one of the most powerful films in years

Rating: 9/10 (17 September 2010)

Blood Diamond (2006)
2006 was quite a year for movies. The Departed, Pans Labyrinth, Letters From Iwo Jima, Babel, Children of Men, Last King of Scotland, The Prestige, Etc. Even with all these great films Blood Diamond still stands out as one of the year's best.
Blood Diamond has so many things working in its favor. Fantastic performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, and Jennifer Connelly, great directing by Edward Zwick, amazing cinematography by Eduardo Serra, and an exciting and touching story by Charles Leavitt. It's so close to being a perfect film, it just barely missed the bar in my opinion.
The main thing working against it was the length. I have no problem with long movies, however I feel that a little too much time was spent with Jennifer Connelly's character. She did have an important role, I guess, but not as important as they made it, which stretched the film a little longer than I think it need to be.
With that aside it was great. DiCaprio and Hounsou's performances are probably both of their bests. The story kind of makes you not want to by diamonds. Which isn't really the message at all, it's just telling you not to by them from conflict areas. The story is so powerful, you feel for all the characters and want to do something about it. It's a outstanding mix of thriller, drama, and action films.
I would recommend this film to anyone. DiCaprio fans, action movie fans, drama movie fans, as I said, anyone. Blood Diamond is a great film and you won't be disappointed. it's one of the most powerful films in years.
9/10