Kill Bill - Volume One
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Movie Reviews of Kill Bill - Volume One
Movie Review: Quentin Tarantino's BEST film!
Summary: 5 Stars
For as much violence and gore as is contained in Quentin Tarantino's FOURTH FILM (as he so gratuitously informs us in the opening credits!), I think that KILL BILL VOLUME ONE is a great example of the "less is more" philosophy of filmmaking. Of all of Tarantino's films, this one has the least dialogue. In fact, it is really minimalist. I don't think there is one wasted line in the whole film! It just cuts (literally) to the chase. In all his other films, with possibly the exception of PULP FICTION, I really think that some of the extraneous, extended dialogue ruins some or all of the film experience.
KILL BILL VOLUME ONE has a singular plot: a mysterious woman (given the moniker "The Bride" by the head of a group of Texas Rangers who find her the sole survivor of her wedding day massacre in a small Texas church), is out to avenge the death of her baby at the hands of her former assassin colleagues The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. The group's leader is "Bill", heard, but unseen to the viewer during his part in the film. Bill shot The Bride in the head but she survived and was comatose for 4 years before awakening. "The Bride" is played by Uma Thurman, who IMHO gives the best performance of her career and should have garnered a Best Actress nomination for fully transforming herself into an athletic, cold-blooded, take-no-prisoners death machine! Thurman is entirely convincing in this role and never once did I doubt her character or her goal.
In VOLUME ONE, Tarantino has The Bride only go after Vernita Green (played to the hilt by Vivica Fox in a brief, juicy role) and O'Ren Ishii (superbly played by Lucy Liu). The Bride's confrontation with Vernita sets up the film and this scene is an impressive, bloody, chickfight of hand-to-hand combat with a very satisfying conclusion. The film is told nonlinearly as we see early on that The Bride has already taken out O'Ren and the rest of the film details the sequence of events leading up to this. Tarantino really displays extremely competent, confident filmmaking during these sequences as he smoothly transitions from one story to the next, including a wonderful Japanese anime scene detailing the backstory of O'Ren and The Bride's seeking out famed swordsmaker Hattori Hanzo (pitch-perfect Sonny Chiba) to obtain a sword that "even God himself" would fear! The exciting, pulse-pounding climax has The Bride take on O'Ren's psychotic teen bodyguard Gogo Yubari (impressive ingenue Chiaki Kuriyama) and her "Crazy 88" army. Then, finally, the swordfight between The Bride and O'Ren, a beautifully executed (no pun intended!) otherwordly scene.
What makes KILL BILL VOLUME ONE a masterpiece to me is that Tarantino perfectly mixes elements of several film genres and sub-genres (70s kung fu, Western, revenge, chick flick) into a brilliantly edited film. He also infuses the film with timely, snappy, witty, comical dialogue and narration (Thurman's) as well as perfect music choices, esp. using that Japanese group in the club at the film's climax to underscore the upcoming action. Nothing feels out of place or unnecessary in this film. In summary, it all just comes together!
KILL BILL VOLUME ONE is about as entertaining as it gets!
Movie Review: Two words: watch it. Mindless entertainment ensues.
Summary: 5 Stars
So why do we all like extremely violent movies that contain considerable amounts of blood? Don't expect me to answer that. If I did answer, then I'd probably have to site sources to try to prove some theory. Being lazy, I choose to only contemplate.With that said, all I know is that when I originally saw this film, I really had kept wanting to see more of the blood and gore and coffee table smashing and headless bodies and eye plucking and sword-fighting silhouettes in front of blue screens ... and so on.
Did I mention the silhouettes? Yeah, ... cool.
Since then, I have seen this film about four times. I'll probably see it again. Once, I did what my friend referred to as a "ghetto double feature" and saw Vol. 1 at home, then I went out to see Vol. 2 in the theater. If that is ghetto, then I've been ghetto-ized.
The thing is, well, here's the thing: I'm not even a Tarantino fan. I mean, I admired the box-art for Pulp Fiction (nice font used). Uma Thurman's scenes were great, and there's something about John Travolta's forehead that says, "Watch me."
And, so, while I'm not really into his other movies, I admired Quentin Tarantino for Kill Bill. I think it is one of the best movies I have seen, definitely the best he has to offer. If there aren't fight scenes, then we are given great one-liners or even full paragraphs to soak up in.
In Vol. 1, the tone is set by the first fight scene. Vivica A. Fox and Uma Thurman do a great job at making us feel a sense of urgency -- and that is why Vol. 1 works so well. We're treated with the brutality of The Bride's revenge. So, ok, the story in Vol. 1 is not as important as the flashy fight scenes, but all the juicy plot-developments are thankfully saved in Vol. 2. So, all you need to do, really, is watch Vol. 1 for the mindless blood and funny dialogue.
