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<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:off ice:office" /> Blood Diamond is an interesting film casting a look into the diamond industry. Here we discover that there is a dark side and in Africa there are diamond mines that are used to fund civil warfare, innocent people are being killed and children taken from their families to be trained as soldiers.

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Danny Archer an African diamond-smuggler who whilst in prison learns of a big diamond which could be worth a fortune. The diamond has been found by Solomon Vandy who has just escaped from rebels where he was forced to work in the diamond mines and where he found the diamond. Danny manages to get him out of jail and makes a deal with Solomon that if he shows him where the diamond is then Danny will help him find his family who he was separated from when the rebels invaded his village. Danny also gets some help from a journalist Maddy (played by Jennifer Connelly) who is wanting to write a story on the darker side of the diamond trade. Before long she is caught up in the action and danger.

There are many arguments along the way as Danny and Solomon have contrasting priorities. Each having their own point of view and not wanting to back down. However in order for each to reach their goal they will have to work together to get the end result.

Blood diamond is a moving film and a real eye-opener into the conflicts in Sierra Leone and the diamond trade. You really feel for Solomon in his quest to find his family and rescue his son even if it means putting his own life in jeopardy. At the same time we see the other side and the character of Danny who is motivated by greed and money rather than love. It is an interesting contrast.

Blood Diamond is a gripping film looking at how greed can motivate people. It is interesting seeing Leonardo DiCaprio playing a different role and playing a man who is quite unlikeable to begin with in the film. However his character does go through a journey and its interesting to watch this journey that his character takes.

The film is an interesting insight into the troubles in Sierra Leone and works well because of the characters it gives a more personal point of view. Sometimes I think we can watch news reports of troubles in various areas but it doesn't always mean a lot to us. With this film because we get to know the character Solomon we get more of an understanding of the devastating changes to families and how their lives are just turned upside down because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It is a very powerful and moving film and highlights some of the problems that are going on in the world. I would encourage you to watch it and find out for yourself.

Learn more about this author, Alison Moss.
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