A Remarkable Film

Rating: 10/10 (29 December 2007)

This is an amazing film. It is testimony to the power of film to bring a true story to life. DeCaprio was surprising and I think surpassed anything he has done before by portraying such a complex character, a credible character. The story is an amazing one and if you are someone who has never been interested in the politics of Africa and the US and the diamond exploitation by westerners, watch and see if you can still be apathetic. My husband and I watched this together and found it mesmerizing. Even though DeCaprio was better than we've ever seen him before, we think that Djimon Housoun should win an Oscar. (i.e. if the award people are giving them out yet for truly fine acting and no other reason.) The one scene he had with his son was so extremely powerful, it will, I think stay in your mind and heart forever. It was a tour de force, just done so well, it is impossible to see and not be moved. I read that Housoun has talked about how simplistic Americans are in our understanding of Africa and I think he is correct. But he did something in this film that I think will bring anyone, including Americans, who see it into the 21st Century. Who can watch that scene and not feel the power of love, the courage of a father reaching for a lost and emotionally crippled son. I hope we see a lot more of Djimon Housoun. This man is a wonderful actor.