Blood Diamond

Volatile intrigue abounds in this politicized story about South African arms dealer and diamond smuggler Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou - "Gladiator"), a former diamond mine captive desperate to reunite with his family. Solomon has hidden a rare pink diamond in Sierra Leone that Archer will go to any lengths to obtain. Jennifer Connelly plays Maddy Bowen, an idealistic American journalist with more than a passing interest in Archer and in the real story behind the conflict diamonds making their way into the world market. Archer and Solomon must journey deep into rebel territory in Sierra Leone to retrieve the glorified stone that could reunite Solomon with his family and buy Archer a way out of South Africa. Leonardo DiCaprio gives yet another career-high performance in this satisfying fast-paced action/drama by director Edward Zwick ("The Last Samurai").

Rated R. 138 mins. (A) (Five Stars)