Shooting Dogs [DVD]

I've watched every gore fest, every torture porn, every sick and twisted horror movie out there. I thought I was unshockable, but clearly not. I was 10 when the 1994 genocide happened between the Hutu and the Tutsi and I have no real recollection of it at all. This may have been due to my parents keeping me away from the news, but everyone needs to know about this. There are parts of this film that are flawed, but all in all it is utterly horrific and will haunt you for days after watching. 800,000+ people were murdered with machetes and clubs - that is a number I can't even conceive of - and the UN pretty much abandoned them. This film concerns a group of Tutsi who took refuge in a catholic school that was being 'protected' by the UN (who were helpless due to commands from above) it is filmed in the actual location of the school and several crew members are survivors of the genocide. Truly terrifying stuff.

Of the three films I've seen on this terrible event in history, the subject matter is probably the ONLY thing they indeed have in common. All contain scenes of butchery, rape and discrimination by one race of Africans against another. 'Shooting Dogs' is set mainly in a Catholic Church and the grounds of the same in 1994 when close to 1 million people were murdered while the UN were deliberating whether what was occuring amounted to Genocide, Acts of Genocide or neither and whether there should be International Intervention or not.The Belgian UN soldiers are seen to be humiliated by the Hutu War-Chiefs. Historically the film IS very good because this really did happen but only because the UN couldn't agree on what exactly needed doing? Consequently, little or nothing positive WAS done, enormous restrictions were placed on UN troops who had a mandate to 'shoot' ONLY if their lives were in danger, but nothing else.John Hurt, the ever-reliable stars. I rate him as one of the most versatile and best actors in the industry. A good, strong film which I think is inferior to 'Sometimes in April' with Idris Elba BUT better than 'Hotel Rwanda' starring Don Cheadle.

Excellent film. Good performance from John Hurt as a priest as well as David Gyasi who goes over to the dark side to save his friend, Hugh Darcy. But the most endearing character is Marie played by Clare Hope Ashitey. She reminds me of an African girl I saw in a church in Mozambique, as well as someone I studied with at bible college. She has such a sweet smile, and I probably would have stayed behind with her like John Hurt so that she wouldn't have to die alone.The best line in the film is when John Hurt says to Hugh Darcy: 'Where is God in this suffering? He is in the midst suffering with us. This is where I belong. If I escape then it's like I'm losing my soul.' In other words, rather than prevent suffering, God suffers with us to give us hope through our suffering. It is this shared suffering that gives Marie (Clare-Hope Ashitey) hope.

I was at college in 1994 when the genocide happened and remembered seeing clips on the news.In 2006 I visited a friend who had been working in Rwanda for a year and had learned a lot about what went on and how things were now.When I got back I purchased Hotel Rwanda but whilst still a very good film, did not have the powerful story line of Shooting Dogs.I have also read about what happened at the School depicted in the story and many of the facts from the book were accurately portrayed in the film such as the locals asking to be killed by the Belgium's as they withdrew so as to save them from the machetes.A film not to be taken lightly.

If you like horror this is the film you want, if you like love this is the film you want, if you like true stories this is the film you want. If you are a Christian and/or interested in charity this is also the film you want. It has everything to do with our humanity, from our extreme cruelty all the way to our extreme way to love. Although there is a little bit of fiction in it, this is a true story of the Rwandan genocide. It is situated in a school and when they filmed the film they actually did it in the school where 100's of Tutsis were eventually killed as I recall. They certainly asked some of the survivers to be involved in the filming. It's a great film and Hugh Dancy always adds to the film.

A hard-hitting film but very truthful portrayal of the horrors of the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. John Hurt is excellent and reminds me just how versatile and capable an actor he was. The story is very true to the events that occurred and does a great job of challenging the viewer as to "what would you do?"This is must-see viewing for anyone studying Rwandan history or visiting the country who wants to understand a defining point in their country's history.

I don't write many reviews ,but this film should be watched by all.Mans inhumanity to his fellow man and the stupidity of the so called United Nations,who did nothing ,in the end.Genocide still go's on and yet we say never again after the Holocaust.What fools we are.Yet we pull out a handfull of Brits in Rwanda ,but still leave our lads in Afganistan??Why?What will have changed when they leave?But do watch this film.It will remain in your heart.

This is an extraordinary film in my opinion! I watch it twice in row, I can't believe how good it is! This is another film that I am really looking for to come out on blu ray as soon as possible! Excellent seller! Thank you!