Review of Blood Diamond (2006) by Stuart K — 05 Aug 2013

Directed by Edward Zwick (Glory (1989), Legends of the Fall (1994) and The Last Samurai (2003)), this is a highly politically charged film set during a conflict that was little seen or reported in the news, but one that had a far reaching effect that still goes on to this day.

Zwick weaves an intriguing tale of murder, secrets, greed and politics. It's a disturbing film, but it's got a very good cast as well, all giving powerful performances. In 1999 in Sierra Leone, fisherman Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou) is captured by rebels and forced to dig for diamonds under the rule of rebel leader Captain Poison (David Harewood).

Solomon finds a large pink diamond, and hides it. But, Solomon is spotted by Poison, but the site is attacked by government forces, and everyone there is detained. In the prison, Solomon meets gunrunner Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), who does diamond smuggling on the side.

He convinces South African Colonel Coetzee (Arnold Vosloo) to go after the diamond, with American photojournalist Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly) in tow, but it'll be dangerous journey. This is a high stakes thriller, with a lot of drama, and some brilliant performances by DiCaprio and Hounsou.

It's not a perfect film, but it manages to be an intelligent thriller that mixes brians and action well, but it is a tough and dirty film to watch.