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Paul Rusesabagina (Cheadle) manages of a four-star Belgian-owned hotel in 1994 Kigali; he has a comfortable life with his wife (Okonedo) and kids, and knows how to work the system to keep everyone happy--from generals to black market profiteers. When he hears that a nationalist Hutu faction is planning to rebel against the ruling Tutsis, he thinks it's just the usual rumblings over an artificial distinction imposed in colonial times. And as revolution and genocide break out he somehow keeps a level head, turning his hotel into a refugee sanctuary against all odds.

Events are recounted here with shocking intimacy as we see society unravel through Paul's eyes, observing the powerlessness of the few Westerners who actually care (Nolte's UN colonel, Phoenix's news cameraman, Reno's Euro-businessman, Seymour's Red Cross worker). At the centre is Cheadle, a fine actor who's waited too long for a major role like this! He is simply perfect--grounded and real, witty and charismatic, gripping and sympathetic. He takes us through this story with dignity and clarity.

And what a story! This is not an easy film to watch in many ways--the descent into chaos in Rwanda was basically ignored by Europe and North America, simply because we have no monetary interests there. So let them sort out their problems themselves, right? Wrong! The problem was started by Europe in the first place, and abandoning them when they cried for help resulted in more than a million brutal deaths and far more displaced refugees.

It's to director-cowriter George's great credit that he never sensationalises anything. He establishes Rwandan society briskly, then lets us hear the growing frustration on the streets, as well as the increasing ineffectiveness of the UN. There are a few awkward dramatic elements, but the layers of characters and interrelationships keep us glued. And as Paul reluctantly steps into the brink, risking everything to save his family--and a lot more people--he becomes the kind of hero we should really celebrate.