Demagogue

I intend this as a tiny complement to Eugene's earlier post. I second his frustration at the lack of understanding one gets from the movie. However, I don't see it as a flaw with an easy remedy. The best it could ever be is an introduction. And on that note, I found it to be quite good. (I was impressed with how much context the movie actually did get in. And I also thought it was a damn fine movie.)

It will have proven to be of truly lasting value if the wishes of Paul Rusesabagina are borne out. He explains them quite clearly in an interview that he and Don Cheadle did last month.

In the years since the atrocities in Rwanda ten years ago, apologies have been made by some of the countries who at first turned a blind eye towards intervention. We asked Mr. Rusesabagina how he felt about these apologies. "Well, what took place, had happened. We can't change anything. In forgiving, if someone comes to you and they [apologize], you can always go ahead and forgive him. We will never forget, but we forgive. Now, there is a very good reason for me, even to forgive, because there is a message. This movie we have done is a message to the world. It is a message to each and every one of us, to remember whenever we see a similar situation; we care because we know that what happened Rwanda might be repeated in some other part of the world. As it is happening right now in Sudan. It is happening in Congo not far from Rwanda."

The film's website also has a list (see the "reference" heading under the "Get Involved" tab) of other sources that do give context, as well as a teacher's guide for high school age students co-produced by Amnesty International. I think that's a pretty good first step to understanding, but it would be better if it wasn't completely buried.