Kill Bill - Volume Two
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Movie Reviews of Kill Bill - Volume Two
Movie Review: Breathtaking...
Summary: 5 Stars
I enjoyed Kill Bill Vol 1, it was the first Tarantino film I saw and I was stunned. Yet for all its cinematic greatness, I thought it was missing something.Vol 2 is what it was missing.
The difference between the two is like night and day (no gore in KB2); yet they complete each other in a way I cannot describe. KB2 focuses on the characters and gives us the much-needed stories behind the Bride and Bill, the characters we care most about going into the 2nd volume. The Bride's real name is finally revealed (yes, the bleeps were meant to be there) and we realize that we've been hearing her name all along (one of Tarantino's favorites: messing with the audience). Thurman's performance as the Bride will be the defining point of her career -- she is infinitely more human yet still the killing machine from KB1.
Other notable characters:
~Michael Madsen as Budd -- great perfomance, wonderfully sadistic
~Gordon Lui as Pei Mei -- hilarious new character, the Bride's martial arts trainer, who is introduced with an enticing backstory. Your jaw drops when he is introduced because he lives up to his initial description.
~Darryl Hannah as Elle -- best villian in the film, she has great lines that are delivered with the utmost perfection. I esp like her devilishly entertaining exchange with Budd.
~Michael Parks as Esteban -- Charming and interesting, he has great dialogue with the Bride.
~David Carradine as Bill -- Phew, what to say here. Simply astonishing. I'm not sure whether to love him or hate him, a new dimension to Bill is revealed that shows his complexity. Carradine is perfect for the part; the way he brandishes a butcher knife for making a sandwhich and talks to the Bride makes me wonder where he's been all these years.
The dialogue is the highlight of KB2, but Tarantino's film techniques are breathtaking. The Bride's initial confrontation with Budd (with Budd staring into the cliffs as if expecting his attacker to pounce from the darkness) and later her dramatic escape attempt (which begins with a spine-tingling close up of a nail being hammered into a coffin, followed by an intense barrage of sound) reach the highest levels of suspense I have ever seen in a movie. The Bride's battle with Elle may be the best close-quarters fight scene ever to grace the screen, and the dramatic music and tremendous build up during the fight lead to its curveball ending, which has you simultaneously squirming and clamoring for more.
I highly encourage that KB1 is seen first... it makes KB2 more suspenseful by tenfold (because KB1 hints at what will happen in KB2) but it is not necessary to understand what's going on. If you thought KB1 was too gory or lacked a plot, KB2 is the remedy.
KB2 has something for everyone; action, suspense, comedy, romance (yup, not a typo), beautiful cinematography, tasty and *insightful* dialogue -- I just never wanted it to end.
Quite simply, films like the Kill Bills are the reason I go to the movies in the first place. After seeing these (which inspired me to see QT's other films) I will never look at another movie the same way again -- I don't know how to describe it, but Tarantino makes all other films seem unworthy to share the silver screen.
Movie Review: Absolutely Amazing!
Summary: 5 Stars
The thing is, this isn't really a sequal, but it is merely a continuation to what was unfinished in the first half. "Kill Bill" is all one movie, but based on the difference in content, it could be easily misunderstood that these are two different movies. I gave "Kill Bill Volume One" five stars, and called it one of the best of the year. I loved this movie, even better than the first part, and it is because of the content. At this point, I've seen this movie at least fifteen times, and everytime it doesn't seize to amaze me. It has some of the most insightful dialogue, the most amazing music, and the terrific acting of not one, not two, but four different people. Out of both of the movies, I found one scene in each that I could have lived without, and that is in four hours of material. Director Quentin Tarrantino has a way with words, and this movie completely proves that.
This part picks up right where the first one left off. Uma Thurman plays The Bride, or the Black Mamba. As the Black Mamba, she was one of the top assassins in the world, and she worked for Bill. She decides to leave the organization, The Deadly Viper Assassation Squad, and Bill is fine with it, until at her wedding, Bill and four other killers come in to crash the wedding. They kill all the quests, and shoot her in the head. She was also pregnant with Bill's child. She is left in a coma, wakes up, and starts her revenge. In the first part she gets to two of the killers, and now there are two left, and then to the big guy. . . Bill. She is faced to defeat Michael Madson, who plays Budd, and Daryll Hannah, who playes Elle Driver. She does face many problems along the way, including being buried alive by Budd, kicked, spit on, attacked, and emotionally hurt, especially by the shocker that takes place in the end.
