An Interesting Approach to the Blood Diamond Industry

Rating: 9/10 (25 March 2007)

2006 floundered with brilliant politically motivated flicks. Now with 2007 just beginning to blossom, Blood Diamond can call itself the first proper and serious movie of the year.
Solomon lives a normal life, working as a fisherman, but when his family is taken away by the rebel forces, his life is dramatically changed. His fate gets worse when he discovers a huge diamond, which is desired by everyone. In the meantime, a professional diamond smuggler learns about the diamond and bargains with Solomon that he will help him find his family in exchange for the diamond's whereabouts. Also joining the small traveling duo is an American journalist desperately searching for some information about the blood diamond industry.
In a film featuring three Oscar-nominated actors and two for the film itself, Blood Diamond cannot help, but benefit from its stunning performances. At the helm is Leonardo DiCaprio, who develops a South-African accent, and gives his most mature and yet touching performance to date. Another worthy performer is Djimon Hounsou, who has been previously seen in a brief role in the remarkable "The Island". His performance is brave and despite the fact that the viewer may not side for him for most of the film, one can still feel his pain and suffering. Unfortunately, the understated Jennifer Connelly, isn't given as ample screen tome, as her fellow actors. She is very convincing as a journalist who truly cares about what is happening in these nations. Other actors who occasionally pop in aren't unwelcome either.
Despite having a very dramatic subject, the film still allows itself a series of breathtaking and entirely engaging sequence, which vary from wild street shootouts to an explosion in a diamond mine. These frequent scenes are handled with ease and the actors easily transmit their emotions even in these adrenalin pumped sequences. Some seem out of place, but in my opinion they help this film become a rather exciting feature rather than a two-hour long lecture. The only problem with these scenes is that they are not given a Hollywood touch, but are confined to some endless blind shooting by the rebels and the government. Blood flows like water, and corpses linger around every corner.
Finally, I also applaud the movie for its ability to tug at a few heartstrings every now and then. Teens and adults who are not aware of what is happening are urged to see this film as it raises many important issues which aren't normally tackled in such a manner. It is isn't enough to make you feel the dirt rubbing against your diamond-laden fingers, but is enough to make think twice before buying a diamond which has been imported from Africa. In fact, the audience shall be shocked to see children chanting war raves, and shooting mercilessly at innocent and helpless civilians which simply want to get on with their normal lives.
Verdict What could have been a long and tiring documentary about the troubles in Sierra Leone is turned into a star-powered vehicle with raises some very important issues. Smart, searing and seemingly ruthless, this is a must-see if not for its laid back action sequences.