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Welcome to The Movie-Fanatic, also known among its regulars as tMF! We provide movie news, interviews and reviews, with a focus on featuring cinema’s emerging talents. [ start here! ]
2008 Fall/Winter Movie Preview
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Movie Reviews BLOOD DIAMOND: Compelling and Powerful | BLOOD DIAMOND: Compelling and Powerful |
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| Written by Jed Medina | ||
| Friday, 08 June 2007 | ||
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Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures | Running time 138 min Review by Jed Medina It was the 1990s and Sierra Leone is in civil war. As the conflict between the government and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) escalates, diamonds are smuggled and traded to purchase arms to continue the slaughter. It was for this reason that the term Blood diamond was coined. Amidst this backdrop, director Edward Zwick created a movie that deals with the conflict and how the lives of two men intertwined as they struggle to survive. Blood Diamond is the compelling story of Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), an ex-Mercenary and Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), a Mende fisherman. While both men are African, they have little in common. Archer is ruthless and cunning, Vandy is kind and hopeful. For Archer it's all about getting the most out of the current situation- guns or diamond smuggling, it doesn't matter. Having lost his parents at a young age, he views the world with a certain cynicism. For Vandy, it's about supporting his family with the little resources he had. He looks up to his son with pride, dreaming one day that he will become a doctor and save them from their misery. As the war progress, Solomon was taken away from his family to work at a diamond fields. There he discovered a rare pink diamond. Aware of its value, Solomon knows it's the only way for him to bring his family back. He was about to hide the stone when the fields commander saw him and threatened his life unless he gives it up. Government troops rushed into the fields and in the confusion that follows, the commander was shot. Before they were caught, Solomon had the chance to hide the stone. In prison, Archer heard of the diamond from the commander who squeal on Vandy. With the prospect of a large sale, Archer became interested in pursuing Vandy with the intention of stealing the diamond.Desperate, Vandy agrees reluctantly with Archer's proposition in reclaiming the diamond. With no other alternative in rescuing his family, he allows Archer to find a way, with the help of a reporter (Jennifer Connelly). In the refugee camp, Vandy was reunited with his family, and was aghast to find out that the rebels, the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) took his son to become a child soldier. Without trusting each other, they began a perilous journey to reclaim the diamond and rescue Solomon's son, if he is still alive... Directed by Edward Zwick (Last Samurai), Blood Diamond is more than compelling. With solid performances from DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly and the talented Djimon Hounsou, it's a serious film that allows its viewers to realize that there is a world out there where everyday is a struggle to survive. More than his role in The Departed, this film solidify DiCaprio's position as the best actor of his generation, by far. Complete with a 'Rhodesian' accent and with a convincing display of arrogance and humility, DiCaprio transform himself into a cynical ex-Mercenary. His performance is heartfelt and brave, without polish, it has a certain rawness and ruggedness to it. He has succeeded in portraying a man who has seen death, and have caused it. Hounsou's performance is also worthy of praise. He was able to match DiCaprio's intensity and bring to life the character of the humble fisherman. There is a certain dignity in the way he conveys himself. You can sense the nobleness he brings into his character, giving it conviction and honesty. Connelly is divine, with a graceful presence and amazing resolve, her role as a reporter out to get her story is right on target. After A Beautiful Mind, this is Connelly's next most important performance. With its take on social issues, Blood Diamond is a serious film that would stay with you for days. It is that powerful. [ Official website ] |
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