Sierra Leone became 'famous' post this movie.

Rating: 9/10 (2 June 2010)

Some of the reviews suggest that the conflict diamond situation has been exaggerated and completely distorted. I don't know if that is the case as I am a neutral viewer. The film makes a compelling case and a film that, while concerned with the political situation in Africa, focuses more on how the obsessive search for a large, rare pink diamond consumes those who get too close to it. In contrast to a film like 'Traffic,' 'Blood Diamond' doesn't wallow in hopelessness. Some of the characters might be cynical but the film itself does search for hope.
There is a great deal of violence in this movie, but that violence is organic, realistic. Connelly's role is much smaller but she makes the most of it though from a larger perspective her part was just a larger version of Joaquin Phoenix's in Hotel Rwanda. Its DiCaprio's performance that raises this film above the normal Hollywood 'flare' (although it is a solid script) into something memorable. His performance may be his best performance yet, and in terms of sheer charisma and it outlives his mega-star making performance as "Jack Dawson" in Titanic. Hounsou was wonderful as well, and the chemistry between the two men in their scenes together is spell-bounding. In comparing it to other recent films about Africa, this was quite as good (if not better) than Hotel Rwanda, but better than 'The Constant Gardener', and 'The Last King of Scotland'. An emotional engagement with the characters not experienced in the latter two films is found in this one.
The violent state of decay in Africa which is depicted is what reminds one of Hotel Rwanda; and if you liked that film you'll enjoy this one. It's overall message isn't too different. Where it deviates is that this film is much more action packed – the crossfire is nothing short of what you'd expect from a World War II movie. It was an overall nice balance between the dialog and action scenes. Apart from the visual and interpretative prowess of "Blood Diamond" there is a realistic view of a third world country as shattering as the unforgettable one in "City Of God".
The only shortcoming which leaves you at the end with a 'movie' feel rather than a 'hard hitting documentary' feel is the ending that they chose which extends the film too far, and to a certain extent seems forced to make the UN – like bodies look nice. The more apt ending would have been on the mountainside when Leo – injured guides the diamond to the chopper.
"Making a child a soldier when he grows up is fight against crime but making him a soldier during childhood is a war crime" -- this movie artfully shows you why, without saying a word about it.