Kill Bill - Volume One
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Movie Reviews of Kill Bill - Volume One
Movie Review: Perfect! Pure Action- Bloody- and Well Done!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was captivated by "Kill Bill Volume One," from the first black and white frames, to the last scene in the hospital. It was two hours of blood, gore, comedy, drama, and action. Two hours of pure fun. When this movie was over the only thing that I could think of was waiting for Volume Two to come out. "Kill Bill" should have been a complete epic with the two volumes put together instead of seprate. The film is told in segments or "Chapters." The chapter that struck me a great phrase was the chapter entitled "The Blood Splattered Bride." I have no clue why that name was just so perfect. I think it was because that it sums up the basic plot of the movie in only four words. Uma Thurman plays The Blood Splattered Bride, or as she is known in the movie as Black Mamba. Whenever her brith name is spoken, instead of it being said, a loud beeping noise blocks it. The first time I heard that I was confused, thinking there was a sound problem in the movie theatre. Then when it happened a couple more times I relized that it was the work of writer and director Quentin Tarintino.
The movie begins with Black Mamba in her wedding dress, lying on the floor, blood covering her, breathing very hard, and the handkerchief of a man washing some of the blood off of her face. We are introduced to this man as Bill and then after wiping her face, he shots her right in the head. Brief graphic, more amazement. The amazement is how cruel some people could be. The next scene is a couple of years later, and Black Mamba pulls up in front of the house. She enters the house of Vernita Green and we learn more. Black Mamba's story is that she was part of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. She became pregnant with Bill's child, and then she decides to quit the group and go out and get married. On her wedding day, her friends betray her and show up at the wedding, not to give their respects, but to hurt her and kill the other nine guests at the wedding. Her "friends" are Vernita Green, Elle Driver, Sidewinder and O-Ren Ishii. Played by Vivica A Fox, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen and Lucy Lui, in the order. I won't tell you what happened in Vernita Green's house, but when she leaves we flashback to when Black Mamba awakes from the coma that the bullet caused. Four years lost and her baby is gone, Black Mamba decides to get her revenge on every person that caused her death. First she buys a sword from the Japenese man Hattori Honzo and then goes off to kill the first person on her list. O-Ren. But with O-Ren's large group of protectors, her assistant Sophie Fatale, and her seventeen year old deadly bodyguard Go Go Yubari, Black Mamba knows the first battle will be extremly bloody, and extremly hard.
One of my favorite parts of "Kill Bill Volume One" was the animation scene when we learn about the origin of O-Ren. It's about fifteen minutes long, also bloody, but I liked it because the movie had everything. It has ninja style action, comedy, drama, regular action, and a great plot, and then it adds another thing. The anime sequence. I was shocked when that part came because it was the least thing that I was expecting.
The entire movie was bloody. Blood in the beginning, through the middle, and then a massacre at the end. The only part that had no blood was when she went to see the swordsmen. But even during that scene you are expecting for her to just take out a weapon and kill somebody. The scene that was probally the sickest violence in the movie is when one character bites another characters tougue out of his mouth. My tougue was actually hurting as I watched it.
"Kill Bill Volume One" is Oscar material. I only wish that instead of making it into two parts, they just made it all into one long epic movie. It would be more fair to the Oscars instead of almost the same movie being nominated twice. For The Lord of the Rings it's different because nobody is going to sit in the movie theatre for six and a half hours. But "Kill Bill" is probally only about 3 hours and a half in full. People could sit through that entire thing without having to pay admission twice. The thing I wonder about most is when the DVD comes out will it be one long movie, or will it be seprated into two different DVD's?
ENJOY!
Rated R for strong bloody violence, language and some sexual content.
Movie Review: Colorful & Brilliant, 'KBv.1' is Tarantino through & through
Summary: 5 Stars
Remember watching late-night Saturday Kung-Fu Theatre as a kid, and lying there with the lights out thinking how great it would be if these films could be on every night? (Uhm...or maybe that was just me). But watching this DVD put me back in that place during my youth when I admired characters with a code of honor, and where villains, having their own stories to tell, reciprocated that same level of code.Quinton Tarantino's film, `Kill Bill Vol.1', is a rare triumph in cinema, as is it's creator, who, it seems, is one of the few in Hollywood today who has the vision to create unique, and brilliant motion pictures.
