Watched: March 7, 2015 on DVD
Hashtag: #WatchingBloodDiamond
Year Released: 2006
Genre: Drama
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Dijimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly
Run Time: 143 minutes
Description (from Google): As civil war rages through 1990s Sierra Leone, two men, a white South African mercenary (Leonardo DiCaprio) and a black Mende fisherman (Djimon Hounsou), become joined in a common quest to recover a rare gem that has the power to transform their lives. With the help of an American journalist (Jennifer Connelly), the men embark on a hazardous trek through rebel territory to achieve their goal.
This was a difficult movie to watch. Sitting on my couch, with my laptop and a bowl of popcorn, I was supremely aware of my privilege and good fortune. Watching this man’s family be torn apart and knowing that I’ve never struggled for anything real in my entire life was uncomfortable, to say the least. We watch these movies as entertainment, but are we educated? I hope so, but I don’t know. I’ll go about my life tomorrow, I may even tell my friends what a good movie it was, but will I do anything else? I don’t know.
All this to say, it’s a very powerful movie. The performances by DiCaprio (as Danny Archer) and Hounsou (as Solomon Vandy) were magnificent. I would have liked to see some acknowledgement of the struggles women are also facing in Africa’s war zones, because it seems like powerful movies like this are always told from the male point-of-view, but one step at a time, right?
Anyways – watch this movie. It will make you emotional, but hopefully, it will also make you grateful for the ease of your life.
#WatchingBloodDiamond tonight. Probably won’t tweet as much as usual as I’m worried I’ll miss stuff – this is a serious movie, ya’ll
— Rachel L. Hamm (@RLHammAuthor) March 8, 2015
there are child soldiers and hand-chopping. I don’t know if I can take this #WatchingBloodDiamond
— Rachel L. Hamm (@RLHammAuthor) March 8, 2015
Leo’s accent has changed 4 times already. Can’t tell if its on purpose or not #WatchingBloodDiamond
— Rachel L. Hamm (@RLHammAuthor) March 8, 2015
how is it even possible they are getting through this alive? #WAtchingBloodDiamond
— Rachel L. Hamm (@RLHammAuthor) March 8, 2015
Dia’s a child again, no longer a soldier #WatchingBloodDiamond
— Rachel L. Hamm (@RLHammAuthor) March 8, 2015
I Picked Up a Pen One Day... 
I was cringing at the idea that you would berate this movie and say that it was a sad attempt at drama…but OMG we actually agree. This movie is very well done and although not as well known as most great movies, should be watched! Thanks for not cutting the legs off of this movie for then I couldn’t have read anymore of your reviews!
Bob
I have not watched this movie, I simply can’t. I know it’s a reality and choose not to buy diamonds to propagate the violence.
It was definitely hard to watch. No diamonds for me, either!
I’ve wanted to watch this one for a while. I totally forgot Leo was in it. Great review!