Lucy Lui should consider more roles like Oren Ishii. She is used so well here. The Bride and Oren have some poignant moments. But, what am I saying? You already know this. Chances are that you've already seen this film. I'll spare you a big review on every single character and how well they were portrayed (you know, like Hattori Hanzo, the Crazy 88, Go-Go, Sophie Fatale, and yes, even Charlie Brown).
Ok, here's the part of my review where it becomes all about me. I consider myself an average film-goer. I'm certainly not an elitist, and I like to think that I view movies objectively. And if you're reading too much into the first three sentences of this paragraph, well then you're probably thinking I'm pretty egotistical. Well, that's for you to decide. As for me, If I liked Vol. 1 for its fighting and the set-up, then I enjoyed Vol. 2 for its dialogue and the follow-through. I can watch both seperately, or I can watch them together. I think that is the beauty of it all: both volumes are so connected (in fact, they're really one film), yet both volumes are incredibly different (the style change, being the most obvious difference).
So, allow me not to campaign any further on why I think Kill Bill is a big achievement in film. I think many others have gotten that point across. All I can say is that hopefully I have contributed somewhat to those others' points.
Just buy the film.
Movie Review: "I have vermin to kill."
Summary: 5 Stars
It's become pretty well known through publicity that this is Tarantino's fourth film, so how does it rank up against his others? Well, as much as I love Reservoir Dogs, it hasn't dated too well. Especially when compared to Pulp Fiction which basically became a classic the year it was released. He followed with Jackie Brown which was (in my eyes) a great movie, but others disagreed. After a six year hiatus from directing, America finds out that Tarantino's next movie is going to be a revenge flick centered around a woman who was left for dead on her wedding day (even though it turned out to be dress rehearsal). I wasn't exactly thrilled about the idea of the man doing a straight-action movie, but all doubts were thrown out the window during the first frame of Kill Bill. The Bride lays there helpless; crying; bloodied up. The audience doesn't know exactly what happened here, but it becomes obvious when we hear Bill ask her, "Do you find me sadistic?" The Bride's shot in the head and the credits immediately pop up with that haunting song on the soundtrack.
"The 4th Film By Quentin Tarantino."
It was then that I realized that Tarantino had not "sold out." Not even one minute into the movie yet and it's already flooded with the style of filmmaking he's known for.
I absolutely adored this movie. It's the most exciting action saga to come out of Hollywood for quite a while. Some might call it trash, but it's smart trash. Technically, the film is a marvel to behold. Tarantino loves what he does and it shows in every frame of the movie. He does plagarize a few things here and there, but the cues work so well that someone who appreciates the art of filmmaking won't mind at all.
The script is terrific, though some argued that Tarantino was a bit stingy with his infamous dialogue in this particular volume. I'll agree with this to a point. The dialogue in his movies is simply cool and one of the main reasons I enjoy his stuff so much, but the lack of it in Kill Bill doesn't hurt the film one bit. Here, it's mostly about the craft of making a movie that excites the audience but doesn't cater to the lowest common demoniator by dumbing the material down. In fewer words: lack of extensive dialogue doesn't hurt the film.
The characters are a hoot to watch. Thurman plays the Bride straight-faced; the only way to do it. You don't even see David Carradine as Bill in this one too much, but in Volume 2, he's a wonder to behold. A true scene-stealer. Doubt the Academy has the balls to nominate him for a film like this, though. Lucy Liu is the somber, yet deadly, O-Ren Ishii. The character is fleshed out in a gloriously violent anime segment and isn't tossed off as "just another bad guy." The character of Go-Go Yubari, however, is just one of O-Ren's cronies. But, for want of a better word, she simply rocks. Definitely my favorite secondary character of the series. Sonny Chiba also makes a funny cameo as Hattori Hanzo, creator of the Bride's "steel."
So, is this Tarantino's best movie yet? In my opinion: yes. If you love movies, see Kill Bill. Both volumes. As much as I loved Volume 1, I think Volume 2 is even better!
Movie Review: Quentin is back!
Summary: 5 Stars
Okay, most of you have already heard something about Kill Bill. If you were listening to some professional critic, then you got their take on the movie...negative. If you heard from a friend or kung fu enthusiast, then you heard that this movie really rocks. Of course, I take the side of the kung fu enthusiast. The movie is good on so many levels.Quentin Tarantino labels this movie as a dark comedy; it definitely is. With all of the lose of limps and blood, there was a lot of comedy mixed in and I don't think that you have to be specially attuned to realize it. When Uma Thurman goes to fight Lucy Liu, she wears a yellow sweat suit with a black stripe, just like Bruce Lee did in the Game of Death. Before Uma can fight Lucy Liu, she has to get through all of her henchmen. Part of the henchmen are the infamous 88. If you watch kung fu movies you'll know that the hero has to kick butt on a 100 bad guys before he can get to the well rested super villain. Lucy Liu even had the nerve to ask if Uma had saved her strength for their fight. That was funny!...Well, maybe you had to be there.
