What does a diamond really cost?

Rating: 7/10 (26 February 2013)

Blood Diamond transports the viewer into the violent world of precious minerals sold in order to finance conflicts. Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), a diamond smuggler who is in need of a discovery in order to save his life after a botched smuggle. Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), a family man who longs to see his son, finds a rare diamond while in a forced labor camp. Their paths cross and they embark on a journey to find the diamond while attempting to fulfill their objectives.
The performances of DiCaprio and Hounsou are full of conviction and really glue the film together. The movies many scenes of dramatic tension rely heavily on the talents of the two actors, and they do not disappoint. DiCaprio delivers a rugged performance, adding substance as he questions his profession while witnessing the many horrors cause by conflict diamonds. This allows for a believable and moving change in a character with likable and unlikable qualities. Hounsou works well with DiCaprio and even steals the show sometimes. Solomon's pain flies off the screen and hits the viewer in the heart. He represents the pain conflict diamonds has caused many Africans. Vandy's life, like many others, has been ruined by the very activity which has made Archer a rich man.
The film works as entertainment, but does it complete its job of raising awareness? Does the film exploit the suffering of the same Africans it hopes to help? These are questions I asked myself after. The film depicts, in brutal fashion, the recruiting of child soldiers and the forced labor used in procuring the minerals. The films intention is to show that people wouldn't buy diamonds if they knew it hurt someone, but Archer says "the world wants what we (Africa) have, and they want it cheap." And that is the problem. The world is aware of these atrocities, but corporations continue to deplete Africa of its resources, producing cheap consumer goods while costing many Africans their lives.