So, confession time: I didn't hit the cinemas this weekend, but fear not! I had my own little movie marathon right at home.

One gem I stumbled upon was "Blood Diamond" (directed by Edward Zwick, 2006) on Netflix, which, for some reason, I never caught back in the day.

Let me tell you, it was quite the experience!

This film packs a punch. It dives deep into the harsh realities faced by families in Sierra Leone, where the allure of diamond mining often comes at a steep cost. Just like any other mining tale, it's a story of exploitation, with the few reaping the benefits while others suffer.

I have to admit, it's not an easy watch. It tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you feeling a mix of sadness and empathy for those in third-world countries facing such struggles.

But despite the heaviness of the subject matter, the movie does an excellent job of delivering its message. And can we take a moment to appreciate Leonardo DiCaprio's performance? The man is a force to be reckoned with on screen!

Now, I won't spoil everything, but let's just say DiCaprio's character doesn't exactly ride off into the sunset. But hey, it's been almost two decades since its release, so a little spoiler won't hurt, right?

What I find amusing is this recurring theme in DiCaprio movies where, for some inexplicable reason – because there isn't a good enough reason in my opinion for him to end up like this in this movie – his characters often meet a rather unfortunate end. It's like there's a curse on him or something!

But back to the movie: Is it worth watching?

Absolutely.

Despite its heavy themes, it's a compelling story that leaves a lasting impression.

My rating?

I'd give it a solid 7.5 out of 10 popcorns! 🍿*

* 🪰 Rotten, didn't like it    🍿 Fun, give it a watch    🍅 Fresh, must watch!