Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump provides an interesting perspective revealing the phenomenon that not only those who blossom intelligently prosper. Unintentionally, Forrest brings hope to all who feel overpowered by the success, ego, and intelligence of others. Forrest Gump is based on an average boy who starts off at some hick town in the States promised to amount to nothing by his peers.  He had not enough looks, not enough smarts, and not enough talent to create an impression in today’s world. Despite society’s outlook on Forrest, he remained untouched by their lack of faith and never lost his innocence. Forrest is pure in his intentions, kind in his actions, and honest in his words. He means no harm and seeks to only please those who have made a difference in his life. The inspiring Forrest naively slips through some of the most dramatic events in history unknowingly yet never allows the actions he views to change his personality and morals. Forrest represents an individual like no other, one of untainted goodness, and displays the way the world will reward you in return to ones kindness. Though Forrest has encountered remarkable evens such as teaching Elvis Presley to dance, defeating the Chinese national team in table tennis, and discovering the break-in at Watergate, the sole affair that seems to change his life is the ordinary incident of meeting a girl. Not just any girl, his childhood love. Wanting nothing out of life other than to be with Jenny, Forrest is determined to do what he can to please her. This movie proves that with the right intentions, life will treat you well. Though Forrest was not necessarily the smartest or the brightest, he prospered in every way and lived his life to the fullest. As we watch Forrest periodically grow up rather than mature, we can’t help but fall in love with his character. His chastity plants a yearning in us all to better ourselves and develop a trait or two identical to Forrest’s.

The irony in the difference of opinion between the critics and the general audience is astounding yet understandable. The plot line of the movie seems rather simple, a boy flying through life untouched by his surroundings chasing after his love. Analysing it through a critics eye the film appears blatant and overdone, no originality or creativity added. Yet if you sit down and watch this movie for the sole purpose of enjoying it, you catch the little twists of it that simply place a smile on your face. Forrest is so loveable and inspiring. Though critics believe this film portrays the wrong message that an individual may prosper without going through school and trying their hardest, what the audience gets out of it is the complete opposite. Those who are smart, beautiful, and talented will prosper and have a future either way, those who truly need the hope and inspiration are those that lack these traits. Forrest provides hope to the hopeless, dreams to the helpless, and a vision to the blind.

Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Romeo Dallaire

Starring in Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Romeo Dallaire, Dallaire’s perspective and insight on the tragedy that occurred in Rwanda is truly eye-opening and inspiring. Explaining the events that lead up to the Rwandan genocide this documentary takes you though the mind of Dallaire and places you in the shoes of a commanding officer. Through this film we see not only the hardships of the many innocent refugee Tutsi’s but the helpless United Nations soldiers as well. The documentary reveals the corruption swept over the United States government and their lack of generosity and sympathy. It shows how simple it could have been for the US to chip in and help and displays the numerous times in which Rwanda was let down by this strong nation. It shows genocide affects many more people than the victims themselves, as Dallaire is scarred forever with the images engraved in his mind. Seeing how hard it was for Dallaire to step back onto Rwandan soil ten years after the massacre depicts the mass amount of sorrow and remorse he still holds for this country. It is clear with every word he states how hard he tried to save as many lives as he could and how genuine of a man he is. Though he has no moral reason to possess guilt, he seems to be overflowing with it. I never before thought of the effects these missions have on peacekeepers but seeing how broken and traumatized Dallaire is after his work makes me view them in a much more inspiring manner. He risked his life ever day out there on the field, yet all he could think about was everyone else’s safety rather than his own. Dallaire’s bravery deserves to be displayed, and his courage and loyalty will never be forgotten. 

Ghosts of Rwanda

Commenting on the horrific acts of genocide taking place in Rwanda in 1994, Ghosts of Rwanda marks the 10^th anniversary and the return of many politicians. In an attempt to clear their conscience of the crisis that still haunts their soul, politicians that refused to intervene came to pay their tribute. Taking you through the perspective of Rwanda’s citizens, their government, the US government, and many other countries, this documentary provides the full scope of events that occurred during the genocide. It states the many behind-the-scene actions that many were unaware of and depicts the corruption in the US government towards their lack of involvement. The sad truth depicted in this documentary is sure to bring tears to your eyes at the inspirational stories of Tutsi survivors such as Valentina Ibirbagiza.

