket sales and an additional $10 million internationally, accumulating a commendable total of nearly $34 million in gross revenue.
The film received numerous award nominations, notably including Academy Award nods for Best Actor (Don Cheadle), Best Supporting Actress (Sophie Okonedo), and Best Original Screenplay. "Hotel Rwanda" stands as a significant cinematic achievement, shedding light on a dark chapter in history while celebrating acts of extraordinary courage and compassion.
Hotel Rwanda Plot
In April 1994, the long-simmering tensions between the Hutu-controlled government and Tutsi rebels in Rwanda erupt into a devastating genocide. Corruption and bribery among politicians are rampant in this volatile environment.
Paul Rusesabagina, the manager of the Belgian-owned Hôtel des Mille Collines, faces a personal dilemma as he is Hutu, while his wife Tatiana is Tutsi. This mixed marriage becomes a source of tension, especially with extremist Hutus like Georges Rutaganda, who supplies goods to the hotel and leads the brutal Hutu militia known as Interahamwe.
As political turmoil escalates following the assassination of the Hutu president, Paul and his family witness horrifying violence as their neighbors are killed. The early stages of the genocide unfold, marked by civil war and threats from Rwandan Army Captain.
In a desperate bid to protect their lives, Paul negotiates for the safety of his neighbors and brings them to the relative sanctuary of the hotel.
Upon returning to the hotel with the refugees, Paul faces another challenge when his receptionist, Gregoire, occupies the presidential suite and threatens to expose the Tutsi refugees, including Paul's wife Tatiana, if he is made to work.
The United Nations peacekeeping forces, under the leadership of Canadian Colonel Oliver, are frustratingly forbidden from intervening in the conflict, leaving the Rwandans vulnerable. Foreign nationals are evacuated from the hotel, but the Rwandans are left behind.
More refugees pour into the hotel from the overwhelmed United Nations refugee camp, the Red Cross, and various orphanages, totaling 800 people, including both Tutsis and Hutus.
Tatiana desperately searches for her missing brother, sister-in-law, and two nieces. As the situation deteriorates, Paul must juggle the responsibility of diverting Hutu soldiers, caring for the refugees, protecting his own family, and maintaining the illusion of a functioning 4-star hotel. To do so, he coerces Gregoire to work with the reluctant help of General Bizimungu.
Facing severe shortages of supplies, Paul and Gregoire embark on a dangerous mission to collect hotel provisions from Georges Rutaganda. Along the way, they witness the Interahamwe militia brutally raping Tutsi hostages.
Georges reveals to Paul his chilling belief that the Hutu extremists aim to eradicate all Tutsis, stating that they are already halfway there. The treacherous journey back to the hotel through the fog-shrouded riverside road recommended by Georges is horrifying, as they encounter a nightmarish carpet of dead bodies.
When the UN forces attempt to evacuate a group of refugees, including Paul's family, Gregoire betrays them to the Interahamwe, who use radio broadcasts to target them. In a desperate move, Paul gives the remaining valuables and Scotch from his office safe to General Bizimungu in exchange for the safety of the refugees.
He confronts Bizimungu about his apathy towards the genocide and promises to testify on his behalf for his assistance.
Eventually, Paul's family and the hotel refugees manage to leave the besieged hotel in a UN convoy. They navigate through chaotic masses of refugees and hostile militias, finally reaching safety behind Tutsi rebel lines and reuniting with their nieces.
The film concludes with text cards that reveal Paul's heroic efforts saved at least 1,200 Tutsi and Hutu refugees. Paul and his family, who adopted the two nieces, relocated to Belgium, but Tatiana's brother Thomas and his wife were never found. The genocide finally came to an end in July 1994 when the Tutsi rebels pushed the Hutu and Interahamwe militia into the Congo. The staggering human toll of the genocide amounted to at least 491,000 lives lost. Georges and Bizimungu faced trial and were sentenced for their war crimes, with Georges receiving a life sentence.
Hotel Rwanda Cast
Actor
Character
Don Cheadle
Paul Rusesabagina
Sophie Okonedo
Tatiana Rusesabagina
Nick Nolte
Colonel Oliver
Joaquin Phoenix
Jack Daglish
Fana Mokoena
General Augustin Bizimungu
Cara Seymour
Pat Archer
David O'Hara
Dave Flemming
Tony Kgoroge
Gregoire
Desmond Dube
Dube
Hakeem Kae-Kazim
Georges Rutaganda
Leleti Khumalo
Fedens
Antonio Lyons
Thomas Mirama
Mosa Kaiser
Elys Rusesabagina
Mduduzi Mabaso
Hutu lieutenant
Jean Reno (uncredited)
Mr. Tillens
Eugene Wanangwa Khumbanyiwa (uncredited)
Hotel Staff
Hotel Rwanda Netflix
"Hotel Rwanda" is not currently available for streaming on Netflix. While Netflix offers a vast library of movies and TV shows, there are instances where certain titles may not be accessible on the platform.
Nevertheless, you can still watch "Hotel Rwanda" on several other streaming service providers. It's worth noting that the availability of movies can vary by region on streaming platforms, so it's possible that the film may be accessible in different locations. If you're unable to find it on Netflix, you may want to explore other streaming services to see if it's available for viewing.
Where to Watch Hotel Rwanda?
Streaming:
"Hotel Rwanda" is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Hoopla.
You can also watch it for free with ads on The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, and Pluto TV.
Rent:
If you prefer to rent the movie, you can do so on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, DIRECTV, and Spectrum On Demand.
These options provide flexibility for viewers to choose their preferred way to watch "Hotel Rwanda."
Hotel Rwanda Trailer
Is Hotel Rwanda True Story? FAQs
Yes, "Hotel Rwanda" is based on the true story of Paul Rusesabagina and his efforts during the Rwandan Genocide.
The plot revolves around Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who shelters both Tutsi and Hutu refugees during the Rwandan Genocide. It depicts his heroic efforts to save lives amidst the violence.
No, "Hotel Rwanda" is not currently available for streaming on Netflix. It may be accessible on other streaming platforms.
Paul Rusesabagina is credited with saving at least 1,200 Tutsi and Hutu refugees during the Rwandan Genocide.
Yes, you can watch "Hotel Rwanda" for free with ads on The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, and Pluto TV.