Rising from Ashes

The story is about men in Rwanda who where children when their country erupted in a horrible civil war and how they found some purpose in their lives through cycling. One man lost sixty members of his family to the killings. "Six zero" he emphasized. You get to meet these men and their families, the culture is presented and contrasted to western values and economies. Their mentor explained how he provided money to support a diet suitable for a athlete in training but it was spent to support an extended family. You see their success and the pressures that come with it. The camera work and locations are great, you see the beauty and can also feel the grit. Anyone who has fixed a flat tire on a remote trail will get it. In the extras,producer T.C Johnstone comes across as just a arrogant and rude man; We're filming here, can you shut up. Hey, get these locals out of my shot! This is my new friend, spoken in the most condescending tone one will ever hear. His entire commentary is about him. He had problems at the airport, etc. A boor.

The story of Team Rwanda is one of hope and inspiration. It was beautifully filmed and the story flowed quite well. We heard how, sadly and tragically, colonialism contributed in a significant way to the genocide. Fortunately, we saw beyond that to a Rwanda that is trying to rebuild itself. The film shows both the past tragedy and the present/future hope.

The Rwandan cyclists are fantastic. Some are charismatic, others are softer, maybe even more vulnerable, but just as engaging. Jack "Jock" Boyer's story is also quite compelling. I only wish we heard more about Tom Ritchey, the Californian cyclist who was the one who made Team Rwanda happen. His story is equally compelling, yet another story of hope rising. But I guess it's too much to fit into one film. I'll read the book for his story. That's my only "complaint" about the movie, which is really a non-complaint. I was fully taken by the cast, the country, and the story.