Tarantino's quirky, fast paced, dialogue is ever present in `Kill Bill,' and although the film is not like his previous gritty mosaics where the characters carry guns (Katanas are the desired instruments of death in this film), `Kill Bill' is still very similar stylistically. Do not be mislead. This is not a watered-down Tarantino flick by any means. In fact, `Kill Bill Vol. 1' may be his bloodiest film to date.
In `Kill Bill Vol.1' we come to know Uma Thurman only as "The Bride," a former member of The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad who has been victimized by the very same group on the day of her wedding. "The Bride," however, survives the massacre, and after coming out of a four year coma, she realizes that not only has she been the victim of a horrific event by the same people she once worked with, but that she has also lost the child she was carrying in her belly up to that day. The seeds of revenge are inexorably planted.
The events that follow are an amalgam of Kurosawa, Wu Tang, Troma, and Sergio Leone. Tarantino is a master of stylization, and should not be considered a plagiarizer, as I have heard so many critics label him as. If that were the case, then every well-known writer, director, creator, artist, etc., is guilty of plagiarism.
If you enjoyed `Kill Bill' in theatres, then you will be pleased to know that the DVD not only delivers the film in wonderful clarity, but its special features make a wonderful addition as well. `The Making of Kill Bill Vol.1' is well made and gives you a perspective as to the layers of work it took to produce the film. The bonus musical performance by "The 5,6,7,8's" was a nice touch. The movie trailer portion was the only aspect of the DVD that left me wanting more. While the trailers for "Kill Bill Vol.1" were fine, the back cover of the DVD is a bit deceptive in the sense that it does not actually include the trailer to Vol. 2, but simply a 30 second teaser; which provided no anticipatory scenes from the coming film. I figured it would make sense to provide an adequate trailer, considering the DVD was released only two days prior to the theatrical release of Vol.2.
There aren't any major inserts in the box; just a film synopsis and background to its creation. However, the `Kill Bill' action figure and miscellaneous movie memorabilia insert definitely caught my eye.
This film is many things. I have often heard or read comments accusing Tarantino of making unintelligent work, but I cannot disagree more. There is a reason why Tarantino has such a loyal following, and why many, including his staunchest critics, flock to the theatres to see his films (I will make a prediction that this film comes in at #1 for box office revenue this weekend and next weekend as well, if not the week after that too). Tarantino's films are filled with real people, who act and speak like real people, and are put into situations that allow them to make decisions like you and I. Sure, his scenes or locations may be a little grandiose, lofty, and high-flown, but they are bold, cleverly thought up, and are intended to entertain.
`Kill Bill Vol.1' is colorful, bold, and brilliant. This is NOT one of those movies you rent (I would tell you if it were... just check out my other postings coming soon). I recommend that you see this film, and that you PURCHASE this DVD. Who knows, maybe you might be home one Saturday night and have the urge to put something on that makes you reminisce to the things you enjoyed in your youth (Uhm...or is it still just me?).
Movie Review: In a word - WOW!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an incredible movie - smart, witty, sexy, sharp, and beautiful all at the same time. There are some gripes about this story not having a story, which is totally not true. The plot revolves around The Bride (a superb Uma Thurman), who was shot and left for dead during her wedding. "Kill Bill" tracks her revenge on two of the five assassins: Vernita Green (Vivica Fox) and O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu, who totally redeems herself for her two mindless "Charlie's Angels" movies). This is a pure revenge film, but a wonderful and visually fantastic set-up for Volume 2, which develops the story even more and fleshes out its characters.
Still, even if Volume 1 just shows Uma Thurman getting her revenge on her assassins, it's a great film. Quentin Tarantino, a master of technique, uses his knowledge of 1970s Shaw Brothers Hong Kong kung-fu movies to create a beautiful work of art. It isn't meant to be realistic; it's meant to be extraordinary. The fight scenes are over-the-top and the fruit-punch blood spurts like geysers but this movie isn't really "violent," per say. It's so unrealistic (in a good way) that it's ironic, satirical, and funny. Tarantino's style pokes fun at, celebrates, and transcends the kung-fu movies. His writing is also often quirky, colorful, funny, and sometimes dead serious. It's a lovely combination.
