Review of Blood Diamond (2006) by Noah C — 25 Jan 2014

Blood Diamond is a film filled to the brim with very informative social commentary, and for the most part great performances, however, is ultimately just an ok film thanks to the poor storytelling, dull script, and Michael Bay like action sequences where its main duo are nearly invincible in a barrage of bullets.

Hounsou, as Soloman easily delivers the best performance in the film, bringing the intensity needed for this dire father. DiCaprio is also quite good, completely dissolving into his role and becoming Danny Archer.

However, the plot is very convoluted with plot points seemingly coming out of no where, often leading to confusion from the audience. The script is average at best, delivering cliched dialogue that does not merit the delivery of such actors as DiCaprio, and Hounsou.

However, Blood Diamonds worst offence is the action. The film deals with the intensely serious issue of murder, annexation, and child labor, but the film kills all of that realism by having explosions the size of skyscrapers going off next to our heroes every five minutes, with out a scratch on them.

They main duos humanity is lost as well as their venerability, which needless to say does not mix well with serious human problems Blood Diamond brings forth. Finally Edward Zwicks direction is quite stylish shooting the action with frantic intensity, and the sweeping landscape shots with a majestic beauty.

Blood Diamond is an ok film brought up to the level of average only because of the great performances and important commentary.