If you watch this flick pay attention to the airplane's <Acronym title="Samurai Long sword">Katana</Acronym> holders. Attention is not drawn to this sight in the movie, you would just have to notice it. It is funny to see, for if it was a plane in reality, you wouldn't be allowed in the airport with such a sword, let alone allowed to board the plane with it.
There are a lot of great ideals to see in this movie. The modern day Samurai is portrayed, for anyone that wishes to carry a sword with them, does. Women are great warriors. All of the fights that mattered are girl on girl. The sword play and knife play are superb. Hat tip to Uma, Lucy, Vivica, and Chiaki. I really liked watching Chiaki play her part; you have to see it.
The kung fu influences that inspired Quentin are prevalent throughout the movie. Bruce Lee's Game of Death with Uma's outfit, Shogun Assassin with Uma's ability to severe limb from body with great ease, Master of the Flying Guillotine with Chiaki's deadly ball and chain. Homage is indeed paid to these classic films. There are other influences, the more kung fu you watch, the more things will reveal themselves to you.
Filmography will hold your attention as well. Black & White was used to emphasis some of the crucial events of the story. One spot I didn't like the use of Black & White shooting and it was in the fight scene with the 88. Anime was used to ease the audience into the upcoming blood and guts. I didn't see any guts, just a lot of blood and severed limbs. Part of the fight scene with the 88 was done as a silhouette scene against a blue backdrop. I thought that was really cool, a great effect. The story and writing was great, even for a revenge story. Excellent fight scenes, sword play, top notch. There was even an air of Charlies Angel's thrown in the mix...Bill's face was never shown (I think!). Uma also doesn't have a name in the movie, she is known as "The Bride". This pays homage to a classic as well. So much to catch in the first sitting, I need to watch it again. DVD is on my must have list. The movie gets a 4.75 stars from me. Go see it!
Movie Review: "I have vermin to kill."
Summary: 5 Stars
It's become pretty well known through publicity that this is Tarantino's fourth film, so how does it rank up against his others? Well, as much as I love Reservoir Dogs, it hasn't dated too well. Especially when compared to Pulp Fiction which basically became a classic the year it was released. He followed with Jackie Brown which was (in my eyes) a great movie, but others disagreed. After a six year hiatus from directing, America finds out that Tarantino's next movie is going to be a revenge flick centered around a woman who was left for dead on her wedding day (even though it turned out to be dress rehearsal). I wasn't exactly thrilled about the idea of the man doing a straight-action movie, but all doubts were thrown out the window during the first frame of Kill Bill. The Bride lays there helpless; crying; bloodied up. The audience doesn't know exactly what happened here, but it becomes obvious when we hear Bill ask her, "Do you find me sadistic?" The Bride's shot in the head and the credits immediately pop up with that haunting song on the soundtrack. "The 4th Film By Quentin Tarantino."
It was then that I realized that Tarantino had not "sold out." Not even one minute into the movie yet and it's already flooded with the style of filmmaking he's known for.
I absolutely adored this movie. It's the most exciting action saga to come out of Hollywood for quite a while. Some might call it trash, but it's smart trash. Technically, the film is a marvel to behold. Tarantino loves what he does and it shows in every frame of the movie. He does plagarize a few things here and there, but the cues work so well that someone who appreciates the art of filmmaking won't mind at all.
The script is terrific, though some argued that Tarantino was a bit stingy with his infamous dialogue in this particular volume. I'll agree with this to a point. The dialogue in his movies is simply cool and one of the main reasons I enjoy his stuff so much, but the lack of it in Kill Bill doesn't hurt the film one bit. Here, it's mostly about the craft of making a movie that excites the audience but doesn't cater to the lowest common demoniator by dumbing the material down. In fewer words: lack of extensive dialogue doesn't hurt the film.
The characters are a hoot to watch. Thurman plays the Bride straight-faced; the only way to do it. You don't even see David Carradine as Bill in this one too much, but in Volume 2, he's a wonder to behold. A true scene-stealer. Doubt the Academy has the balls to nominate him for a film like this, though. Lucy Liu is the somber, yet deadly, O-Ren Ishii. The character is fleshed out in a gloriously violent anime segment and isn't tossed off as "just another bad guy." The character of Go-Go Yubari, however, is just one of O-Ren's cronies. But, for want of a better word, she simply rocks. Definitely my favorite secondary character of the series. Sonny Chiba also makes a funny cameo as Hattori Hanzo, creator of the Bride's "steel."
So, is this Tarantino's best movie yet? In my opinion: yes. If you love movies, see Kill Bill. Both volumes. As much as I loved Volume 1, I think Volume 2 is even better!