The movie Blood Diamond, which was released in 2006 and was nominated for 5 Academy awards, was directed by Edward Zwick who had already proved that he could deliver powerful story like he did in Glory and The Last Samurai. The movie was based on the events that happened in Sierra Leone in 1999 in the midst of civil war. RUF and government forces tear the country apart and the ordinary people are caught in between. The revolutionary powers took over diamond mines and used found diamonds to fuel the rebellion in the country. The export of diamonds was prohibited from Sierra Leaone to stop the flow of money to the rebels, however, the business of smuggling diamonds from the country flourished at that time. Leonardo Dicaprio plays one of those smugglers that get the diamonds out.
Also the movie depicts the problem of child-soldiers that were recruited in rebel as well as government forces during the armed conflicts. This not only happened in Sierra Leone but also happens all over Africa and other 3rd world countries across the globe. It is not a small problem of using children as soldiers at war. Even though the scenes of violence in today's movies are common and don't receive shocked reaction, the scenes of children bearing guns and shooting people struck me and shocked enormously.
The movie raised many important questions as the origin of diamonds: blood and sufferings are high enough price for the pretty ring, and the question of child-soldiers that remains an actual problem in modern world. Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounson deliver great acting that stung the heart. This movie is one of those worth watching that brings you the awareness of real world beyond the pretty fences and safe walls.
