Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Romeo Dallaire

Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Romeo Dallaire from 2004 is an intense documentary that covers one of the darkest chapters in human history – the Rwandan genocide of 1994. The film is a chilling exposé that mirrors, critiques, and interrogates the disturbing conflict and its aftermath from the perspective of a man who witnessed it firsthand.

The central figure in the narrative is Lieutenant General Roméo Dallaire, a Canadian who served as the Force Commander of the United Nations Mission for Rwanda during the genocide. Dallaire was an observer to an unspeakable horror, forced into a passive role by bureaucratic red tape and global indifference, as ethnic rivalries and political corruption created a storm that resulted in the senseless massacre of 800,000 Tutsis by the majority Hutu population.

Steeped in a stylish yet somber aesthetic, the documentary directed by Peter Raymont follows Dallaire as he reflects on his time in Rwanda and the tragic events that unfolded under his watch. It carefully recreates his journey, from his initial enthusiasm that was grounded in a belief in humanitarian values, to his eventual disillusionment as the world turned a blind eye to the unfolding genocide.

Not just a recounting of events, Shake Hands with the Devil delves into Dallaire's emotional and psychological states during this traumatic period. Traumatized, guilt-ridden, and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, Dallaire provides a heart-wrenching and personal account of his experiences. The film captures his visceral attempts at dealing with the guilt and reconciling with the devastating realities of the brutal genocide.

In addition to Dallaire’s personal narrative, the documentary features interviews with various other key individuals tied to these events. These include political figures like Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, and UN officials, academics such as Gerry Caplan, an African studies scholar and political commentator. Their insights provide context and multiple perspectives on the underlying political, social, and humanitarian aspects of the Rwandan crisis.

One of the key strengths of this film is its unflinching commitment to truth. It explores the unwillingness of the global community to engage in the Rwandan crisis and criticizes the lack of action to prevent the genocide. Juxtaposing these painful historical realities against Dallaire’s emotional account, the film casts an unerring light on the consequences of global indifference to humanitarian crises.

Dallaire's return journey to Rwanda a decade after the genocide forms the heart of the documentary’s narrative, as he confronts the haunting scenes of his past. His interactions with the survivors, the convicted killers, and the humanitarian workers left in the aftermath of the genocide provide a deep dive into the lasting impact of the tragedy on the individual and collective psyche of the people of Rwanda.

Through Dallaire's journey, Shake Hands with the Devil not only provides a raw account of the genocide but also creates a dialogue about the nature of humanity, responsibility, and the global response to humanitarian crises. This film is not just a personal account of a deeply saddened and guilt-ridden man but also a damning indictment of global apathy and bureaucratic inefficiency that allows such heinous acts to continue.

The movie, while brutally honest, is tactful in its treatment of the subject matter. Its pain is genuine, its message resounding loud and clear: "never again", a cry from the heart, a plea from a commander, who, burdened by guilt and tragedy, saw the depths of human cruelty while the rest of the world chose to turn a blind eye.

In summary, Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Romeo Dallaire from 2004 is a poignant, powerful film that walks hand in hand with tragedy, revealing the lessons and warnings it today serves. It's a tale of horror, of guilt, of indecision, and of stark human realities, but above all, it's a call to consciousness – a call that echoes long after the credits roll.