great action and good acting

Rating: 8/10 (9 December 2006)

Notwithstanding the clear political agenda, this movie is one of the fastest paced 130 minute action movies i can remember. And despite becoming famous with a pretty face, Leonardo is a very capable actor and potentially one of the great actors of his generation. Jennifer Connolly pulls her own weight. The standout is Djimon Hounsou, who ultimately carries much of the movie.
There are definitely moments when the special effects remind one of Apocalypse Now, but in this case, the action includes the main characters in most scenes, making the intensity of effect all the more real.
The child who plays Dia is also to be noted, as he acts both in words and facial effects, in a role that must truly risk emotional scarring.
All-in-all, one of the top ten movies of the year, in my estimation.