Blood Diamond (2006)

X An excellent must-see
O Good rental choice
O Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / April 27, 2007

Apart from being an excellent movie, “Blood Diamond” is a “must-see” because it’s a “should-see.” Sure, it’s a propaganda film with a blatant agenda, but these are the films we should at least consider.

This movie examines the atrocities associated with the high price of “conflict diamonds.” Another issue that is addressed is the sad, horrifying concept of child soldiers. But even if you’re just looking for an involving action movie, you’ll probably like “Blood Diamond.”

There is a civil war going on over the diamond fields in Africa. Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou) and his family are separated amid the violence (which is plentiful). When Solomon is forced to become a diamond miner, he finds a large, rare, pink diamond and buries it.

Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), a diamond smuggler, learns of the precious gem and compels Solomon to take him to find it. Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly), a reporter for Vital Affairs magazine, is attempting to expose the tragedies of the conflict diamonds and one of its major supporters.

The acting and storyline in “Blood Diamond” is emotionally rousing. Not only is this an important film, it is a necessary one, and I highly recommend it.

Directed by Edward Zwick
Leonardo DiCaprio / Djimon Hounsou / Jennifer Connelly
143 min. Drama / Adventure
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up

DVD release date: March 20, 2007
Copyright 2007.
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