Saw this last night at my local theatre. Good movie. Very gritty subject matter and quite a lot of violence, but nothing too gory (lots of shoot outs and street fighting, although one boy gets his hand cut off, not that you see much).

Set in South Africa (I think). Involves three main characters: Danny, a white Rhodesian-born diamond smuggler (Leonardo DiCaprio), a black man who has been taken from his family by force to work (at gunpoint) in a diamond mine, and a female American journalist. Basically, the black man (sorry I forget his name, but I forget the journalists too!) has found a BIG diamond in the diamond mine, and has buried it. The mine is raided (as its an illegal operation), and everyone put in prison. Also arrested, in a separate smuggling incident, is Danny. Danny overhears in prison about the large diamond. Everyone is let out of prison and Danny "befriends" the black guy, insisting he needs his help to stay alive and smuggle the diamond out. Along the way Danny meets the woman journalist, who is trying to get facts on this illegal diamond trade, to expose whats going on to the outside world. (Lots of sexual tension ensues ;) ) Anyway, the two guys basically need to get back to the mine to get the diamond, which is NOT so easy when you're in Africa. Memorable quote from the movie is "T.I.A. This is Africa".

I didn't find the violence unjustified, it wasn't over the top. It was very realistic and part of the story.

At first, I thought the love story bit was going to be a bit "contrived". But it was actually done very well....not a single kiss or sex scene in sight. And it was interesting, as it made Danny (who is not a particularly nice person, and for who, killing people in his way is a means to an end) reassess his path. (The woman journalist is a person of high morals, ethics and principles). I won't reveal the ending, but it is sad, but touching.

If you liked the movie 'The Constant Gardener' you would enjoy 'Blood Diamond' too. Well worth seeing if you get the chance. And can I just say that Leo, particularly in this movie, is Fcuking OMG Drop Dead Gorgeous. To say I was salivating is an understatment :thud Lord that man is HOT.