|
|
        |
0
|
 Blood Diamond (2006)Rated: R for strong violence and language. Runtime: 150 mins. Director: Edward Zwick Writer: Charles Leavitt Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio; Jennifer Connelley; Djimon Hounsou ... more Tagline: Blood Diamond. Memorable Quote: "Do you want short sleeve or long sleeve?" Release Date: December 8, 2006 Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Official Site: blooddiamondmovie.warnerbros.com/ 
Some might remember the horrific footage that trickled in via a few western news feeds during the 90s about the civil war that was raging in the western African country of Sierra Leone. The reports were only deemed important enough for us to hear because of the barbaric custom the rebels practiced of taking the future of their country out of the hands of voters. In other words, they carried out a systematic program of chopping off the hands of potential voters (including children) so that they wouldn't be able to participate in upcoming elections. That's the kind of tough subject matter we're dealing with in Blood Diamond. It's real, it's dangerous, it's visceral, and most importantly, there are consequences to watching this film. The easy thing to do is to turn your head. Because the root of that country's struggles is far broader than what Zwick and screenwriter Charles Leavitt can even begin to show, they center their tale around three primary characters: Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), an ex-mercenary fighter turned diamond smuggler; Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), a simple tribal fisherman looking to support his family; and Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly), an idealistic journalist attempting to bust a story on the truth behind "conflict diamonds", or diamonds that are smuggled out of countries at war.
As compelling and as socially relevant as the story is, it's the acting that makes the picture soar. And at the top of the heap is DiCaprio with yet another masterful turn. His Archer is an extremely complex character. He's mean, he's a shrewd businessman, and he's well trained in the military arts. Yet he's sensitive when he needs to be. Especially when Connelley's Bowen enters the picture. DiCaprio firmly grasps all aspects of his character and shows us that everyone else is just along for the ride. Hounsou holds his own with a character that, although a bit one-dimensional in scope, is critical to the film's success. His love for his missing son jumps off the screen and falls in our laps, especially in one scene as he finally confronts his missing child. Hounsou gives us a great deal of insight into his character when he tells us in an interview, "Archer is pursuing a diamond, but Solomon's diamond is his son." There is plenty of heavy message in Blood Diamond - perhaps diamonds should be considered as repulsive as fur - but Zwick's expert hand guides our focus to so many other aspects of his story, we never feel manipulated or overtly influenced. Expert dialogue delivered by veteran actors with authentic sounding accents (although I'm not quite sure what accents they were) is finely dovetailed with gripping action and beautiful scenery photographed by Edwardo Serra. As the credits rolled, I sat a bit relieved in the thought that Sierra Leone's conflict didn't directly include the bloody hands of American involvement. Then, as I was reminded that Americans account for two-thirds of all diamonds purchased in the world, I realized I'd been challenged. A quick glance at the clock told me that what felt like thirty minutes was actually a 2 1/2 hour runtime. I realized I'd also been entertained. Frank Wilkins Review also posted on Reel Talk Reviews.  Comments
Screen formats: Widescreen Anamorphic 2.35:1
Number of discs: - 2- Keepcase Packaging
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Home | Reviews | Review Archives | Reel News | Trailers | Links | About | Staff
Submit Review | Morbidly Hollywood | Rating Categories | Contact Us |
©2002, Reel Reviews, All rights reserved.