Watch Shake Hands with the Devil

Shake Hands with the Devil is a 2007 drama film based on real-life events that took place in Rwanda during the genocide of 1994. The film follows the story of Canadian Lieutenant-General Romeo Dallaire (played by Roy Dupuis), who is sent to Rwanda as the UN force commander, tasked with monitoring the cease-fire agreement between the Hutus and Tutsis. The film is based on Dallaire's autobiographical book, which chronicles his harrowing experiences during the genocide and his emotional struggles following the event.

The film begins with Dallaire arriving in Rwanda in 1993, where he meets with the Rwandan Patriotic Front and witnesses the atrocities committed by the Hutus. The Hutus are the majority group, who have been waging a systematic campaign of violence against the Tutsis, who are in the minority. Dallaire quickly realizes that he is facing a difficult task, as he is given insufficient resources to carry out his mission.

As the violence intensifies, Dallaire attempts to convince his superiors in the UN that they need more troops to control the situation. However, he struggles to gain support, as the international community is reluctant to get involved in what they perceive as a civil war. Dallaire's attempts to warn the UN about the upcoming genocide fall on deaf ears, and he is left to watch helplessly as the situation spirals out of control.

Throughout the film, we follow Dallaire as he struggles to maintain his sanity in the face of overwhelming brutality. The genocide is depicted in visceral detail, with scenes of mass killings and rapes that are both disturbing and heart-wrenching. Despite the carnage, Dallaire refuses to abandon his mission, remaining in Rwanda until the end of his tour, despite being traumatized by the experience.

One of the recurring themes in the film is the idea of moral responsibility. Dallaire is acutely aware that he is fighting an uphill battle, but he is determined not to be a spectator to genocide. He is criticized by his superiors for going beyond his mandate, but he persists, driven by his conscience to do what he can to save lives.

Another important theme is the idea of trauma and its long-lasting effects. Dallaire's personal struggles are depicted in detail, as he suffers from flashbacks and nightmares long after he has left Rwanda. The film does an excellent job of showing the human toll of war, especially in scenes where Dallaire is shown interacting with Rwandan children who have been traumatized by the violence.

The film was shot on location in Rwanda and features an excellent cast, including Roy Dupuis as Dallaire, Owen Sejake as Father Athol Murray, and James Gallanders as Brent Beardsley. The performances are all top-notch, effectively conveying the emotional turmoil of the characters. The film also features stunning cinematography that captures the beauty and horror of Rwanda.

In conclusion, Shake Hands with the Devil is a powerful film that tells the story of one man's attempt to prevent genocide in Rwanda. It is a harrowing, emotional, and ultimately inspiring tale of one person's commitment to doing the right thing, regardless of the cost. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Rwandan genocide, as well as those who appreciate well-crafted dramas that deal with complex moral issues.

Shake Hands with the Devil is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 57.