If you want more examples of Tarantino's total dedication to his work, look at where he chooses to set his scenes and what kind of music he picks. Just because the movie is violent doesn't mean that Tarantino doesn't have a sense of beauty. He knows what he's doing, and one only needs to look at his use of an elegant, quiet, snow-covered garden for O-Ren Ishii and the Bride's final fight. There is also an incredibly moving and exciting anime sequence in the movie. Also, the use of the MUSIC is absolutely incredible, and one of my favorite aspects of this movie. I can't say enough good things about it. In one scene where O-Ren is being driven to the restaurant, the trumpets in the background music perfectly match the light that passes on O-Ren's face. Everything is timed so perfectly. Music is so important to this movie; you'll feel your adrenaline go right up just hearing it. It's really that good.
There is great acting in this movie...I can't think of a single character that didn't intrigue me. To single a few of them out, though: Uma Thurman gives an amazing performance. I loved how she could alternate from being funny, sexy, serious, charming, and deadly so easily... She kicks major butt in this movie, but she isn't exactly just a stereotypical, generic, tough action girl. There's a real brain and a real heart behind her character. Also, Lucy Liu (O-Ren Ishii) is so good in this movie, I personally think Tarantino should make another movie just about her. She is a character so rich and so complex, it would be a travesty to just call her only a "villain" or "The Bride's adversary." And besides, some of the best scenes in "Kill Bill" featured O-Ren Ishii and her posse. My personal favorite character in "Kill Bill" has got to be Gogo Yubari (Chiaki Kuriyama), O-Ren's teenage bodyguard. Kuriyama plays Gogo with fun menace...I loved the fact that she was young, beautiful, and crazy. Just watch her in the few scenes she has...she just oozes coolness. It's that combination of the school-girl outfit, smallish stature, youngish face, long straight black hair, and beautiful deadly eyes that is just awesome. Suffice to say, I also think Tarantino should make another movie about Gogo, too. Heck...most of the main characters are so awesome and complex that Tarantino could make another movie out of any of them. It's a testament to the strength of Tarantino's writing.
"Kill Bill" is one entertaining, beautiful, smart, exciting visual bonanza. Don't pay too much attention to the people who gripe about the lack of story and excessive violence. Whatever it may be, Tarantino has presented pure storytelling at its finest. 10/10
Movie Review: Thrilling "Bill," Tarantino Does it Again
Summary: 5 Stars
Most film makers seem to get their recognition through one film that they make. The one film that breaks them out of the ambiguity of the back-studio system and into the limelight. Of course, these film makers are then judged by that one film. That being said, I shall begin this by saying don't expect another "Pulp Fiction" in "Kill Bill," this is an entirely DIFFERENT film, and that is not a good thing...it is a great thing.To stick to my usual way of doing reviews, let us start with the plot...it's right there in the title. Uma Thurman is "The Bride," a former assasin for the Deadly Viper Assasination Squad (DiVAS). When her previous employer, Bill (David Caradine) and her former co-workers (Darryl Hannah, Vivica A. Fox, Lucy Liu, and Michael Madsen) put a bullet in her head on her wedding day, she sets out to kill Bill, and anyone else foolish enough to get in her way. What begins is a highly stylized, non linear, revenge story.
The story-telling is the usual Tarantino slickness; a sense of self-absorbed cool and arrogance that he has become known for. It really works wonders with this story, surprisingly. To its core, "Kill Bill" is a 21st century grindhouse film, but the way the story is told, it's just so unexpected it's refreshing.
The actors seemed to have fun with this movie. That is good, because the audience should have fun with the movie as well. So when the actor and audience (and I'm pretty sure the director) is having a grand ole time with this movie, nothing bad can come out of it. None of the actors are wasting camera time and they all bring out their own sense of swankiness to an already cool atmosphere. You feel the Bride's pain, you associate with O-Ren Ishii's past, you hate Bill, it all works very well.
The music, like his other films, have the Tarantino touch. Specified tracks from yesteryear mixed with a weird techno/hip hop/heavy metal/Asian feel. It serves right up there with the film's collaboration with multiple genres.
The camera work is gorgeous. I'm not just talking about the fight scenes. Tarantino seems to borrow heavily from the Asian feel of his film. The camera seems to go everywhere in every little place. One particular scene follows every little action in a Japanese restaurant that I was wondering through out the whole time where the camera was actually placed to get all these different angles.
I especially loved the scenary. The world of "Kill Bill" cannot exist anywhere on Earth, it's impossible. All the colors, the textures, the environment that each character claims their own, it's all so exotic. Once again, borrowing the "mysticism of the east," only planting it everywhere in this movie. Wow. A nice touch of escapism from what would be boring reality.
The choreography was excellent. The trailer alone is nothing compared to the full movie experience. Believe me, this will leave you gasping for air.
