Blood Diamond ***1/2

The purpose of making "Blood Diamond" is apparently to deliver a clear message: The diamond you buy may be paid at the price of the blood in Africa. But, as many critics and the filmmakers wonder, "will moviegoers listen?"

My guess is, people will read this message, and agree with the filmmakers' point. But, when they go home, they still do their routines, and make their decisions based on what they already believe. The same situation happens to poverty, epidemics, and other ugly issues in the so-called third world. When riches such as Bono and Bill Gates are helping Africa, some cynicals even call these philanthropists hypocrites.

Overall, "Blood Diamond" is more like a documentary film dubbed with Hollywood-style drama in a constructive way. The cast was good but not awesome. Djimon Hounsou's character started with a strikingly tradegic hero but ended up with a relatively flat tone. Leonardo DiCaprio's accent was not as real as his fake retardedness in "Who's Eating Gilbert's Grapes (1993)." Fortunately, his fake accent is not the point. DiCaprio's heroic role, except for the one in "Titanic (1997)," is usally a complicated hero (e.g., The Beach, Romeo & Juliet, Departed, etc.), which is always a delight to see in movies. Honestly, the budding love between DiCaprio and Jennifer Connelly was not quite convincing. Once again, we are happy to see that this weak link of affection has little impact on the whole story.

So, please take this movie a bit more seriously, my friends.