A Diamond in the Rough

Art imitates life, and the movies of our time reflect the ills of society. Echoing the moral messages delivered by movies such as Hotel Rwanda and Syriana, Blood Diamond is another film you won’t want to miss. In this action-packed, dramatic motion picture, controversial political issues are brought into the spotlight with the story of a white and a black man bound together in the quest for a rare diamond. Director Edward Zwick is certainly not afraid of taking risks and presents a story that challenges us to take another look at the ethical choices we make in our lives.

Diamond is set during the 1999 Sierra Leone Civil War that erupted in part due to the battle for control of the country’s fruitful diamond trade. Profits from such sales were used to finance armed resistance and revolts, killing thousands of innocent civilians and driving more than a million people out of their villages and into refugee camps. Yet, the senseless brutality of this war does not seem to bother mercenary Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio). Born in hectic South Africa, Archer uses shrewd street smarts to weave through the corruption that surrounds him and milks the chaotic situation in order to survive. Dismissing the savagery as “TIA”, aka “This is Africa”, he sees the perpetual violence as inexorable as AIDS – a kind of incurable disease. His latest swindle involves smuggling ‘blood’, or conflict, diamonds out of the lawless continent in the hopes of one day leaving the “god-forsaken country.” The story takes a poignant turn when Archer meets Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), a local fisherman whose family has been ripped away from him as a consequence of anarchy and war. The two join forces in the pursuit of an elusive diamond that could serve as each man’s ticket to freedom. Along their journey, they receive help from American journalist Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly), whose mission is to expose the horrid truths of the diamond industry. In typical Hollywood style, the victimized Vandy finally rejoins his family, the journalist gets her story, and the ever-so jaded Archer learns a thing or two about humility, creating a story with emblematic weight that leaves you with a lump in your throat.

What makes Diamond a rare gem is its ability to combine raw violence with specks of social conscience, even as the story travels a predictable path. Zwick keeps the action moving with scenes that range from portraying the collateral damage of war to hinting at the brewing passion between Archer and Maddy. Both DiCaprio and Hounsou give Oscar-worthy performances for their respective roles: the quintessential scoundrel with an intriguing side and the tortured, innocent father with a quiet determination to reunite with his loves ones. DiCaprio’s sharp wit and colloquial South African accent elevate the caliber of his character as he bonds with Vandy and Maddy. Equally dynamic and excellent is Hounsou, radiating an unrestrained intensity and steadfast pride.

Along with the authentic acting, story and screen-play writer Charles Leavitt has fashioned a top-box office hit that actually tells a story with a degree of thematic depth. While the plot is far from earth-shattering, it examines a source of international shame and explores how miniscule glittering rocks can pressure children into fighting, fund a complete state of violent anarchy, and lead to the formation of massive refugee camps. With the popularity of Diamond increasing now that it is available on DVD, the diamond industry might see a decline in sales as a result of increased awareness.