Kill Bill - Volume One
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Movie Reviews of Kill Bill - Volume One
Movie Review: This movie just blew my mind!
Summary: 5 Stars
Kill Bill is what is hailed as the much anticipated "4th film by quinton tarintino". If you don't know who quinton tarintino is, then I feel sorry for you. For the rest of us I need only mention the titles "Resevoir Dogs", "Pulp Fiction", And "Jackie Brown" and then you will understand the anticipation this new film has for us big time QT fans.So as the long-awaited 4th film, we find Tarintino taking a new dirtection... firslty, this is Kill Bill vol 1, with Vol 2 having just been released in theaters as of this writing. Seeing the first volume immediatley shows us that what QT had blanned was large, stylish, and visionary! The fact that The lead star Umma Thurman actually particiapted in much of the conceptual work behind the film only serves to further display why this film came together so brilliantly.
Kill Bill, as it's appropriatley called is a tale of revenge at it's most basic. Umma Thurman Plays an ex Assassin, who was betrayed at her wedding by her former boss. The plot throughout the movie leaves some gaps to be further explored in the next film, but plenty of detail and background is given to all the characters throughout the course of the movie (a trademark of tarintino is brilliant character depth). Once comming out of a comma, "The Bride" as she is called (we never get to hear her name in the movie - it is bleeped out!) goes on a path of vengence that will leave a thick trail of blood in it's wake.
Harking back to old martial arts films of the 70's the mood is sometimes made to feel corny intentionally. Oddly enough not only didnt this bother me, it made the movie more fun and more enjoyable. What's amazing is QTs abillity to switch moods in the film from being epicly dramatic, and almost philisophical in nature (like many old sammuri movies); to being goofy, and corny and almost poking fun at itself. Also we are treated to scenes that have wild western feels, as well as refrences to other old genres. The film is filled with LOTS to dwell on and think about.
Beyond that we have QT's typical directorial excellence. Vissually, Kill BIll is probably one of the finest works I've ever seen. The movie has more style, flair, and wit than almost any other I can think of. QT just has a way of always finding some new place to put the camera... some new trick to use that u werent expecting. An entire 10 -15 minute scene in the movie is fully animated in japanese style! The use of black and white and other little artistic ideas of QT make this movie an absolute pleasure to watch. If nothing else this has to be one of the most creative and unique films you'll ever see.
Finally, this is QTs first attempt at making an action orientated film. The fight scenes are really well done, and in the climactic battle we see umma thurman single handedly fight 60 plus men (all with sammuri swords) - and slaughter them all! Even the first time through, I had to watch that scene twice! QT also has a way of bringing the action together with many moments that are (typical to his style) nothing more than witty diologue.
IN the end, some people wont like this movie just because it's too "wierd" for them, or just not their kind of film. Those who dont like QTs style are likely to not be impressed. But for me, and many others, Kill Bill Vol one was an AMAZING movie, on many levels at once. The variety of themes, the amazing visual style, and the excellent audio (thanks to the RZA from Wu Tang Clan who produced the soundtrack)... this movie really surprised me by just HOW good it was.
Movie Review: Once again, Quentin and Uma do a fantastic job
Summary: 5 Stars
According to Tarantino, Uma is his "muse". Whether or not that's true, I've come to the conclusion that the two make a remarkably resourceful team. Anyone who was entranced by Therman's unstoppable performance in the gritty Pulp Fiction will be equally amazed at the job she does in Kill Bill. Once again, Tarantino pulls out all the stops and makes a film that hasn't one iota of modesty. Therman (The Bride) is beaten, shot in the head and left for dead while pregnant, and later becomes the target of two rednecks looking for action anywhere they can--even from unconscious hospital patients. But that is not to say that The Bride takes her misfortune lying down. The movie itself is a wonderful chronicle of her bloody, no-holds-barred revenge, a revenge which extends to anyone and everyone who gets in her way.
Her revenge is played to the tune of the good old days of film-making, with definite references to shoot-em-up westerns and sword-slinging asian kung-fu films. Those references being what they are, you have to take the unbelievable amount of blood and violence in this movie with a grain of salt. There's a reason that when a character's head is cut off, his neck becomes an almost laughable fountain of blood. Every bloody sequence is well-orchestrated and obviously planned piece by piece. If this movie had had ultra-realistic violence and an atmosphere that did not feel like an redone classic, this film would be worthless.
The film itself is a testament to how wonderful a director Tarantino is. No one could have pulled off a revenge movie this straight forward and received the box office acclaim that Quentin did. When I had first seen ads for this film, I was disheartened. I assumed it would be a bad flick that was just playing the name card with Tarantino, without living up to the prestige and magnificance of Pulp Fiction and Resevoir Dogs. I couldn't have been more wrong. Everything comes together in this film. The soundtrack plays like something from a Spaghetti Western with modern flare and a sexy edge, and it fits the story nicely. I absolutely loved the music transgression in the opening sequence of pulp fiction and this film definitely rivals it.
