A highly underrated gem of a movie starring DiCaprio, with Jennifer Connelly and Djimon Hounsou. I don't think any other actor could have pulled off this main character as convincingly as DiCaprio did. This movie has a strong, clear message about the diamond industry, specifically DeBeers. I'm surprised it came out this crude about the diamond cartel, especially back in the day.
And yes, I mean cartel. DeBeers is the world's monopoly on the diamond trade, and Blood Diamond sheds light on the shady practices that DeBeers is part of, featuring conflict diamonds.
The film leans heavily on story, and on the turmoil caused by corporations and consumerism. Nothing too special with the cinematography, and it isn't especially subtle with its message, but it tells its grounded story so damn well, and that's enough. No need for fancy twists, elaborate side characters, or complex antagonists.
Even with such a heavy topic, Blood Diamond is still an action-packed, heartfelt movie that leaves you rethinking the marketing behind diamonds. I believe that watching this when I was younger shaped my perceptions of corporations and especially the diamond trade. Every guy about to get his girl a diamond, and every girl thinking about wanting one, should watch this first.
Where it falters just a little is the finale, as I felt things could have gone very differently if the characters had been as smart as they'd portrayed themselves throughout the movie. But the conclusion was still heartwarming and wrapped up perfectly. The acting from some of the side characters felt amateurish, so I'm glad the main cast really steals the show here. One of DiCaprio's best performances, amongst his many.
A highly underrated gem of a movie starring DiCaprio, with Jennifer Connelly and Djimon Hounsou. I don't think any other actor could have pulled off this main character as convincingly as DiCaprio did. This movie has a strong, clear message about the diamond industry, specifically DeBeers. I'm surprised it came out this crude about the diamond cartel, especially back in the day.
And yes, I mean cartel. DeBeers is the world's monopoly on the diamond trade, and Blood Diamond sheds light on the shady practices that DeBeers is part of, featuring conflict diamonds.
The film leans heavily on story, and on the turmoil caused by corporations and consumerism. Nothing too special with the cinematography, and it isn't especially subtle with its message, but it tells its grounded story so damn well, and that's enough. No need for fancy twists, elaborate side characters, or complex antagonists.
Even with such a heavy topic, Blood Diamond is still an action-packed, heartfelt movie that leaves you rethinking the marketing behind diamonds. I believe that watching this when I was younger shaped my perceptions of corporations and especially the diamond trade. Every guy about to get his girl a diamond, and every girl thinking about wanting one, should watch this first.
Where it falters just a little is the finale, as I felt things could have gone very differently if the characters had been as smart as they'd portrayed themselves throughout the movie. But the conclusion was still heartwarming and wrapped up perfectly. The acting from some of the side characters felt amateurish, so I'm glad the main cast really steals the show here. One of DiCaprio's best performances, amongst his many.
