Blood Diamond is a griping tale of greed and exploitation. The brutality and bloodshed portrayed in this film is as real as it gets, while its truth is reprehensible when you come to the realization that across the globe people are dying for the jewelry we wear around our neck, earlobes and fingers.
Although I thought the movie and message was excellent, I thought that the film lacked any memorable scenes. The cinematography wasn’t very good and the film ran a bit too long for me. There were quite a few scenes I thought could have been deleted or made shorter.
The cast from the film was outstanding. Leonardo Dicaprio impressed me for the second time with his role as Danny Archer. The intensity and vigor he brought to his character really brought the film to life. This makes two movies in a row in which I thought Leo’s performance deserved a standing ovation. The other of course being The Departed. Djimon Hounsou, who plays Solomon Vandy was the other standout in the film. His character was played exceptionally well.
Overall, I thought that Edward Zwick masterminded yet another solid film. If it wasn’t for the shoddy cinematography, I would have easily rated this with a perfect score.
Set against the backdrop of civil war and chaos in 1990′s Sierra Leone, Blood Diamond is the story of Danny Archer an ex Mercenary from Zimbabwe – and Solomon Vandy a Mende fisherman. Both men are African, but their histories as different as any can be, until their fates become joined in a common quest to recover a rare pink diamond that can transform their lives. While in prison for smuggling, Archer learns that Solomon – who was taken from his family and forced to work in the diamond fields – has found and hidden the extraordinary rough stone. With the help of Maddy Bowen an American journalist whose idealism is tempered by a deepening connection with Archer, the two men embark on a trek through rebel territory, a journey that could save Solomon’s family and give Archer the second chance he thought he would never have.
Great review! A
As sad as it was, I really did appreciate and value the story and plot in Blood Diamond. After you get past Leo’s horrible accent you can really get into the movie. It is extremely important to our time and the scenes are very motivating and so realistic you cannot help but cringe and feel guilty. Do not let the rush of sensations take over though, just watch the movie and allow it to go in one ear and out the other, or else you will be up all night replaying the graphic scenes and rhythmic dialogue in your head. I know this might sound intense, but the movie is not light. I highly recommend this to a mature and understanding audience that will be able to realize the harsh times going on during our “silver lined” lives.
You’re going to have to excuse my language on this one but I thought this movie was f**king amazing. Great plot, great cast, great setting. What else can one ask for?
Leo has really begun to surprise me with his outstanding roles. He performance was great in The Aviator, The Departed, Gangs of New York and of course Blood Diamond. I generally don’t buy DVD’s but I made the exception for this one. I would love to visit S. Africa one day.