A Gem

Rating: 9/10 (1 June 2007)

Blood Diamond is an excellent movie. See it.
Blood Diamond is reminiscent of old Hollywood. Yes, Virginia old-fashioned heroes (and villains) do exist. Good (and bad) can be painted in vivid, living color. Just desserts can be served after the main course.
The story is original and captivating. The plot is tight. Characters are fleshed out. Dialogue is fresh and believable. The action flows seamlessly from the characters' motivation. The theme of the movie is noble and honest. The acting is superb all-around. The movie is beautifully filmed. The ending is true to the theme. Even the musical score is outstanding.
My only quibble, which accounts for my less-than-perfect rating, is the movie's length. Tighter editing could have helped the movie move along at a faster pace. The G-8 political business at the beginning and end of the film is unnecessary and preachy. The movie's theme is well-enough developed that it doesn't need to be spoon fed. Some of the chase/combat scenes seem interminable and could have been cut short.
However, I especially appreciated the moments of sincere dialogue between Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Connelly. The film treats their relationship with perfect subtlety and understatement, which only serves to make their connection somehow more intense.
I think DiCaprio's performance deserves to be singled out. He was flawless and believable in the role, again reminiscent of yesteryear actors who might have been pegged for such a role (Robert Mitchum?, Richard Widmark?). Any criticism that DiCaprio lacks the machismo to carry off such a part is unfounded.
This film, which I didn't expect I would like, goes a long way to restore my faith in present-day Hollywood's ability to make good movies.