Blood Diamond

Conflict stones, the currency which fueled terrorist groups and warlords in Sierra Leone during the late 1990's. Also known as 'blood diamonds' these stones were mined by slaves, smuggled across borders, and then finally shipped off to countries where they became indistinguishable from other rough cut diamonds. Only their origins and the blood shed for their unearthing marked them as anything but precious.

Edward Zwick's most recent film, Blood Diamond, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, and Jennifer Connelly is the latest take on the civil wars that rage across Africa. At its core is a romantic tale about family, survival, and love. It's done with plenty of action, drama, and emotion, enough to satisfy all kinds of viewers.

"In America, it's bling bling. But out here it's bling bang."
- Leonardo DiCaprio

The story revolves around a fisherman, Djimon Hounsou, who was separated from his family during an attack by the R.U.F. rebels, and a diamond smuggler, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio does an excellent job as the white-African diamond smuggler who stumbles upon a local fisherman who has uncovered an unusually large diamond while working as a slave for the R.U.F. The accent, I'm told, is a little off kilt, but otherwise well done. He also makes much of the character his own by bringing more personality to the part than being just a smuggler, someone always looking to make a quick buck. Djimon Hounsou is also excellent as the desperate father attempting to locate his broken family, while evading the murderous gunfire of both government military and R.U.F. rebels alike. Finally, Jennifer Connelly adds that bit of feminine touch as the intrepid journalist seeking a story that will change the way people look at the conflict in Sierra Leone.

"Off the record, I like to get kissed before I get fucked."
- Danny Archer

Africa provides a myriad of locations which highlight the absolute beauty of the wild continent while at the same time revealing the desperate and disparate state of living for millions of refugees. Shanty towns are well shot, and adequately situate the film and its characters. And while these are key visuals, the true beauty of the film shines through in the wide-angle shots of the African grasslands and jungles.

The score is, not surprisingly, mostly vocal, with that 'haunting' feel to it. Think Gladiator, but in Africa (also a film Mr. Hounsou has appeared in). Despite the beautifully crafted melodies brought out in the score, it plays mostly in the background and does not actively engage the viewer. Its role in setting the mood and atmosphere is mildly lacking.

Action abounds, as does violence. Granted this is a Hollywood movie about civil wars, so expect to see plenty of bloodshed and gunfire. On a side note, it was interesting to see that a mother brought her infant son into the theater. The action is probably the best part of the entire movie, consuming at least three quarters of the film. There are mounted guns on vehicles, handguns, rifles, helicopters performing air strikes, etc. If you want to see people mercilessly massacred on all fronts, then this is the movie for you. It's all very graphic, so beware.

Overall, Blood Diamond does an awesome job of both entertaining the viewers and educating them on the nature of said stones. Having been based on real events, it doesn't come across as patronizing or cheesy, although the final line of the film suggests to viewers that only consumers have the power to choose non-conflict diamonds. I highly recommend it, and I must say DiCaprio's Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor in a drama is well deserved.