BLOOD DIAMOND

A South African civil war centers on a shiny rock in the Edward Zwick thriller, BLOOD DIAMOND. Diamonds serve as a power source in the economically struggling country. South African rebels obtain the rocks, sell them to London jewelers, and use the profits to purchase semiautomatic weapons in which to overthrow their government. Leonardo DiCaprio is Danny Archer, a South African diamond dealer who serves as the middle man between buyer and seller. Archer learns of an extremely large diamond that was buried by Solomon, a captive of an extremist rebel group, and he’s determined to uncover the whereabouts of the valuable stone.

Director Edward Zwick is known for mixing politics and action, and does so again with BLOOD DIAMOND. THE LAST SAMURAI AND COURAGE UNDER FIRE director, mixes the profitability of the diamond trade with the economic and political turmoil of South Africa, and conjures up a fairly thrilling picture. Although the action scenes are well orchestrated, the real thrills come from the dealings between Archer, Solomon, and an American journalist played by Jennifer Connelly. Each character has their own agenda, and each must use the other as a means to their ends. Watching DiCaprio, Connelly and Djimon Honsou, as Solomon, work within the confines of the screenplay was a real treat. Working with their own character’s complications, restraints and leverage, the threesome create an interesting dynamic of calculation, compassion and courage. Zwick’s skill in directing action sometimes leads to an excess and BLOOD DIAMOND is no different. These scenes are well choreographed, but often run a hair too long. BLOOD DIAMOND offers an action thriller with some thought.

Grade: B-