Action/political-social thriller about opportunistic bounty hunter trading in illegal diamonds amidst African genocide & civil war

Rating: 8/10 (23 January 2007)

I liked this movie a lot. It was much better than I anticipated based on some very negative reviews -- one of the reasons I tend to ignore professional critics. Although the back-story is distressing, the action is exciting, the scenery is gorgeous and the photography is spectacular. Leonardo DeCaprio, although still eye candy, continues his ascendancy into truly adult roles which first emerged with "Catch Me if You Can." His acting is steadily improving, especially after Scorcese's tutelage in "Gangs of New York," "The Aviator" & "The Departed." For my money, this is DeCaprio's best job to date -- although his turn in "The Departed" runs a close 2nd. These are both showy parts and he handles them creditably. Blood Diamonds' plot is somewhat predictable and manipulative, but that really didn't matter to me -- the movie is entertaining yet provocative and the 2 lead male actors are very charismatic. They enjoy a great chemistry. Both "Oscar" nominations are well-deserved. Jennifer Connelly's presence is a contrivance but it works as well as can be expected & serves its purpose. I've talked to others who liked this movie and some who didn't -- both male & female. It's worth it to see it and decide for yourself -- unless, of course, you can't stand DeCaprio, because he's in almost every scene. Even so, Honshu is great, as always.