I could understand why people wouldn't like "Kill Bill Volume Two." Alot of people I know hated it compared to the first one. The first does have a bloody action climax, and this one only had about one major fight scene. This movie is very verbal, and it paves the way for much character development. In this movie, we are able to see the remaining killers as people, and a more in dept look at the wedding sequence. It takes about twenty-five minutes to get to The Bride's return, as we are treated to the social and working life of Budd. There is also a classic twenty minute scene showing the training of The Bride, shown in classic homage to the old Japanese movies.
In recap, "Kill Bill" as one big movie is an great movie experience, but this "Vol. 2" works as a great substitute. It may not have the action that the first movie included, but this one is so much more memorable. Quentin Tarrantino also picks the best music to play in his movies, and this one is no exception. It was much more instramental, and it was darkly haunting. David Carradine steals the show in his scenes, and the final act, during his monolouges, he says his words in perfect pronouceation. I personally nominate him for Best Actor next year. "Kill Bill Volume Two" is one of the best movies of the year, close to the top.
ENJOY!
Rated R for violence, language, and brief drug content.
Movie Review: Just as good as the first, if not better!
Summary: 5 Stars
The first Kill Bill was a pure delight. At the end, one wondered where the series would go next. I was surprised to find that the second volume was different in many ways from the first. The over the top and modernly stylized fights from the first film were replaced by old fashioned, chinese oriented action. There is also a much more western feel to the film. Overall, it just had a completely different feel, yet, it didn't betray it's first half. The characters were still faithful to themselves from the first go around, and the dialogue didn't seem to change much in tone.
This volume picks up right where the first one ends. The Bride is off to finish off the last of those who betrayed her, with it all ending with Bill. The story doesn't sway in the least, and in fact, it seems to be a bit simpler this time around. There are a few more twists in this one, but nothing too shocking. And of course, we finally learn the Brides true name, as well as we finally get to see the face of Bill.
It is debatable which of the two is actually the better film, but that depends on what it is you like more. This film replaces the modern, city-like environments with more western like environments: open desert, vista backgrounds, and mexican countryside. It certainly does give the movie a different feel, but this works for the better. The series is diversified to a greater extent by showing the multifaceted personalities of the many characters. We get a good feel for who Bud is, and to a greater extent, Bill. Like the first movie, the characters are well told, not just through their dialogue, but through their actions and surroundings.
The strong point, aside from character, is once again the writing. One of the best chunks of lines from any Tarantino film is in this movie, and it's about Superman nonetheless (you'll know what I mean when you see it). Elle, who was a so-so character in the first film, is much more fleshed out in this one. She takes on a much more despised role here (which is a good thing), and therefore, become a character we're much more willing to see. Pai Mei is also one of the best characters to come around in years, with his old-chinese-man look and foul mouth. Overall, the characters of this film are just generally more interesting, except for Go-go, who still holds a special place in this fans heart.
One thing that is debatable is whether or not the tone of the film, which changed dramatically, is a good thing or a bad thing. Some would say that the tone of this film is much better, but I for one think that it moved a little too slow. The first film moved with lightning pace, never taking a moment to stop and rest. This film however, takes its time, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just a little less enthusiastic than the first one.
Just as in the first volume, V2 does an excellent job of finishing the series up. It doesn't betray it's characters or feel, while still being different enough to be a film on it's own right. It's just as stylish, just as well written, and simply put, a film that is just as good, maybe even better, than the first.
Movie Review: The Bride Is Back And Better Than Ever
Summary: 5 Stars
To anyone wondering whether "Kill Bill Vol. 2" has lived up to the phenomenon Volume 1 created for itself upon its release a year ago, the answer is a definite yes. Not only has it lived up to the expectations from critics and audiences alike, but it has managed to be even better than the first, combining style and substance for a different, but ultimately just as satisfying, cinematic experience. In some aspects, Volume 2 is more a character study, as we begin to learn the unexpected personalities, histories, and different sides of characters that Volume 1 didn't have time to delve into. Backgrounds of major scenes like the Massacre at Two Pines are established, relationships between characters become more detailed, and the suspense begins to build as we as an audience are ultimately dying to know how the saga will come to a close.
