TASK 2: 'Blood Diamond' Film Review
The 2007 film Blood Diamond, directed by Edward Zwick explores the exploitation of the diamond industry in Sierra Leone, Africa in the late 1990’s. Blood diamonds or conflict diamonds are diamonds that are sold to finance armed struggle. (Allesandro Bertoni, 2016) The film explores themes of redemption, human behavior and social justice, as the character development and events in the film reflect real life social justice issues still occurring today. Because of these themes and its importance to present day society, the film is worthy of being on the big screen as the movie industry is a highly public platform to spread awareness on such appalling issues such as Blood Diamonds.
The core issue the film explores is the effects of conflict created by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) – a guerilla unit formed in 1991 in Sierra Leone (Richard Mchugh, 2015). From the years 1991-2002, the RUF led an uprising against the government, funded by their control and exploitation of Sierra Leone’s diamond industry. From this exploitation stemmed multiple violations of human rights. The RUF massacred villages, raped women, and mutilated an estimated 100,000 victims (Carnegie Council, 2015). Those who survived were either forced into labor, or if they were children, they were recruited into the RUF as child soldiers. While the exact issues in the film may not have effected audiences personally, as a consumerist society we have all contributed to the exploitation of the diamond industry without even knowing it. In a conversation with journalist Maddy Bowen, Danny Archer, a diamond smuggler declares “You sell blood diamonds too… Who do you think buys the stones that I bring out? Dreamy American girls who all want a storybook wedding and a big, shiny rock like the ones in the advertisements of your politically correct magazines.” (Blood Diamond Movie, 2006) What Archer explains here is that consumers who buy blood diamonds are equally as guilty as the RUF and those who exploit the diamond industry, as they support this exploitation financially. Film Director Edward Zwick directed the movie “Blood Diamond” and upon learning about the war occurring in Sierra Leone he was “appalled by what I and other people did not know. I realized that in this tiny country [that many could not even find on a map], there existed very big issues that needed to be addressed — issues that would capture the imagination and increase awareness in the world” (Edward Zwick, 2007). Thus created the message Zwick wanted to spread awareness on: “The film is really about the responsibilities of a consumer society that has to reckon with the fact that the purchase of something here has implications somewhere else. By putting your credit card down, youre essentially endorsing the practices that are involved in getting a resource” (Edward Zwick, 2006). Organizations such as Amnesty International supported the film ‘Blood Diamond’, also creating a Companion Curriculum for students to discuss and analyze the social and political changes in Sierra Leone, as depicted in the film, and to engage students in discussion of corporate social responsibility and consumer action (Amnesty International, 2006).
As a highly provocative and shocking film, it encourages individuals to buy conflict free diamonds, and support organizations such as the Kimberly Process, Amnesty International, and others fighting against Blood Diamonds. While exploring the different social injustices in the film, the personal and relational character development of the 2 main characters Danny Archer and Solomon Vandy is examined. Danny Archer begins the film as an independent contractor trading in conflict diamonds who is solely focused on his financial success, blinded by his own greed. While exploiting Vandy in pursuit for a unique diamond, Archer’s ethics are challenged as he must choose between self gain or the freedom of others – right and wrong. Vandy on the other hand begins as a family oriented man with ambitions for his son. However, after being victimized by the RUF, his mind becomes corrupted with hate and anger, until he finally receives redemption. The film represents the relationship between Archer and Vandy as a fight for power and conflicting ethics, while struggling to fight for change and justice. The social justice issues unfolded in the film affect people as they encapsulate everyone’s fears of their own human rights being violated. For many, the genocide and slavery in the film can be related to their own cultures history, meaning the issues may effect those audiences personally. As previously mentioned, upon viewing this film, audiences are urged to purchase only conflict free diamonds, and to support organizations in raising awareness and making action against blood diamonds.
To work towards a just future for the benefit of all, attention and action must be made towards issues such as the ones presented in the film. As a reviewer of this film, I have learnt that the issues explored in the film are still relevant and occurring today. I learnt that the director of this film himself supports action against Blood diamonds, and did not merely exploit the issue for recognition and academy awards. I also believe in the message he wanted to portray on consumer’s responsibility. Although I do not have a large platform or the status to take action against Blood diamonds head on, I will recommend this film as a must watch to peers to help raise awareness for the issue. This will make a difference, because although I may not be able to make a tremendous impact, I could inspire someone who does have the ability to take action. The universal declaration of human rights is a document which sets out the fundamental human rights to be universally protected (UN, 2016). Essentially all of the human rights published in these documents are violated in the events that are portrayed in the film. That is the reason why a universal document such as the declaration of human rights holds paramount importance – it gives rights to the people.
Actions that can be made locally to make a difference include teaching students about social justice issues, such as the ones that are portrayed in the film, and raising awareness amongst them so they can become the generation to help create a just future. In light of the film, Catholic social teaching is relevant to people of all ages as it opposes the social injustices in the film and promotes human dignity. Caritas encourages Catholic social teachings, to help bring change to situations similar to the blood diamond issue.
The conclusion of the film shows Solomon Vandy speaking before a council about his experience in the blood diamond mines. This council is in Kimberly, South Africa, where the Kimberley Process was created. The Kimberly Process is a global attempt to ensure that diamond purchases are not financing violence by rebel movements and their allies seeking to undermine legitimate governments (Kimberley Process, 2016). Issues of prejudice and other injustices impact the way of life for citizens of individual countries by effecting them financially, mentally or physically. International groups such as Caritas, Amnesty International and the Kimberley Process are helping to address these social justice concerns both head on and by raising awareness and donations, and educating through online teachings. The most prominent international movement promoting justice is the Universal declaration of human rights. Aforementioned, the universal declaration of human rights is a document which sets out the fundamental human rights to be universally protected (UN, 2016). Also aforementioned, Catholic Social Teachings make a difference amongst its followers as it displays values nurturing human dignity.
The film ‘Blood Diamond’ was highly effective in promoting just actions and Catholic Social Teachings as it displayed characters exploring and fighting their own moral battles, and choosing to sacrifice themselves for the good of others and humanity. While the film did not explicity show a vision of a just world, it displayed action being taken against the RUF and exploitation of the people of Sierra Leone, in hopes of creating a just world. I agree with the action taken. The action being taken was similar to how Jesus Christ taught catholic teachings. Solomon Vandy shared his experiences among a council, similar to how Jesus Christ taught his disciples. As an exillerating and moving film, I would absolutely recommend this movie to others, not only as entertainment, but also to raise awareness. This film easily deserves a 5/5 star rating.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
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