The verdict on Blood Diamond: actually pretty good

Saw Blood Diamond last night - y'know, the one with diamonds being smuggled from a violent Sierra Leone into Liberia for export as conflict-free diamonds, Leonardo DiCaprio and the introduction of the Kimberley process. It transpires Zwick's flick is a good film. Sure, Leo's Sarf Afrikan accent is as occasionally as dubious as Van Dyke's cockney, the violence slips between brutal and Hollywood Rambo and the ending's schmaltzy, but... it's pacy, engaging, carries a simple ethical message, some electrifying action moments and beautiful backdrops. Co-star Djimon Hounsou and Leo both put in good performances too. For info on buying a blood-free diamond, click here; for a Newconsumer.com interview with Leo, head here.

Comments

[Anna Shepard]

I agree, greenguy, Blood Diamond is a fantastic film, if you can take some of the Hollywood drama and the neatly wrapped up ending with a pinch of salt. I was interested to read in last week's New Statesman that while only a tiny amount of diamonds are now thought to come from conflict-zones, the conditions in which workers pan for them is no different.

[Simon Jones]

I've not seen it yet but I plan too. Trouble is a lot of people still have this negative idea about Leonardo DiCaprio being a bad actor or something. I disagree with that, I've seen plenty of films of his which I've really enjoyed. Anyway, should hopefully see this one when I return to the UK this week.