When Good Men Act

Rating: 10/10 (6 January 2007)

In the midst of civil war in Sierra Leone, South Africa ex-mercenary Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio) confesses to American reporter Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly), "God left this place (the world) a long time ago" DiCaprio is powerful and poignant. This is the unforgiving and savage world of Director Edward Zwick's "Blood Diamond". Writers Charles Leavitt and C. Gaby Mitchell tell the story of African "conflict diamonds" that are brokered to Antwerp, Belgium stained with the blood of enslaved laborers, merciless gangs, and ruthless mercenaries.
Maddy (Connelly) is in Sierra Leone to expose the diamond conspiracy that generates a glut of diamonds yet imposes a perceived scarcity that drives the market demand. Danny (DiCaprio) is her only credible inside source on the "conflict diamond" market. Although mutually attracted to Maddy, Danny is invariably tied to Mende fisherman Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), who possesses the whereabouts of a rare and valuable pink diamond. Solomon escaped imprisonment in a diamond mine operation and is in search of his displaced family; including his son Dia (Kagiso Kuypers), captured and trained by a violent gang. Initially, Danny's motives are driven by greed that transforms to heroic selflessness. Leonardo DiCaprio is mesmerizing and powerful in Danny's character arc. I never really got DiCaprio's star quality, until now. DiCaprio is older, filled out and decidedly manly as Danny. He brings such a passion and rugged intensity to the role. Also compelling is his chemistry with the strong Jennifer Connelly as Maddy, who believes in Danny's best. There is a touchingly eloquent scene with the two when Danny tells Maddy, "You find yourself a good man" DiCaprio is powerful as a man flawed and ultimately a hero. Connelly is equally powerful, smart with great compassion. She is so compelling, particularly in her silence. Hounsou is truly a commanding force. He is electrifying as the courageous father seeking to reunite his stolen family. Hounsou captures the anguish and strength as the loving and dedicated father and husband.
Edward Zwick ("The Last Samurai", "Glory") is the masterful storyteller. Zwick along Leavitt and Mitchell give us a glimpse of poverty stricken Africa ruled by ruthless regimes where young men have their hands chopped to prevent them from voting. Lives are expendable. Diamonds are everything. Zwick also keeps the story moving with crisp action, and high drama. Unlike the confessed resignation of Danny that God left the world a long time ago, Zwick tells his story of good men who act. Leonardo DiCaprio's Danny and Hounsou's Solomon symbolize this. Reminiscent of "Three Kings", the self interested Danny surrenders to his own nobility and grace. DiCaprio is so engaging and compellinghe gives his best performance. Jennifer Connelly is amazing, both radiant and powerful. Though in a supporting role, she grounds the movie. Her Maddy sees the greatness in Danny, and her faith is unyielding. "Blood Diamond" concludes in great catharsis. Things don't always end as we wish. But the world is a greater place when good men choose to act out of conscience and valor. Zwick poignantly reminds of this in his "Blood Diamond". It is one of the year's best.