Simply a masterpiece, DiCaprio adds to his already illustrious career

Rating: 10/10 (5 July 2009)

Coming into the film, I had heard it was good but I tried not to get myself all set up for a letdown. I was, however, drawn into the movie without even really realizing it, and then all of a sudden at some undefinable moment in the first hour or so I was very invested in the story and the characters.
First off, as a film set in Africa, I felt that it did justice to capturing the tragic element of Africa without making it too (and by too, I mean relatively speaking) "Hollywood." I felt that the movie was in no hurry just to rush through setting the tragic stage in Africa on the way to delivering a Hollywood plot line. Rather, I felt and very much appreciated the depth of the movie and the fact that it gave significant and sufficient time to really try to explore and capture what the tragedies and chaos in Africa looks like, as with the depiction and actual engagement with children soldiers, the village raids, and frenzied chaos of not only violence and fear, but the suffering, pain, and emotions of humanity in the midst of it.
As to the story, the basic plot line is not one for the "list of top 10 greatest movie twists" or something like that. But it isn't supposed to be. The power of the movie comes in the unfolding of the story--what you see taking place, how the characters react, and the very poignant capture of the tragedy of humanity and what is happening in Africa. The greatness of the movie comes from what lies beneath the plot and shines through it.
As to the characters, DiCaprio's Danny Archer is simply unforgettable. You at first judge him, then are unsure of how to view him, then are mystified, and finally embrace him and his humanity. DiCaprio's performance was masterful. Djimon Hounsou's character was also very well played, but was less complicated by its very nature (less inner conflict meant less development) so Danny Archer really shines above both Solomon Vandy and Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly's character--also well played but much more of a supporting role and less in the forefront of the movie's story).
In my opinion, this movie is a must-see for everyone. It, like Hotel Rwanda (a great one), is a powerful movie that captures some of the deepest and more raw suffering and tragedy of humanity amidst chaos, conflict, and violence on the stage (Africa) which it is probably most prevalent at present, though sadly not noticed enough. If that doesn't grab you, Danny Archer's character is so poignant and beautiful that he stays with you. Don't miss your chance to get to know him. Finally, go call, email, or send letters to your Congressman or your Representative or government and put pressure on them to do something about the violence and genocide in Africa!