“Hotel Rwanda”

Hotel Rwanda is a moving reality of the world we live in; it is based on the lives and experiences of humanity struggling to find meaning to life, and ready to give it up for the sake of life itself. The movie is full of paradox which are reasons why we are moved; why we sympathized and empathized; why we struggled; why we were provoked to contemplate.

(c/o impawards.com)

1.  Hotel (Hôtel des Mille Collines)

a.  (+) a famous place to accommodate, entertain and makes guests comfortable and satisfying, however they only catered mostly Caucasians and well-off local citizens.

b.   (-) became a famous refuge for fleeing Rwandans, both Hutus and Tutsis; became an oasis in the desert offering not so much of comfort and satisfaction but of safety and refuge.

c.  Point of reflection: Whom do we cater in our home, offices or career, community and church?

2. Rwandans

1. The Tutsis who comprises a small population in Rwanda were considered by the West to be more elegant and good looking. They were given more opportunities and support to rule the country for a certain period.
2. The Hutus who comprises a big population on the other hand who because of such standard of measurement suffered oppression and injustice; they however took over through political unrest in the country.
3. Points of reflection: What standard do we use for people not our own? Does such standard exclusive or inclusive?

3. Paul

a.      Works very hard to satisfy the management and clients, to the point of “bribing” higher officials to gain favor and save his family. On the other hand, Paul pleads incessantly to convince higher officials to the point of bribing them money and goods to save others.

b.      In many scenes Paul seems to be in denial of the gravity of the situation, however in the long run we see that he is in fact just trying to be calm and strong in order to encourage and give hope.

c.      Point of reflection: The test of faith and courage is at its zenith when one deals with tragic, almost “hopeless” situations, and be able to pull through. As believers, do we see ourselves in the person of Paul or of his wife?

4. White and Black

1. The whites fled with the help of UN. The locals (Tutsis) were abandoned by UN. The white missionaries avoiding to become victims hand their missionary works to the locals while Ms Archer and Col. Oliver stayed and lend their hands to help the victims.
2. The UN signed a peace agreement with Rwandan government to end civil war and yet worked almost nothing to bring peace to the nation especially during the genocide. The UNAMIR troops were even instructed to evacuate only foreign nationals, which led to mass killings of the Hutus.
3. Point of reflection: In our everyday lives are we being true and committed to the mission we are called to do?  

5.  Tragedy (Hate) vs. Heroism (Love)

1. Tragedy and hatred sets people apart, destroy the calmness and balance in peoples’ lives and yet even through the darkness one can see light; sees hope in a hopeless situation; bring forth a genuine unity brought about by love; that even in awful and evil situations something good can come out.
2. Point of reflections: There is a saying that “everyone is born a hero given a chance.” Do we often encounter such a chance? How do we respond whenever we encounter these chances?

6. Conclusion

(c/o impawards.com)

The realities of tragedy, injustice and evil sometimes put me to “sleep mode”, trying to avoid the topic and even wonder whether there is an end to all these.  However, the same realities move me to commit and believe that good will prevail in the end, that there is hope, that salvation is possible, and that it is always available for those who are willing to participate - I should not forget that although salvation is freely given by God I on my part must receive the gift.