Great Performances + Compelling Plot = Good Film

Rating: 8/10 (3 August 2007)

In "Blood Diamond," Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Danny Archer, a South African diamond smuggler. He comes to Sierra Leone in search of a conflict diamond that can pay off his debt with his vile employer. Djimon Hansou plays Solomon Vandy, a black African whose son was taken by rebel forces and who hopes to retrieve a large conflict diamond he found when in custody. These two men find themselves fighting alongside one another to survive in "Blood Diamond." Characters/Plot: 8/10 This is no "Godfather," but the characters are very interesting because they are all so flawed in different ways and have mixed motives. Danny Archer is a great likable anti-hero and Solomon is incredibly strong as a character. The plot also moves at a good pace, and it always keeps you guessing as to what will happen next.
Acting: 9/10 Leonardo DiCaprio is flawless as Danny Archer. His accent is perfect and his mannerisms are so precise and believable. He is sowing himself to be the best younger male actor working. Djimon Hansou is also great, adding a bit more roughness and determination to his similar role in "In America." Jennifer Connelly is perfect as an attractive reporter. The casting is great all around, and even the supporting characters seem to fit in well.
Technical: 10/10 The cinematography, sound editing, sound mixing, and visual effects are all pitch-perfect. The camera moves very smoothly at times and more roughly at others. The sounds and visuals are also brutally realistic.
Atmosphere: 6/10 The atmosphere of the film is great at times but at other times falters. Though the yellow and orange color use is very effective in parts, it sometimes glamorizes the scenes rather than makes them real. In "Hotel Rwanda," there is always that sense of desperation and realism, but here it only appears at certain times, and would be appropriate if used more often. The score was also not incredibly strong, and seemed to fail at manipulating emotion in any way.
Entertainment: 7/10 "Blood Diamond" is not incredibly well edited. I have no problem with long films, but I don'yet know that this one needed a 2 and a half hour run-time. It seems a bit long at times and some of the intensity seems to falter and drop off at certain points. Still, the battle scenes are exhilarating and the story is very interesting. "Blood Diamond" works best when it is at its most intense points.
Final Score: A- 8/10 (40/50)