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🎥intro to film theory review

Hotel Rwanda

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Hotel Rwanda is a 2004 film that dramatizes the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who sheltered over a thousand Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The film highlights the themes of humanitarianism, the impact of colonial legacies, and the complexities of identity in postcolonial contexts, making it a significant work within the realm of postcolonial film theory.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The film was directed by Terry George and stars Don Cheadle as Paul Rusesabagina, bringing global attention to the Rwandan genocide.
  2. Hotel Rwanda portrays the failure of the international community to intervene during the genocide, illustrating the consequences of inaction.
  3. The narrative emphasizes themes such as courage, sacrifice, and moral responsibility in the face of human rights atrocities.
  4. The character of Paul Rusesabagina is depicted as a complex figure who navigates both his identity as a Hutu and his compassion for Tutsis during the crisis.
  5. The film sparked discussions about media representation and its role in shaping public perception of humanitarian crises in postcolonial settings.

Review Questions

  • How does Hotel Rwanda illustrate the complexities of identity in the context of postcolonial film theory?
    • Hotel Rwanda highlights the complexities of identity through Paul Rusesabagina's character as he navigates his identity as a Hutu in a time of ethnic violence. The film portrays his transformation from a hotel manager focused on business to a protector of Tutsi refugees, challenging simplified notions of ethnic identity. By showcasing this dynamic struggle for survival and moral clarity amid societal breakdown, it prompts viewers to reflect on the fluidity and multiplicity of identity in postcolonial contexts.
  • In what ways does Hotel Rwanda address the failures of international intervention during the Rwandan genocide?
    • Hotel Rwanda critically examines the failures of international intervention by depicting how world powers were largely passive as the genocide unfolded. The film showcases scenes where pleas for help were ignored or met with bureaucratic indifference, emphasizing the moral failure of nations to act decisively. This portrayal serves as a poignant commentary on global responsibility and highlights the consequences that arise when humanity turns a blind eye to atrocity.
  • Evaluate the impact that Hotel Rwanda has had on perceptions of humanitarian crises within postcolonial contexts and its implications for global responsibility.
    • Hotel Rwanda has significantly influenced perceptions of humanitarian crises by providing a humanized account of suffering during the Rwandan genocide. By foregrounding personal stories amidst widespread violence, the film encourages viewers to engage with issues of global responsibility and moral agency. Its impact is evident in subsequent discussions about intervention policies, media representation, and advocacy for vulnerable populations, highlighting how postcolonial narratives can reshape our understanding of justice and collective obligation in an interconnected world.