Last night after putting Lulu down, we decided to watch Hotel Rwanda. I know.. I know- hello we are like 2 years behind on watching movies. We kept meaning to see it, but just never got around to it.
I was basically bawling for the entire movie. All those kids, families- heartbreaking. It is amazing how completely blessed so many of us are to be living where we do. I know I'm totally guilty of not recognizing that fact EVERY SINGLE DAY. I was horrified when they told them that it would air back in the states, but everyone would just say "that is so sad" and go back to eating their dinner. I'm sure they were correct. I know I do the same thing.. hear a horrific item on the news and 20 minutes later it is no longer an afterthought. No wonder everyone thought we, the Americans, were ridiculous in WWII (they thought our army was just a group of playboys)... well until Pearl Harbor.
Although completely different, it made me think of the pioneers and being forced out of their homes to an unknown future and losing kids, family members, etc along the way. I don't mean to compare the two, since it is basically apples and oranges, both horrific for entirely different reasons, but still about human suffering. Anyhow, those were my thoughts as I was watching the film (I had also just read Amy M's fabulous recount of her Trek experience). I cannot imagine having to bury your baby, knowing you would never be coming back. The terror of having to flee for your life. True- you knew you had Heavenly Father to protect you, but still...
If you haven't seen Hotel Rwanda I would highly encourage it. At least to see the amazing story of a man that was willing to sacrifice his safety to help those people in need. It is also a real testament to him that he saw everyone the same, regardless of their race, class, ethnicity, and treated them the same.
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This is a movie I have wanted to watch. I am always interested in other cultures and especially how they view americans. I really do think we are a very spoiled and naive culture. I have to agree with the shaking of the head oh too bad.
I have avoided this movie because I can't recover from 2 hours of bawling and the devastation I feel after learning that stuff like that goes on. I feel guilty about this and feel like I'm being an ignorant American, but how do we reconcile these atrocities and go back to our lives? If we can't then does that mean we should sell everything and join the Peace Corp or Amnesty International? I internalize everything so I have to be careful about what I put in my mind. Did you have a headache from the crying?
Jill-
I understand where you are coming from. It is hard to imagine those things happening, but not being able to do anything. Although- now you can write your congressman, president, etc. I thought that was interesting, because in the move they said that the people should call anyone they knew outside of the country that could help. Later the UN peacekeeping commander came in and said the phone calls worked- and started giving out humanitarian visas to many of the people at the hotel. It was nice to see that all the letter writing and phone calls can make a difference.
After watching the movie I went in and gave Lulu a big hug and kiss and just kind of stared at her sleeping for a long time. I really want to teach to instill in her a desire to make the world a better place. Lots of people do it by raising good kids (like that great Emerson quote), but I hope that maybe she will take more of a proactive role. I would love for her to serve in the Peace Corps (actually I would love to do this when my kids are older) or something- but.. obviously it is her choice.
It was completely horrifying, but also really peaceful at the end. You were able to see ONE man save over 1200 lives.
I think this movie should be required viewing for all human beings. It broke my heart, and like you, I just sat there bawling throughout the entire film. As sad as it was, it increased my awareness of the horrible things that are happening in parts of the world I almost never think about. I felt pretty helpless as I thought about what I could do to make a difference, but then again, I think that is one of the powerful messages of this movie - that ONE person CAN make a difference. There are things each of us can do in our little spheres of influence - who knows how far-reaching the effects might be?
I agree Lara, I think everyone should see this movie. If I made a bumper sticker (you think your husband would put it on his car?) It would say "GET DISTURBED!" I remember watching this and at the end sobbing, afterward Dave and I talked about how I just wany my life, and Evie's life to mean something, I could go on and on about how watching this movie has strengthened my testimony of agency, how Heavenly Father knew that Rawanda would happen, that genocides would happen, that people would use their agency to do harm one another, but he must have known that enough of us would use our agency to do GOOD that it would be worth it in the end. He trusted us to use our agency and be good stewards of our choices. So, while I cannot directly help with the genocide in Darfur right now, I can use the agency I have today to affect positive change in my own home, in my own community, etc. And yes, Rawanda will be on our list when we take Lulu and Evie abroad. Oh, see Sometimes in April. Its a HBO movie about the same time period in Rawanda. It doesn't have Don Cheadle in it (who I LOVE) but it is very good.
Tasha-
I need to send you the list of films my girlfriend recommended. You would totally love her. All of the films are "educational" type of movies about different places in the world. I'll email them to you.
I saw this movie a few months back and had the same reaction. I like to volunteer locally but after watching that movie I felt like what I was doing wasn't enough and that even our problems here were so small and trivial compared to what is happening elsewhere. But really, I am not going to join the Peace Corps or something like that, so I feel like if we do what we can locally that it leaves less to do here and the people who can help abroad are there for that. So maybe I have the head in the sand attitude, I don't really know- I just hope I am doing enough with my family and community to make a difference somewhere.
Oh! And I would love to see the list of movies you are going to e-mail Tasha :)
I haven't seen it, either. Again, I fear the heartbreak and the helplessness. Although if it has a positive message about being able to effect change, I may be able to handle it. Sigh.
I've heard it is an excellent movie.
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