LSC Event Descriptions

May 6 & 8, 2005

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Rated PG-13
121 minutes

Hotel Rwanda (2004)
May 6, 2005 at 7:00 and 10:00pm in 26-100, and
May 8, 2005 at 7:00pm in 26-100.

Don Cheadle gives a riveting performance as Paul Rusesabagina, the manager of a European-owned hotel in Rwanda, who created a secret refugee camp for the Tutsi people during the brutal genocide committed against them by the Hutu people in 1994. His efforts helped to save 1200 lives out of close to a million who were killed. Hotel Rwanda shows this man's courage, while also capturing the political events that occurred between April and September 1994.

Powerful acting from all cast members, including throngs of children, makes this film touching and believable. Sophie Okonedo offers moving support as Rusesabagina's wife Tatiana, Nick Nolte shows knowing machismo as an American UN officer, and Joaquin Phoenix turns in a heartfelt display as a TV journalist. But it is the delicate treatment that director Terry George gives the insane, helpless situation depicted in Hotel Rwanda which makes the film so penetrating. While the violence and gore of the genocide play a disturbing part in the film, the focus lies on the heroism of its protagonist and the strength with which he navigates under seemingly impossible odds. [rottentomatoes.com]

2004 Oscar Nominations:
Best Actor (Don Cheadle)
Best Supporting Actress (Sophie Okonedo)
Best Original Screenplay

"The film defines how, using cunning and courage, a person can change the course of history -- and stand up to the inhumanity in our midst."
      -- Paul Clinton, CNN. Read this review.

May 6 & 8, 2005 <-- Previous | Spring 2005 schedule | Next -->