No more diamonds???

Rating: 8/10 (23 April 2007)

BLOOD DIAMOND is a fast paced action/drama that deals with the real truth about diamonds in Africa: that they are sometimes obtained using some of the most ruthless methods and with little regard for human rights. This is the story of Danny Archer, a diamond bounty hunter who during a brief stay in jail meets Solomon Vandy, a black "slave" worker who apparently finds a large, precious diamond in the diamond digging site, and buries it so no one else can get it. Archer, anxious to know if Solomon indeed has access to this diamond, pays his bail in order to get to the diamond. In the process, Archer meets Maddy Bowen, an American journalist determined to expose the diamond trade's dirty laundry. Maddy needs Archer's inside scoop about the diamond trade, Archer needs the hidden diamond to escape from Africa and Solomon wants to get his family back. All 3 main character's want something desperately and it's the diamond that holds them together. This is an interesting movie about a subject most of us probably only heard once on CNN or read something about it in NAT GEO. It's sad to see this brutal trade still goes on in the 21st century so in this respect, the movie also succeeds in raising awareness about the subject.
Just as a note, it's kind of funny how most movies about Africa only deal with dark subjects, either about this bloody diamond trade, or about ruthless dictators (LAST KING OF Scotland), or pure and simple mayhem (BLACK HAWK DOWN). It's a wonder if Africa has a blooming tourism industry! Di Caprio's performance as Archer is amongst his best. Jennifer Connely is also good, but a bit underused, and Djimon Hounsou is simply unbelievable. I don't think it will be too long for him to get an Oscar. All in all, and movie worth seeing again!