Is the story of Blood Diamond the movie close to reality?

Though Blood Diamond is a story bit it is closer to reality, bad things do happen in Africa to get those diamonds. Blood Diamond is one of those movies which should be watched by everyone to get an idea about the violence done to get diamonds, even though it's a story it's something to be watched ...

The political issues that was being shown in the movie is basically true (should be)since I did remember about Sierra Leone facing violence from civil war. The blood diamond issue is also not uncommon, since I've even watched it being plotted into series like JAG. I guess it's common for huge diamond companies to get cheap diamonds from there. But honestly I think the one who should response is the ppl from there, since they would understand the hardship and problems that they faced during the turbulent time. My remark for the movie : It's absolutely entertaining. Though I hate they have to kill off Leo to make the ending oh-so-anti-climax, overall the performances by all casts are great. And the depiction of the violence really tear my heart. The comment by Solomon - he can understand why people wants the diamond from them, but he can't understand why they (his fellow countrymen) do it (violence) to each other; made me empathize him so much..

This movie caused allot of controversy here in africa, we even had leonardo under the fire here from our biggest news broadcasters. Go to this link - the reality behind africa's "blood diamond trade" http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2006/12/11/8395442/index.htm read it and you'll see. I'ts by no means a feel good movie,but the movie "Blood Diamond" taps into deeply controversial feelings about diamonds and the politics of production.

probably yes...ive heard there are still diamonds in africa and the hardships of trading it,as what they say,so who knows,the diamond we're wearing is so complicated..

I'd be interested in hearing the answer as well. I have not read the book or seen the movie yet. It sounds fascinating though. I don't want to see the movie because Leo's accent on the previews sounds so phony and fake to me and I don't think I could sit through 2 hours of hearing him talk.