Will He?...Or Won't He?

BLOOD DIAMOND

BLOOD DIAMOND (BD) is actually a much simpler movie than its makers want you to believe. It comes down to 2 simple questions...Will He?...Or Won't He? The He in question is Danny Archer, an South African mercenary played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Archer discovers that an African man, played by Djimon Hounsou, may posses a diamond of unimaginable wealth. The African man's son has been kidnapped by rebels who are forcing him to fight their war against the government. The diamond is the answer to his son's freedom. The diamond is also the answer to Archer leaving the dark continent to greener pastures. The two form an alliance to retrieve the diamond and split its wealth. Archer is a sleaze ball. Can he be trusted? Will he honor the agreement or take the diamond and leave his partner high and dry? Is there any question? The film shows many scenes of genocide and horror. Africa is not a nice place. However, I've seen it all before in much better films. Because of this the film lacks any emotional punch from the heartache shown on screen. BD gets a "7". The film is well shot by Edward Zwick. He does a good job supplying the audience with a few suspenseful moments. Leo is nominated for best actor for his role as Archer...He has a good chance of winning.

The film would like you to believe that the evil West is responsible for the horrors behind the diamond trade in Africa. Does anyone really believe that if it wasn't for diamonds the Sierra Leone would be a war-less place inhabited by shiny happy people? I think not. Bleeding hearts will see it the other way.