Along with the soundtrack, there is a wonderful amount of Tarantino flare. My only complaint here is that with that flare, the movie follows the same path that pulp fiction did: all the scenes are mixed up, and there are chapters. It's been done. However, it's been done very well once again. In addition, Tarantino finds various hooks from a seemingly endless bag of tricks that he apparently can still work from. An enormous fight scene involving the bride versus a veritable army is excellently choreographed and fun to watch. Also, there is a long anime segment halfway through the movie. I really don't care much for anime, as I know most people don't, but it fit fairly well into the story. I do have a complaint about that segment and that is that it was very very long and fairly overdone. You get the feeling that it was an excuse to show an exorbitant amount of blood and that they held onto that for too long. However, you must once again take the violence with a grain of salt.
In any case, Kill Bill should not be missed if you understand what Tarantino was trying to do here and you appreciate a good, well-written movie that doesn't care about being pretty. If you don't like blood and rediculously vile sex references, don't think about seeing this movie. if you're open minded and want to be taken on a good ride, you should check it out
Movie Review: Pure Tarantino
Summary: 5 Stars
Kill Bill vol. 1, the 4th feature from Quentin Tarantino, delivers in most every way that we would expect from Tarantino. It is sylish as hell; the cinematography especially struck me as being more impressive than in his previous films. The final scene particularly illustrates this, with the frenetic action being conveyed through silhoutte lighting, b&w vs. color and creative shifts between them, impressive camera shots such as the rising shot right before the battle royale, and the pure cinematic epicity of the setting of the final battle between Uma Thurman and Lucy Liu. Tarantino's brilliantly dark humor is littered throughout the film as well; Buck describing how to have sex with Uma Thurman's supposedly comatose form may be offensive and appaling to some, but as it is delivered (and to all Tarantino fans), it is utterly hilarious (little details such as bucks "P---- Wagon, the "Kaboom!" cereal box, and the water fountain that serves as the only noise through much of the climatic battle also stand out). I was also very impressed with(though initially apprehensive of) the anime segment that served as a segue into the Japanese setting, it added a surprising amount of emotion, and set the feel perfectly for the rest of the film. Nearly everything is done right, beyond right. The soundtrack is amazing, as is to be expected for a Tarantino film. He has impeccable taste in music, and seems to innately know what will enhance the film; in some places it is even cheesy (the 1,2,3,4s in the Japanese club) but we know that this is all intended, as is the "Feature Presentation" card at the beginning; Tarantino is someone who is obviosuly in love with film, and this film is almost an expression of love for all the "cool" films he watched growing up. I have heard Uma Thurman quoted as saying that this film is "pure, epic, Tarantino fantasy" and this is a perfect description of it. There is little to no depth, it is not a film that will stun you with its character development, or method acting, but it doesnt pretend to, or even want to. It simply revels in being the epitomy of "cool", it is an action film that is done in almost all ways, perfectly. Tarantino's gift is found in knowing what will look utterly amazing on film (again, I found myself stunned simply by the appearance of the final, snow-covered courtyard), in being able to write with a great amount of wit and intelligence, and being able to put the two together with a large amount of what must be called genius. Kill Bill isn't Tarantino's best film (an honor reserved for the utterly brilliant Pulp Fiction, [or is it Reservoir Dogs, it seems to depend on which film ive watched most recently] ), nor will it win the Best Picture Academy Award (which it doesnt deserve anyway), but it is a damn good time. Uma Thurman makes a triumphant return to film, and shocks most everyone in being able to pull off her role as the Bride perfectly; after seeing the film I cannot imagine anyone who could be more convincing. The question remains, can a film be given 5 stars based on style alone? The answer, surprisingly, is yes. I give out 5 stars very, very infequently, to only the very best of films, and while this is by no means the BEST action film ever made, it is certainly a damn good one. repeat viewing may lessen the spectale somewhat, but this reviewer was very impressed (and still is, after 3 viewings) with what he just saw. Very Highly Recommended.Movie Review: Revenge is never a straight line...
Summary: 5 Stars
Quentin Tarantino is back in full form with "Kill Bill: Volume 1." Just when you think he cannot surprise you any more--he does. Even though he acknowledges the fact that the film is inspired by various genres of film that he loves, such as Spaghetti Westerns, Kung-Fu flicks and Samurai pictures, you can tell that this movie has his name written all over it. Action packed and often times very funny, this is a movie that delivers again and again.
