Shake Hands with the Devil is a 2007 Canadian drama film directed by Roger Spottiswoode and starring Roy Dupuis. The film is based on the 2003 memoir Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda by Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire, focusing on his experiences as Force Commander of UNAMIR (United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda) during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Overview
- Genre: Biographical drama, Historical drama, War film
- Directed by: Roger Spottiswoode
- Written by: Michael Donovan, Roger Spottiswoode (screenplay); based on the book by Roméo Dallaire
- Produced by: Michael Donovan, Laszlo Barna
- Starring: Roy Dupuis, Deborah Kara Unger, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Allan Hawco
- Music by: Richard Grégoire
- Cinematography: Miroslaw Baszak
- Edited by: Michel Arcand
- Production companies: Barna-Alper Productions, Seville Pictures, Halifax Film
- Distributed by: Seville Pictures (Canada), Entertainment One (International)
- Release date: September 7, 2007 (TIFF)
- Running time: 112 minutes
- Country: Canada
- Language: English, French, Kinyarwanda
Plot The film chronicles the harrowing true story of Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire, a Canadian peacekeeper assigned to lead the United Nations peacekeeping force in Rwanda in 1993. Upon his arrival, Dallaire quickly discerns the escalating ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi populations. Despite his urgent warnings and repeated pleas to the United Nations for more troops, equipment, and a stronger mandate to intervene, his requests are largely ignored. As the genocide erupts in April 1994, Dallaire and his small contingent of peacekeepers are left with a virtually impossible task: to protect as many civilians as possible while operating under severe restrictions and witnessing unspeakable atrocities. The film portrays Dallaire's increasing frustration, moral conflict, and the psychological toll of being a powerless observer to the systematic slaughter of nearly a million people, highlighting the international community's failure to act.
Cast
- Roy Dupuis as Lt-Gen. Roméo Dallaire
- Deborah Kara Unger as Emma
- Jean-Hugues Anglade as Bernard Kouchner
- Allan Hawco as Paul Kagame
- Michel Mongeau as General Augustin Bizimungu
- Vincent Gale as Captain Brent Beardsley
- Owen Sejake as Colonel Theoneste Bagosora
Themes Shake Hands with the Devil explores themes of moral responsibility, the impact of international indifference, the failure of political will, and the psychological burden of witnessing genocide. It delves into the nature of leadership under extreme duress and the profound personal cost of such an experience. The film serves as a stark reminder of the consequences when the international community fails to intervene in mass atrocities.
Reception The film received generally positive reviews, with particular praise for Roy Dupuis's portrayal of Roméo Dallaire, which was widely considered powerful and moving. Critics commended the film's unflinching look at the Rwandan genocide and its respectful handling of such a sensitive subject. It was recognized for its historical accuracy and its success in conveying the overwhelming scale of the tragedy and Dallaire's personal anguish.
Awards and Recognition The film garnered significant critical acclaim, particularly in Canada. It won the Genie Award for Best Motion Picture at the 28th Genie Awards in 2008. Roy Dupuis also won the Genie Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for his work in the film.