One of the many things that makes "Kill Bill Vol.2" great are the performances. As The Bride (you learn her name in this film), Uma Thurman gives a performance worthy of an Oscar, or at least a nomination. The best way I can think of to describe it is realistic, as she experiences a wide range of emotion in her role; pain, terror, anger, sadness, determination, joy, and in each she manages to convey it in a believable and honest way that is truly astounding to watch. David Carradine, as Bill, finally gets the screen time to showcase his talents, all delivered in an terrifying but somehow comforting quiet manner.
In another amazing performance, Michael Madsen (Budd) has the ability to convey emotion with a single look in his eye or on his weathered face. Regret, sadness, but an undeniable, sadistic greed are played subtley and realistically here, and in my opinion, he also deserves a nomination for a supporting role. Daryl Hannah as Elle Driver is another performance not to be missed. She is truly, maniacally evil here, and seems to relish every moment of it. Also, Chia Hui Liu, as Pai Mei, the Bride's instructor, gives a small but delightful performance, providing a large portion of the humor in the film.
Although "Kill Bill Vol.2" is more driven by its dialogue than its gory fight scenes, it has its share of amazing matchups, the most astounding (as many reviewers have already said) being that of the confrontation between the Bride and Elle Driver in Budd's sundrenched trailer. It is without a question one of the most amazing sequences I have ever witnessed, and one of my personal favorites in the Kill Bill movies.
The creative direction in this film also deserves much praise. The transitions from black and white to color film adds a new dimension to the picture, and choice of light, intensity of sound, and cinematography, especially in the fight sequences, makes "Kill Bill" a visual delight. Blending the spaghetti westerns as a contrast to the old kung-fu flicks was a genius move as well.
A fan of Tarantino's previous works or not, you must give credit where credit is due for the "Kill Bill" films. Each piece is essentially a work of art, where style and substance are beautifully combined for an original, humorous, and truly unforgettable experience.
Movie Review: Bringing art back to the movies.
Summary: 5 Stars
Quinten Tarantino has done it again. He has brought back vision and direction to what has become a dead art form. In a world of blatantly ignorant teenage sex films and mindless violence, its very refreshing to see someone creating a truly beautiful film. His vision truly dances across the screen, and every inch of it oozes Tarantino.
This movie is the conclusion of the two part Kill Bill storyline. wheras Kill Bill Vol. 1 was full of action and gore (lots of gore.) with rather little explanation of who the Bride is or why she is doing this, Vol. 2 has much more to do with the characters themselves. In Vol. 1 when you see a character onscreen, more than likely they will be dead in the next five minutes. This gives you no real time to understand the characters, or make real connections with them, which is a shame, as dynamic characters are one of the strongest qualities of Tarantino's films. where vol. 1 does little, Vol. 2 comes through in spades. In Vol. 2, you are finally introduced to the character Bill (David Charandine), who is one of the most interesting and complex characters in years. one of the early scenes in the movie chronicles the moments immediately before the Massacre at Two Pines, and is easily the most memorable scene in the film. It shows another side of Bill, apart from the cold blooded killer aspect. make no mistake, Bill is most definitely a murderer, but he is by no means heartless. This character is played brilliantly by David Charandine, who deserves the highest of accolades for his performance. another character that struck me was Bill's brother Budd, played by Michael Madsen (thats right, mr. Blonde himself). Budd is a lowlife, who fights dirty and is the least elegant of the characters. despite this, you cant help but love him. He really is a poet and a philosopher once you get past the grime.
One of peoples complaints about this film is its climax. where the first movie had an amazingly choreographed showdown in a Japanese garden, this one has somewhat of an anticlimax. I dont think im ruining it for anyone by revealing that the Bride does indeed kill Bill, as if she didnt, it would be downright aggravating for the audience. however, the fashion in which she kills him is not particularly vengeful or driven by hate. you can tell that she has conflicting emotions, that she both loves him for who he is and hates him for what he has done. some may be angry because its unconventional, but I dont think Tarantino could have done it in any other way. bravo.
My complaints with this movie are few and far between. a few of the scenes seemed unrealistic, to say the least. now this wouldnt be a problem, if the rest of the movie wasnt so true to life. A few of the characters perform a few actions that are unbelieveable, and not in the good sense. its slightly distracting from the genius of the film, but nothing to fret about.
This movie is nothing short of pure genius, plain and simple.
"that woman deserves her revenge... and we deserve to die. but then again, so does she. so we'll just see then, wont we?"
Budd