Blood Diamond (2006)

This was a pretty horrific tale of what happens in Africa and the underworld of trading that goes on, people are killed over the diamonds that are found. Until watching this movie, I had no idea that this country was going through things like this. I admire the work of director Edward Zwick and he certainly does well in telling this story and shining light onto the diamond marketplace. He will be producing another film titled: “Love and other Drugs” coming in 2010. I remember watching a television series he executive produced titled “My So-Called Life” which starred a young Claire Danes and Jared Leto. It was show that was ahead of its time I think, and was under appreciated by the mainstream audience.

I think one of his standout films was Glory (1989) starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman. There is an impressive cast in Blood Diamond (2006), with Leonardo DiCaprio as Danny Archer a smuggler/trader type character. The talented Djimon Hounsou is Solomon Vandy a fisherman, and a man whose family is in jeopardy, he is a family man trying to survive in the society he is in. His son is in danger, and has been brainwashed, and throughout the film he later strives to protect him.

Jennifer Connelly also stars in this as Maddy Bowen a freelance styled type reporter. There is a sense of political unrest as things unfold in Sierra Leone. As the story progresses Solomon Vandy is kidnapped and forced to work as a diamond miner. He discovers a rare pink diamond worth a fortune, and as he conceals it the camp leader also sees, only at that moment the camp is then attacked. Soloman is then chased, but he finds a spot to hide the diamond. I won’t give away anymore, I can only recommend watching this film it was good and showcases the talents of the actors in it. The film speed moved pretty well also. So, if you are in the mood for a story based on real events that happen, then you will most likely enjoy this. Blood Diamond (2006) was nominated for 5 academy awards.