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Shake Hands with the Devil

Name: Shake Hands with the Devil
Director: Roger Spottiswoode
Released: 2007
Duration: 112 min

Representation Score

5.1/10

Fair

2007

Director

Roger Spottiswoode

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Shake Hands with the Devil is a significant work of historical realism that challenges traditional narratives of Western heroism. It succeeds by refusing to romanticize international intervention, instead highlighting the systemic failures of global institutions. The film's primary strength lies in its rigorous engagement with post-colonial dynamics and the devastating impact of colonial legacies on ethnic identity. By centering the African experience, it avoids common pitfalls of historical dramas. However, the film remains limited by its narrow focus on masculine leadership and its lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities. The narrative architecture prioritizes geopolitical and military perspectives over a broader spectrum of social identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Shake Hands with the Devil have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The story focuses exclusively on the geopolitical and humanitarian crisis of the Rwandan Genocide.

How does Shake Hands with the Devil portray gender?

Limited

The narrative is driven by male perspectives, particularly through military and journalistic roles. While women play crucial roles as victims, they often lack primary ability to act in the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Shake Hands with the Devil?

Excellent

The film excels by using a predominantly Black cast to represent the Rwandan population. It avoids whitewashing and provides a sophisticated critique of how colonial-era ethnic classifications were weaponized.

How does Shake Hands with the Devil represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film offers a profound critique of Western institutionalism and global apathy. It challenges Western hegemony by portraying the United Nations as paralyzed by bureaucracy and moral indifference.

Does Shake Hands with the Devil include disability representation?

Fair

Physical and psychological traumas are depicted as consequences of conflict rather than intentional character studies. The film touches on PTSD, though it treats these conditions as symptoms of trauma rather than individual ability to act.

Present on Screen

Provides a sophisticated critique of post-colonial ethnic engineering.
Avoids whitewashing by centering the African experience and a predominantly Black cast.
Offers a powerful deconstruction of Western institutionalism and global apathy.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships.
Relies heavily on male-driven perspectives within military and journalistic frameworks.
Treats disability and psychological trauma primarily as symptoms of conflict rather than character studies.

Official Synopsis

In 1993, Canadian Lieutenant General Roméo Dallaire was sent by the United Nations to Rwanda as commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR). Its mission, to ensure the ceasefire, is underfunded, excessively bureaucratized and made up of military units which come from dozens of countries and which each have a very different program... These are Lt Gen Dallaire's efforts to stop the madness of the Rwandan Genocide, despite the complete indifference of his superiors.

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