Hotel Rwanda

Hotel Rwanda

Year: 2004

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Terry George

DramaHistoryThrillerWar

During the Rwandan genocide, hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina risks everything to shelter and protect over a thousand Tutsi refugees within the hotel he manages. Facing immense pressure and escalating violence, he must use all his courage and ingenuity to shield those seeking safety, defying the authorities and confronting the horrific reality of the ethnic cleansing unfolding around him. The lives of the refugees, and Paul's own, are in constant peril as he fights to maintain hope amidst the chaos.

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Timeline – Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Trace every key event in Hotel Rwanda (2004) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

1994 Rwanda: The Onset of Genocide

In the heart-wrenching backdrop of 1994 Rwanda, ethnic tensions ignited a horrific genocide. Hutu soldiers began a systematic massacre of nearly one million Tutsi people, leading to widespread chaos and devastation.

1994 Rwanda
2

Refuge in a Hotel

Amidst the carnage, approximately 1,000 Tutsi refugees found sanctuary in a luxurious hotel in central Kigali, owned by Sabena Airlines. This hotel became a critical refuge for those fleeing violence and persecution.

Kigali
3

Paul Rusesabagina Takes Charge

Paul Rusesabagina, the hotel manager, assumed the monumental responsibility of safeguarding the Tutsi refugees. His quick-thinking and resourcefulness became vital in providing safety amidst the relentless assaults by Hutu forces.

Kigali
4

Warning from Outside

One evening, Paul returns home to find his wife's brother and family visiting. Their brief moment of peace is shattered when a child runs in with devastating news of armed soldiers inflicting terror outside their home.

Paul's Home
5

Targeting Tutsi Homes

In the tumultuous streets, Hutu soldiers indiscriminately targeted Tutsi homes, killing inhabitants and abducting women. The rampant violence forced Paul to confront the reality that his family's and neighbors' lives were in grave danger.

Kigali
6

Negotiating for Lives

Paul discovers that his wife, Tatiana, is hiding Tutsi neighbors in their home. When confronted by Hutu soldiers, he skillfully negotiates for their lives by claiming they are family, utilizing his resources to secure a temporary reprieve.

Kigali
7

Documenting Brutality

Scottish journalist David and his American cameraman Jack begin documenting the atrocities committed against the Tutsi population. Their recordings serve as a haunting testament to the brutal reality unfolding in Rwanda.

Kigali
8

UN's Efforts to Protect

Colonel Oliver, a Canadian UN official, takes brave steps to protect the hotel by placing guards at the gates. His efforts illustrate the desperate strive for safety amidst the chaos engulfing Rwanda.

Kigali
9

Desperate Search for Supplies

As conditions worsen, Paul and his colleague Gregoire venture into Hutu territory in search of essential supplies. They are met with horror as they encounter a road littered with bodies, starkly reminding them of the genocide's brutality.

Hutu Territory
10

Evacuation Demands

A Hutu Lieutenant confronts Paul, demanding he evacuate all the refugees from the hotel. Just as tensions peak, he receives a crucial radio communication about Belgian soldiers approaching, prompting a hasty retreat from the Hutu forces.

Kigali
11

Heart-Wrenching Decisions

With news from Pat revealing that many are unaccounted for, Paul faces the agonizing decision of sending his family away without him. This choice highlights his deep commitment to ensuring their safety despite the personal cost.

Kigali
12

Escaping with Danger

As the escape unfolds, Hutu soldiers surround the convoy, leading to a tense standoff. Paul reaches out to General Augustin Bizimungo, a Hutu general involved in the genocide, revealing his desperation to secure his family's safety.

Road to Safety
13

Supplies Running Low

Amidst the ongoing chaos, supplies at the hotel are rapidly dwindling. Paul and the refugees resort to drinking pool water, highlighting their dire situation and the desperation felt by all in the hotel.

Hotel Rwanda
14

Colonel Oliver's Escape Plan

Colonel Oliver orchestrates a daring plan for escape, offering a glimmer of hope to the beleaguered refugees. However, their departure is met with fierce resistance from Hutu soldiers, increasing the stakes of their fragile situation.

Kigali
15

Life After the Genocide

With the chaos behind them, Paul, Tatiana, and their children begin to forge a new life in Belgium. The enduring scars of the genocide remain, serving as a sobering reminder of their harrowing journey and the strength of the human spirit.

Belgium

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 23:41

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Hotel Rwanda Summary

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Hotel Rwanda Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Hotel Rwanda

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Hotel Rwanda

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