WARNING: This review contains some plot spoilers.
Most simply stated, the film Blood Diamond, directed by Edward Zwick (thirtysomething, The Siege, The Last Samurai), is a look at the role of diamonds in Sierra Leone’s civil war. It takes place in 1999, and stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Danny Archer and Djimon Hounsou as Solomon Vandy. Archer is a diamond smuggler, or, if you prefer to use more colorful terminology, a soldier of fortune, while Solomon is a simple fisherman. Of course, one needs at least one speaking part for a woman, so Jennifer Connelly plays intrepid reporter Maddy Bowen.
At the outset of the film (and crucial for any understanding of it), it is explained that conflict diamonds or “blood diamonds” are diamonds mined in war zones and used to finance arms purchases and other items that are necessary to wage war. The story starts out plainly enough — Solomon wants a better life for his son, Dia, so he begins sending Dia to school. On the way home from school they return to their village to find it under attack by the RUF (Revolutionary United Front) rebel army. Despite Solomon's attempts to save his family, they are captured and separated from him. As Solomon is a big, strong, healthy man, rather than having his hand chopped off to prevent his voting (though never explained in the movie, this does have a historical basis), he is sent to work in the diamond fields. Here he comes across a valuable pink diamond and attempts to steal it. He is nearly caught before the rebel army is attacked by government troops. Knowing he is about to be taken by the government troops and thrown in jail, Solomon hides the diamond.
While in prison, he meets Archer, who was caught smuggling diamonds into Liberia. Archer learns of the pink diamond and upon his release, ensures Solomon is let out as well so that he can try and rope Solomon into helping him find the diamond. After much cajoling, Solomon agrees to help Archer in return for help finding his family.
Article comments
1 - Donna A.
That's really to bad to hear that it plays out like that.
I wasn't planning in seeing this movie any way. I had no interest in it.
Donna A.