Though many scenes in this film conjured up feelings of angst and sorrow towards the Rwandans the most powerful story in my eyes is that of Valentina’s. At the mere age of 12 she was the only one able to survive the horrific killings of the Nyarubuye church massacre. The Roman Catholic church was meant to be a sanctuary for refugee Tutsi and Hutu moderates seeking safety from the interhamwe, yet Hutu extremists managed to massacre them all. An alarming number of over 5,000 dead, Valentina explains how her only chance at survival was to hide herself under the large weight of dead bodies. For 43 days this poor girl was forced to stay in this small church filled with the scent of rotting bodies. By the time the Red Cross reached her she was at a horrible state, yet the fact that she lived through it and is here today to tell her story is truly inspirational. Valentina is a hero, and deserves to be recognized for her bravery.

Out of the many films of genocide that we have watched, I believe this was the most factual and beneficial. It accurately portrays the selfishness of the United States government and heroism of Tutsi survivors. The stories told in this powerful documentary are a necessity for all individuals to understand, and we must work towards ensuring a massacre such as this will never go unnoticed again.

Shake Hands with the Devil

To be honest Shake Hands with the Devil started off at a very slow pace with what seemed like not a lot of potential to get better. There was plenty of dialogue consisting of political facts starting the film with not a ton of exciting moments. What it lacked was a booming, attention catching introduction. On the other hand, once the film reached the massacre stage there was plenty of drama and action to make up for it. The amount of blood, vile, and gore, exceeds that of anything I have ever witnessed before. Though the authenticity of the film is frightening it is crucial to understand the corruption capable in humanity.

The validity of Shake Hands with the Devil is evident in each scene causing me to trust its facts wholeheartedly compared to the doubts I obtain about Hotel Rwanda’s obscured perception. I felt the only thing Hotel Rwanda taught me about was Paul Rusesabagina’s involvement whereas in reality the UN and other forces were just as important to the safety and wellbeing of the innocent Tutsi’s.

Rather than getting straight into the action packed moments of murder and chaos, Shake Hands with the Devil begins with a detailed debriefing of the subject letting the audience know the harsh circumstances being dealt with rather than leaving them in a dust of wonder. There is a rational order of events that helped me understand completely the hatred that was arising between the two social groups. I learned a lot from this film and will truly never forget the misfortune that occurred in Rwanda.

Hotel Rwanda

Hotel Rwanda directed by Terry George is a phenomenally enticing film perfect to watch on a Saturday night sit down. It grasps emotions out of you, keeps you at the edge of your seat, and leaves you feeling extremely thankful for the current minute life issue that seemed overly dramatic a mere hour ago. Though it was great for my soul and emotion, I did not feel it was as effective for my mind and knowledge. The plot involves an average man climbing his way to popularity and status through serving the rich, the important, and the ignorant their wine and scotch. Though it may not seem this way at first, these people will soon aid in serving him back his life. Hotel Rwanda glorifies the life of Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle) making it known to the public what a heroic figure he played during the Rwandan genocide.

Don Cheadle does a magnificent job illustrating the hardships Paul Rusesabagina has been forced to witness. His intentions are clear in the form that he means not to be a hero to society, simply to fulfill his duty as husband and father by protecting his family. He is a man of intelligence and pride, of perseverance and honour, displaying the importance of a strong family backbone as it was his only motive for survival.

The physical appearances and the costume and set of this film truly portray the reality of the situation. Hutu extremist appear strong and display dominance over the helpless Tutsi’s who grow to appear sick and weak mirroring their vulnerability. The costumes worn help differentiate between the two social groups producing a visible distinction between them. By combining a colourful outrageous colour scheme the Hutu make their presence known to all and release their authority. This step can be viewed as the second stage of genocide, symbolism. Making it visibly clear which group you stand in strengthens the ideology of an “us” and “them” categorization and aids in dehumanizing the Tutsi's.

Though this film has the potential to provide great enjoyment, it does not grant as real a perspective about the massacre as it should. It presents a false perception of the circumstances of the Rwandan genocide and strongly belittles the involvement of the UN. It amplifies the influence of Paul Rusesabagina, and though he indeed saved many innocent lives, he is not the only hero to this story. The film ignores all other figures of importance that helped in the Rwandan genocide and focuses solely on Paul.  Lacking any background information about the massacre other than facts from this film, my vision would be blurred and biased towards Paul believing he was the only saint attempting to mend the horrific nightmare. Despite Hotel Rawanda's flaws in factual information, the overall film excels in all other aspects and is a must-see for all audiences.