This is Africa

Rating: 10/10 (27 March 2007)

Lately there have been a lot of movies coming out that I would consider a sub-category of drama. I would name this sub-category either human interest or cause acknowledgment/awareness. The title Blood Diamond gives away the subject matter, which a lot of movie titles have been straying away from.
Film doesn't necessarily have to be a form of entertainment. These specialized dramas are almost documentary-like, but when you throw in a Leonardo Dicaprio all the sudden a movie transforms from awareness to blockbuster. It's a very ingenious way to promote a cause. What I like about the movie is it goes back to the basic element of movie-making: it actually tells a story.
I've never been to Africa, but I was able to empathize with the characters. I have a sense of family, and I hoped Solomon would be able to enjoy his family's company again. His confrontation with his son who was turned brain-washed soldier was very emotional for me. The character of Solomon was acted perfectly. You saw a range of emotions during the film which were portrayed physically. His lips quivered and he didn't say a word when he was angry; he had to hold back his thoughts,feelings, opinions, angers. His reaction when he faced the leader of the R.U.F.
It goes back to a simple statement repeated several times in the movie: T.I.A. (This is Africa). This is what people will do either by force or by will in Africa under the circumstances. Same could be said anywhere: This is Iraq, This is America - this is how we do things here (good or bad; like it or not - and it's almost expected).
The story crosses subject matters though because you can replace blood diamonds with oil, or another material as they mention in the beginning. What has this world become? What is one person or many people willing to do for money? If it means getting out of your situation would you do it too?