In 1999 Sierra Leone, Danny Archer (DiCaprio) plies his bloody trade as a mercenary. He smuggles diamonds that eventually fund the ongoing wars in the region. Solomon Vandy (Hounsou) is a Mende tribesman and fisherman, with a wife and children. They have plans for their son to continue in school and become a doctor. These two men’s lives collide in a murderous struggle for a huge, rare pink diamond.

Maddy Bowen (Connelly) is an American journalist that taps Archer to help her get the truth out about the illegal diamond trade in Africa. Archer strikes a deal with her for his story if she’ll help find Solomon’s family, who escaped when rebels raided his village.

The recommendation for this film rests solely on the performances of DiCaprio and Hounsou. Edward Zwick ("The Last Samurai," "Glory"), as director, had little to work with from the melodramatic screenplay offered by Charles Leavitt (adapted from a story by Leavitt).

A world of history is reflected in the facets of these "blood diamonds," that title they got right. Their profits finance the bloodletting of civil wars and slaughter.

During this season of gift giving, remember to ask dealers for certification that the diamond you purchase is a "Non-Conflict" stone.