BLOOD DIAMOND (2006) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Edward Zwick

Written by - Charles Leavitt, C. Gaby Mitchell

Starring - Leonardo Di Caprio, Jennifer Connelly, Djimon Hounsou

"Set in Sierra Leona, Edward Zwick's film explores the diamond trade and its role in African Civil Wars. The story follows the story of a man, enslaved by the RUF militia, who finds a pink diamond known as the titular blood diamond, and buries it knowing it will be the only tool he will have to find and save his family. After he escapes, he meets a diamond smuggler who can help him achieve his goal. 

Blood diamond is a film remarkable at achieving a balance of being entertaining whilst highlighting a serious issue in global politics. It has plenty of tension and lots of exciting action but also makes some thought provoking reflections on the state of civil warfare in Africa by revealing some of its sides which not many people will be familiar with. 

Leonardo Di Caprio sports the difficult South African accents well, while Djimon Hounsou's imposing presence and often quiet intensity seems to remarkably emobdy the spirit of his continent, as well as representing the resilience and determination fueled by the love of a husband and a father."

Adventure, USA/Germany