One Of The Most Impacting Films In Years

Rating: 9/10 (11 December 2006)

I wanted to see this film because it seemed interesting. I went in looking for entertainment. After I started watching it though I was to put it lightly impressed. The story while simple and based on actual happenings is amazing. Not only does it have depth to it, it grabs your attention and actually brings you into the lives of these characters.
The acting is some of the best I've seen in a long time. I've never really been a DiCaprio fan until lately and this is one of the reasons why. I'm happy to see him mature as an actor and sort of shed his pretty boy image. He truly came across as a great actor here. Though his character uses people for gain you learn to like him. As good as DiCaprio was,Djimon Hounsou stole the entire show. He delivered one of the most moving performances I've seen. The pain and emotion his character shows strikes you and leaves a lasting impression.
Finally while the film does contain some harsh scenes of violence I feel they were needed to tell the story. There is not just violence for shock value, trying to tone down the realities of these African cultures would be doing them a disrespect. You get to realize their struggle and find how small and pointless the problems of America are.
You will not only leave having been entertained with a well developed story but you will also find an appreciation for a beautiful location or more importantly an understanding and harsh realization of the lives these characters are based on.