BuzzFlash Reviews

BUZZFLASH REVIEWS

Millions have died in Africa as a result of Western companies selling munitions to both sides in conflicts in order to gain leverage over natural resources.

This is becoming more and more true with oil, as Middle-Eastern reserves become depleted. (Sudan and Darfur are examples of this.)

It is also still true of what are known as "conflict diamonds" (despite a "paper agreement" that diamond companies would not engage in such practices).

The diamond you are wearing may have come as a result of wars that have literally resulted in the deaths of millions of Africans, with the weapons used to kill them funded by Western companies in exchange for diamonds.

Africa is no longer the forgotten continent. It is increasingly targeted for its natural resources without regard to the costs in human life.

"Blood Diamond" lacks the subtlety of "The Constant Gardener" (which detailed the exploitation of Africans for pharmaceutical company medical experiments). Is is an action film, often brutal, with a message: an important one. It packs a punch.

What is happening to Iraq for its oil is happening to Africa. It's just being done through mercenaries and shady middle men. "Blood Diamond" uses Sierre Leone in 1999 as a case study.

Djimon Hounsou puts in a sensational, powerful performance as the displaced Sierre Leone fisherman who will do anything necessary to reunite his family -- and Leonardo DiCaprio comes of age in his performance as a black market diamond dealer.

BUZZFLASH REVIEWS