"The Bride" (we do not know her real name until the second volume) has been left for dead by the very people she has worked for when it is apparent that she wanted to settle down and have a family. They made a big mistake, as she survived and is looking for payback with absolute determination. She has made a list of the people who are responsible for her supposed death, and she plans to take them head on without any fear. Armed with a sword and an undeniable craving for vengeance, she will not stop until they are all dead... including Bill. The first volume's main focus is on what has brought her to the beginning of the movie and the events that have fueled her thirst for blood.
The main thing I always enjoy about Tarantino is that you never know what to expect from his movies. He has never recycled his act and is always looking for fresh and unique ideas. True is the fact that the movie is inspired by certain genres of film that has made him the avid film lover that he is today, but he is able to add his own and personal touch to it all. Very much like "Pulp Fiction," he plays around with time to tell a very simple story, which really helps us to believe that there is more to it all. The writing is smart and terrific, and his direction is absolutely flawless. Uma Thurman really shows that she can be an action hero, but she also is able to add a human quality to her character. Lucy Liu is also great in her role and gives a very chilling performance.
The movie is very violent, so it's not for the squeamish. The levels of violence differs from time to time. There are times when it is very goofy and purposely over the top, and resembles something you'd see in a low budget horror flick. Then there are times when the violence is very real and will make you cringe a little. However, if you are a long time fan of Tarantino's films, then you should have no problems with the film. The DVD has a few goodies to offer, but not a whole lot. It's sad, because I know they will re-release these two movies with more extras and special features. I don't blame Tarantino for this, though. This reeks of Miramax's doing. Still, it is a good DVD. The picture and sound quality is more than excellent. Extras that are included are a making of feature, musical performances and trailers. The making of feature is definitely a recommended feature to check out.
"Kill Bill: Volume 1" shows us that Quentin Tarantino has not lost his touch. Even though this is only the first part, it is still a standout film. The last few minutes leave us begging for more, but we are still very satisfied in the end. Filled with lots of dazzling action sequences, a great cast and a smart script, this is one enjoyable flick that you won't want to miss out on. Think you've seen it all from Tarantino? Think again. -Michael Crane
Movie Review: Another Tarentino MASTERPIECE
Summary: 5 Stars
Many people on Amazon would disagree with the
title "masterpiece", finding the over-the-top blood and violence to be too much and unnecessary. Whatever your opinion Tarentino is undeniably a cinematic genius. His knowledge/love of martial arts/samurai movies is clear, and the man knows his stuff. I am not a fan of old kung-fu movies and still pick up references in the movie that point to his paying homage to a genre he is knowledgeable within. I saw Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, both great flicks, and the patented style is again used to tell this story.
Kill Bill Volume 1 begins as a woman known only as "The Bride" has been beaten and shot to near death. The ones responsible--The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad (of which the Bride was a former member) and Bill. Bill was her boss and also the father of her unborn child. A massacre ensues when the Bride is about to marry another man, but the killers made one mistake--not killing the Bride. Even if I didnt tell you this you would figure it out very quickly---The Black Mamba (the Bride's codename) WILL get her revenge.
This movie gets some negatives from people for being so violent and at times sloppy. Tarentino had that vision and it couldn't have worked better. Blood unrealistically sprays when limbs are chopped off which of course is exaggerated almost to a comedic level but not quite. The question is did Quentin pay homage or rip off the genre? The answer is he has ripped off elements to an extent, but told the story in the way Tarentino does. He combines traditional elements of Kung-fu and adds his style to give us nothing more than a superviolent revenge flick. It is a damn good one at that. To say he has blatantly ripped off everything is far-fetched. He has a deep love/appreciation for Samurai movies and he knows what he is doing here. He truly wanted to leave his mark on the genre and the result, Kill Bill is one that will stick around for a long time. I was literally amazed at what I saw the first time through and it is just as fun a ride the second, third, etc. times watching it.
This has been said and I will say it again: if you can't stomach the violence and blood to the extreme do not watch Kill Bill. If you are a Tarentino fan it is your duty to see this great movie. If you arent a fan give it a shot anyway. With so many styles, including Anime, this is a stylish, yet violently unrelenting epic that will be remembered. Watch the movie for what it, a story of a woman screwed over who deserves revenge against those who took the most precious things from her. Dont dismiss it as a bad movie because you don't like profanity or gore. Then question yourself as to Tarentino's brilliance. All that aside this is the best movie I have seen so far in '04 and I cannot wait to see Volume 2.
The picture and sound quality are very good on this release, with a Dolby Digital Surround track and a DTS track for those who have the capabilities to hear that. Only negative I can give this dvd is the lack of extras. You just know with a movie like this one there is so much more out there as far as bonus material goes. As for me, I am happy to own this great movie and I recommend you to at least see this movie, if you can stand violence that is.