Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Synopsis: In 1994, in civil-war-ravaged Rwanda, a man saves the lives of thousands by sheltering them at the hotel at which he works as the manager.

Appraisal: While it is clear that international politics is not a simple theme, its subtheme of military intervention is specially complicated. This film, however, puts it in a light that makes it clear as water: people are dying, so someone must do something. To a background of external turmoil and conflict, we see a personal trajectory which is virtually free from those: this man does what he has to, and that's that. The film's plot is eventful, and flows in a crescendo of tension and pace; it probably will put some political awareness into some minds, but people who have some insight into the philosophy of spectacle will always wonder how much of it is conscience appeasing as opposed to awakening.

Rating: 61