February 19, 2007

THE VIEW FROM HOME

Dh and I saw Blood Diamond last week. Very powerful movie. Very necessary message. I feel passionately about this film for many reasons, and think it’s well worth seeing if you can stomach the war scenes — what happens in that movie is not imaginary-Hollywood-apocalypse-special-effect …. it’s real. And it’s terrible. And we all play a part in financing that kind of agony in third world countries through our consumption of goods like diamonds and oil.

But essentially Blood Diamond is about the characters … a father’s pure and powerful love for his son, a mercenary’s struggle with greed, a journalist’s battle to change the world by perhaps changing just one man. And love is what alters them all.

I was moved by Djimon Housoun’s portrayal of the Mendi fisherman father, and the way he walked the line between naivete and heroic power. I think Leonardo Di Caprio’s South African accent was pretty damn fine. The journalist, I did not like. But the rest, for me, was perfect. Including the portrayal of the merc army that helped end the civil war in Sierra Leone.

In reality, that PMC (Private Military Company) was Sandline/Executive Outcomes. It was based in South Africa before Nelson Mandela made it illegal for mercenary outfits to work out of that country. And it’s the organization I used as inspiration for my FDS Shadow Soldiers.

Blood Diamond was also mostly filmed in South Africa. One scene with the mercenary boss and the ‘Danny Archer’ character was shot on the very farm we used to live. DH managed those vineyards, and we lived right amongst them.

The pic above was taken on that farm — Buitenverwachting — and the vantage point is from our old home. Those are the vineyards in fall, and the ocean beyond. Truly one of the most beautiful places on earth.

(P.S. Hearing actor Andre Vosloo — THE MUMMY, ‘24′ — speak his native Afrikaans in a Hollywood production was pretty special, too )

1. On February 20th, 2007 at 7:21 am
   Meretta Says:
   

   I quite want to see this movie too. I’ll be the one in the back whispering “That’s where Loreth used to live”.

   Seriously, I’m glad you’ve pointed out some necessary truths. Awareness is key.

2. On February 20th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
   Irene Says:
   

   Very good Loreth. We the consumer really can make a difference.
   Spectacular view from your old home !
   I will add to my list of movies I must see.

3. On February 21st, 2007 at 9:28 pm
   Mary Says:
   

   Loreth, thanks for the reminder to see this movie! I’ve watched the trailers and they take my breath.

   Your former vineyard home is lovely beyond words. No wonder it’s called Buitenverwachting–outside anticipation is right! Thanks for sharing.

4. On February 24th, 2007 at 12:21 am
   Loreth Says:
   

   Dead on, Mary!!! Beyond expectation — outside anticipation … it’s a beautiful translation and name for a farm, don’t you think.

   PS .. if you come across the Buitenverwachting wines in a local store, they are pretty darn good, too. All farmed biodynamically.

5. On July 4th, 2007 at 3:32 am
   Leigh Bertling Says:
   

   How pleased we were to see Buitenverwachting in Blood Diamond when we watched in on DVD. It is where we got married 4 months ago and this was a special surprise as I’m a movie buff!

6. On July 4th, 2007 at 4:46 am
   Loreth Says:
   

   What a beautiful place to get married, Leigh Congratulations!
   The setting in the movie snared me by surprise, too. And I’d been looking forward to seeing this one for a while, given the SA connection.

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