Shooting Dogs (Beyond the Gates)

This movie was released as Beyond the Gates here in the US, but most other places had the original, far more fitting, title. This is a fairly similar story to Hotel Rwanda without the happy ending. Not that the story of 1990s Rwanda had ANY happy endings.

John Hurt and Hugh Dancy are brilliant together as differing generations dealing with the same crisis of conscience. Dominique Horwitz, new to us Yanks, but well known in his homeland, plays the head of a French delegation of UN troops in Rwanda at the time to observe the peace. His own struggle is as much a part of the story as any one's.

Based on actual events as told by the few survivors, this is a touching story with all too real action on both sides. As a resident of different African nations 20 years prior to this story, I observed the tribe-on-tribe violence and hatred that this story brings to light. Far worse than the racism most of us are familiar with, this movie shines fresh light on why the word genocide was used in this case.

This movie is not for everyone. There are strong religious and political themes. If you are not comfortable with your own beliefs in light of what others think, you may want to watch something less challenging. Otherwise this movie should prove entertaining, informative, thought provoking, and possibly even lead to action on your part.

Watch this with someone who as has lived in Africa and see if they recognize anything or anyone.

Inside Man

This is a very smart movie. I love the formula. A great script. Big names clearly having a good time doing their jobs. Set with classic New York characters. All on top of a good story that keeps the audience guessing until the end. Oh and the end - I love an end that "winks" at the audience. This one has a realistic, smart ending.

Denzel Washington plays a jaded New York Detective called in to work an unusual bank robbery. Clive Owen plays an uncommon thief. Jodie Foster plays one of her more interesting characters as a "fixer" for the rich and famous of New York. Christopher Plummer plays the banker who calls in Foster's character to help make things go away.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Willem Dafoe and Chiwetel Ejiofor are also detectives working with Washington. Kim Director is among the gang of robbers, interestingly all named Steve.

Can there be a bank robbery if nothing is claimed stolen? If the bank robbers stay in the bank with all the hostages and nobody knows who is a good guy or a bad guy, who can the cops chase? This movie reinforces the idea that success is not based so much on 'what you know' or 'who you know', but more on 'what you know about who you know'.

Watch this movie with someone who thinks a good guessing game is delicious.