Blood Diamond Speech

“Sometimes I wonder... will God ever forgive us for what we've done to each other? Then I look around and I realize... God left this place a long time ago.” Good morning teacher and students. The South African masterpiece Blood diamond is a 2006 American-German political war thriller. Filmed, co-produced and directed by the star startling Edward Zwick, starring the ladies’ man, Leonardo DiCaprio, The stunning Jennifer Connelly and, the one African actor everyone has come to know, Djimon Hounsou. The title refers to blood diamonds, which are diamonds mined in war zones and sold to finance conflicts, and thereby profit warlords and diamond companies across the world.

The producers of this film, claims that the purpose behind the film was to save Sierra Leone from the predatory degradation of diamond hunters and their wretched native allies who pressgang children into their militia and commit unspeakable actions. Blood diamond accumulated a staggering collection of wards surpassing the 50s mark. For majority of adults and mature teens out there, blood diamond quenched the thirst for a mind blowing emotional rollercoaster movie. Entwined with a perfectly performed soundtrack, beautiful backdrops and admirable acting.

Blood Diamond is the kind of film that can be a transformative experience. It’s filled with evocative moments that challenge the heart, mind and spirit. From start to finish, it is a film of profound juxtapositions – of the beauty of the African continent with the brutality of the wars of profit and power that have long ravaged its people.

The opening sequence sets up one of the main story elements: Solomon’s quest to reunite with his family. This begins in the diamond mine when he discovers a singularly large and valuable diamond. He manages to hide it, but not without completely concealing its existence. Much of the rest of the film revolves around the endeavours of various people to acquire the diamond at the expense of Solomon.

One of those people is Danny Archer excellently executed by Leonardo DiCaprio, a Rhodesian mercenary who sells weapons in exchange for smuggling diamonds. Danny and Solomon meet in prison and, from there, Danny attempts to get Solomon to show him where the diamond is located, promising that the diamond will provide the means that will lead Solomon to reunite with family. Leonardo really hits the nail on the head with this movie. Strongly portraying himself like most other movies as a deep enigmatic character with a strong opinion on the society which revolves around him. Leo, manage to earn 11 awards due to his tremendous acting coupled with a well performed South African accent and deep immersion into the character or Danny archer, the character everyone comes to love.  

Phenomenal directing and acting make this movie unforgettable. DiCaprio’s accent, emotions, and expressions have the viewer truly believe his character. He never fails to have the audience experience what he feels while director Edward Zwick mixes all the right ingredients to make this film a true favourite.

Along the way, they meet American reporter Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly) and Solomon’s son Dia is captured by the RUF and indoctrinated into their culture of violence.

These characters form the central motivation of the film, each with their own journeys, their own motivations, and their own faults. The main three are after certain things. Danny is after the diamond. Solomon is after his family. And Maddy is after the truth. But it’s a fascinating sketch in humanity with Danny’s greed slowly giving way to compassion, Maddy’s idealism giving way to realism, and Solomon’s resolve growing into courage.