The last three decades of the 20th century were a period of revolution, genocide and violence. Many governments around the world were taking complete control of their citizens' lives. Countries in Africa and the Middle East were often controlled by European rule through indirect rule. The way this indirect rule worked was that European nations would appoint an indigenous group to enforce European laws, thereby creating chaos and unrest within the satellite countries. The turmoil turned brother against brother and father against son. Persepolis and Hotel Rwanda illustrate the daily struggles endured by Iranians and Rwandans as satellite citizens. Police beat and imprisoned citizens and violence intensified in the streets. Both films illustrate the strength and determination that Iranian and Rwandan citizens showed to get through difficult times. Persepolis was a heartwarming film showing how the Iranian people struggled under the leadership of the Shah. The Shah's primary goal was to modernize Iran. Part of modernizing Iran was making it an absolute dictatorship. The Shah was a ruthless ruler. He imprisoned those who did not respect his laws. The Shah violated fundamental principles of human rights, such as freedom of expression and religion. The Shah's son was also a ruthless leader who styled himself like a king; he denied peace to Iranian citizens. Under the Shah's son, Iranian citizens were often whipped, executed, or sent to prison for speaking out. Brainwashing people into believing that the way to heaven was to obey the Shah's rules and that if they didn't honor the Shah, they would go to hell. After the Shah was deposed by the revolution, the Iranian people elected a democratic party. ... middle of paper ......ing the Tutsis; he knew he would be called a traitor and people would try to walk all over him for the decision he made. The consequence Paul could have faced if he did not shoot the Tutsis was death. Both films focused on human rights and the lengths people go to in an attempt to have their human rights respected. It's horrible the torture people suffered, some were even beaten to death. It's really terrible in some countries, women are still considered property and have to obey everything their husband tells them to do. It's a tragedy when you're walking down the street and you don't know if you'll live long enough to make it home. The saddest problem is that we Americans do not take full advantage of all the rights and privileges available to us. In other countries, people risk their lives and suffer just to have the same rights as us..