DiCaprio's Best

Rating: 10/10 (24 March 2007)

An absolute knock-out on all accounts. Blood Diamond takes a heartbreaking story, and masterfully crafts it into a captivating and emotionally impacting motion picture.
Personally, not being a fan of Edward Zwick I was quickly anxious to see what he's done with his cast. Thankfully, I was not disappointed.
Leonardo DiCaprio just keeps getting better. He will quickly build up a resumé that won't be matched. Danny Archer is the character of charm and wit that everyone admires. Though, our admiration as viewers will be somewhat diminished as the true nature of the character is revealed.
Djimon Hounsou is remarkable, and well deserving of an Academy Award. It would be late to say, that Alan Arkin did not match the intensity and conviction that Mr. Hounsou has brought upon us.
Viewers will sympathize with everyone, not in terms of their actual personality, but more from the realism which is brought by an all-star cast. Not often am I terrified by what I've seen on screen, and yet Edward Zwick tells the story through his vision.
The murders, shooting, and destruction are a symbol of evil that we are unaware of. The diamond corporation is revolved around beauty and glamor, but the origins of these stones go unrecognized by nearly everyone.
In terms of relevance, Blood Diamond takes the honor. It takes the honor and smashes it over every single Best Picture nominee. The fact that this film was excluded is a sin, and a crime at the least. Are the majority of film goers claiming Little Miss Sunshine to surpass the mastery of Blood Diamond? Is Scorsese's gangster film worthy of the title on surpassing this? The answer is simply, "no" but it does bring up interesting questions. Blood Diamond may have a more personal connection rather than targeting the general population. I mean no offense for the previous films, but if it is a connection aspect, then yes Blood Diamond is far superior based upon my own opinions.
If you haven't seen Blood Diamond, rent it or buy it immediately. There won't be a film to match this caliber for decades.
This is the greatest motion picture of 2006, and if based on personal connection, a Best Picture victory would have been deserving.