The multi-genre works out better than I first anticipated in this movie. The usage of speghitti western close-ups, with seemingly seventies music, along with martial arts, equals a cocktail any true movie fan can appreciate. Also, the use of black and white, spurting blood, beeping out The Bride's real name whenever it's uttered, and that anime sequence, every convention works in this film. It's godlike.
I guess my only gripe about "Kill Bill" was it not to have been cut in two parts. However, with the sheer exhiliration of "Volume One," I think I might need this cool down period before the conclusion.
In the end, with equal parts tributes to samurai, spaghetti westerns, kung fu, anime, and blaxploitation films, this is old-school art at its finest. "Kill Bill" is a roller coaster ride, as in it is not for the squemish, and those who go on it will feel ultimatly rewarded for doing so. Oh, and if you don't like it, it's perfectly alright, then the movie wasn't meant for you. Like Quentin's other films, this movie offers up to one true audience; the true lovers of cinema.
-RW
Movie Review: This Movie is So Awesome!
Summary: 5 Stars
I guess I love this movie 'cause I love the martial arts and sword fighting. But really, the storyline is very entertaining also. It is the story of a woman assasin who, basically, gets revenge. She was beaten and put in a coma for four years on her wedding day in El Paso, Texas and had everyone in the wedding close to her (family and husband) killed by a group she was once a part of called the Deadly Viper Assasination Squad.
She awakes once again four years later from the coma and seeks revenge on the DVAS. The opening scene is very graphic in black and white and shows her getting shot in the head by a man in which we do not see the face of named Bill until the second movie. (Bill is kind of the leader of the assasins and the one she mostly wants to kill). To shorten this up a little more, we first see her battle an old assasin code named Vernita Green; she kills her in front of her daughter without knowing it. We then see that she then awakes from the coma and gets back to her car after killing a guy named Buck who was a friend of Bill's at a hospital. She then gets back to her car and as she tries to move all her toes to make her legs stable again.
We then learn about Oren Ishii, a half Japanese half American woman code named Cottonmouth from the squad, and how she became an assasin, and also one of the best. Oren's my favorite :). She then flies to Okinawa and meets Hattori Hanzo in a cafe, saying she has vermin to kill and needs Japanese steel. A month later, Hanzo creates his best sword he has ever made and gives it to her. Then we meet Oren's own clan in Japan, with frightening, intimidating characters such as Gogo, a seventeen year old crazy girl, Johnny Mo, leader of Oren's army the Crazy 88, and Sophie Fatale, who really is not intimidating or frightening but took part in the cruel beatings of the Bride (who's real name is revealed in the second movie).
Then, the best part of the movie comes. The Bride arrives at a really cool restuarant/club place called the House of Blue Leaves where Oren and her top members are partying. She then, after a very dramatic part in which Sophie's arm is cut off, battles and de-limbs and kills all 88 of the Crazy 88 and more. "But leave the limbs you lost...they belong to me now"-a great line from the movie.
Then she battles Oren in the pretty scenery out in the back of the House of Blue Leaves, a very, very serious and dramtatic and great part. But of course I'm not giving away the ending! All I can say is this is one of my fave movies and it is sooooooooo cool.
If you cannot handle very graphic blood in almost every scene and I MEAN THIS IS REALLY REALLY BLOODY I AM WARNING YOU, then do not see this. If you do not like seeing women or young girls in pain do not see this. There is a very graphic anime scene, so if you cannot take that stuff it won't appeal to you. There is some language, too, that shouldn't be heard by nine year olds, lol. Other than that, if you can handle all that, you can watch this and you'll like it.
For all the people complaining about the blood, did you not see the box in which it depicted a woman with a sword? THE BLOOD IS SUPPOSED TO ADD DRAMA AND MORE REALITY. If someone gets their limbs cut off, there's going to be a whole lot of blood.
And to the people who are complaining about how "it's so unrealistic that she can possibly kill 88 and more people without dying" although I do agree it's not likely IT IS A MOVIE and some are realistic and some are not, but this one mostly is.
Overall, five stars. I'm actually thirteen but I was allowed to see this movie 'cause I'm pretty mature. When I first saw this, I wasn't sure if I really liked it either. I had never seen a movie with so much blood and gore before, but after I watched it again, I realized it was a very clever movie and behind the blood was an amazing story.
This IS a good movie if you can handle it.
You have to see it!