It's a "flawed" gem, but worth the time (like 143 minutes worth!!)

Rating: 7/10 (5 April 2007)

This is a movie that tries to be all things to all audiences. Its a conscience tweaker like "Hotel Rwanda", an action flick and even has the romantic overtones you'd expect from the casting of Leonardo and Jennifer. It's hard to make all three of those jell into a total success, but Zwick has succeeded as well as can be expected.
First and foremost it is another gut-wrenching history lesson about the blind eye the world turns towards Africa. Well, that might be unfair given they depict a UN camp of over one MILLION refugees and describe it as the 2nd largest in the country. Since the UN is there supporting the effects, rather than causes of the strife, the "world" is at least trying to patch up the blowout. I believe this is based in fact. Real Diamond Companies are indicted and real UN resolutions are alluded to.
The action flick head of the movie is fast paced, frightfully bloody and given the "heroes" multiple narrow escapes (as in dodging several thousand bullets) is a total stretch of believability. But the show must go on, greed must be explored, fatherly love must be exalted and journalistic integrity satisfied.
The romance is handled well enough, with Jennifer Connelly looking better than ever (and in her case, that is saying a lot!!), Leonardo baring his soul and justifications bit by bit and the seed of a mutual understanding and affection planted.
So, these three elements add up to an rather entertaining, satisfying whole, but not without much time and effort from the viewer. Yes, the Connelly character seemed convenient to carry plot points, and later, our emotions forward. Yes, a change of heart or two takes place for an emotional kick. Yes, good triumphs over most of the evil we are presented with. Welcome to the Hollywood blockbuster version of the world's strife and suffering.
Almost 7 / 10!