Rating: Summary: Awesome Awesomeness Review: This movie was awesome. Dude, it was cool. I felt it was neat. Good Stuff in a movie. Fighting is good. Killing is good too if it is not real. Man, this movie was awesome. If I could use a sword good, that would be interesting. Uma Thurman uses a sword good. ... I would do her. Good movie.
Rating: Summary: One of the Best Movies of 2003 Review: 2003 was a pretty darn good year for movies. We got Return of the King -- if not the greatest movie ever made, it's certainly one of them. Kill Bill isn't to the scale of a LOTR movie by any means. These movies are by their very nature more epic, and epic usually means better. But that's what's so great about Kill Bill. It's not epic. It's a pretty simple story. The sophistication of Kill Bill was not the story itself, but how the story was told. As a traditional Tarantino, it's nonlinear, and just like Reservoir Dogs, you never actually SEE the scene at the wedding chapel. That's Tarantino's gift; he tells you EVERYTHING about the pivotal scene of the storyline, down to "Hotaru no Hikari" on Sophie Fatale's ringer (for the outraged Americans, Hotaru no Hikari is the Japanese version of "Auld Lang Syne"), but you don't see the scene. Perhaps more brilliant is the music of Kill Bill. It's simply flawless, to the open "Bang, Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" performed perfectly by Nancy Sinatra, to the whistling Elle Driver tune "Twisted Nerve," that literally GIVES you a twisted nerve if you listen to it for too long. That the music flows so perfectly with the scenes and evokes such emotion is what makes Kill Bill one of the best movies of 2003. It's a must-see for any movie fan, not just fans of Tarantino.
Rating: Summary: Pure... Review: There are not many things to be said about this film, but it is simply remarkable. It would amount to a failure of conscience if I neglected to comment. Kill Bill Volume One is simply the finest incarnation of what makes Quentin Tarantino one of the most exceptional artists of our time. I have viewed many of the films in which Mr. Tarantino has had a hand (True Romance, Reservoir Dogs, Natural Born Killers, Iron Monkey, Pulp Fiction), and they were all more than commonly entertaining. This film however, has brought the Tarantino experience into brilliant focus. I have found all of his efforts to be effective insightful studies on the most human of experiences...violence. And while some find it excessive in some cases, maybe all, the discovery of the characters and their motivations are the most entertaining part of the ride that is a Tarantino film. Once again, the well-written script, impeccable casting, acting, and direction have combined to weave that old black magic that he does so well. Here in Volume One, there is a direct connection to the experience that produces the rage, vengeance, and finally unbridled violence that appear on the screen. I would say that while there are many acts of violence in the film, none of them feel excessive. Quite to the contrary, on second and third thought, they scarcely seem enough to repay the outrageous violations suffered by the main character (immaculately portrayed by Uma Thurman). As I watched this film, every aspect of its' execution served to increase a wanton desire for blood, and though much was shed, the hunger remained for more. At the end of the film, I was disappointed as well as relieved that "the list" still had names left to cross out. It was a valiant and terrible effort but Bill still lives, and the betrayers continue to take breath. They must be made to pay for expectation of death and the error of their execution. Any viewer of this film is sure to know why Bill must be killed.
Rating: Summary: Tarantino unearths yet another gem! Review: With every cinematic masterpiece Quentin Tarantino creates, he just outdoes himself every time. "Kill Bill, Vol. 1" is no exception. Tarantino's style of surrealism knows no boundaries, as the display of various parts to form a unified whole always keeps the audience on their toes, leaving them scratching their heads, wondering where the story will lead and what will likely occur next. Like in another Tarantino film, 1994's "Pulp Fiction", "KBV1"'s storyline is broken down into various chapters, where here there are five of these. Here is a brief summation and synopsis of each of the five chapters: Chapter One: "2" (aka "'Kaboom' Goes The '...Wagon'"). The story begins in Pasadena, California, where "Black Mamba" (Uma Thurman) meets up with "Copperhead" (Vivica A. Fox). All hell will break loose, as it is here where we learn that the latter has tangled with the former in the immediate past, and that "Black Mamba" has vowed vengeance against "Copperhead" for perhaps killing her daughter. The two settle their differences in a ninja-style duel, which begins in the living room and ends in the kitchen. A human life isn't the only thing that meets a certain death here. Can you say "KABOOM"? Chapter Two: "The Blood-Splattered Bride". In El Paso, Texas, it is discovered that nine people were shot dead during a wedding ceremony at a local chapel, and two "Texas Rangers" happen upon the scene and do some Texas style investigating. Upon closer inspection, it is learned that one of the nine victims is "Black Mamba" herself, who later wakes up from a trance-like coma. Weirdness then ensues, as a couple of sex-crazed hospital employees attempt to take advantage of our unconscious "Damsel In Distress". Daryl Hannah is featured in this segment as the "Eyepatch Villainess", who obviously has a personal vendetta against the "Yellow Haired Mamba One" as well. The "Pussy Wagon" makes yet another appearance here. Chapter Three: "The Case Of O-Ren Ishii". An animated feature, this part of the story reveals how a very young female Samurai warrior went from a kind, righteous girl to an evil woman. As the story goes, O-Ren underwent a strict traing regimen, as taught by her father, whom O-Ren kills as a result of the abuse she has taken from him after all these years. As it turns out, this young warrior matures in her craft, taking vengeance on all who stand in her way. By her young adult years, she has graduated into Samurai warriorhood. It is at this point in the story where the animators who put this piece together should be given high praise for their top-notch artwork and animation mechanics, as well as for Tarantino himself for capturing the pure essence of this segment. This is definitely Blue Ribbon material. Chapter Four: "The Man From Okinawa". Here, things really start to move full steam ahead, as our yellow-haired female hero takes up residence in Japan to learn to become a full-fledged Samurai warrior. Black Mamba sets out to seek revenge against the people who put her in a coma, as well as those who killed her daughter. The yellow-haired one is then given a place of residence, where she begins training with a highly skilled instructor (Sonny Chiba). Soon, heads will roll, literally! Chapter Five: "Showdown At The Blue Leaves Room" (aka "Vengence Is Mine, Sayeth The Noble Buddah"). In the final chapter of this Part 1 saga, Black Mamba meets up with her arch-nemisis, O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu). These ladies have a major score to settle - would you believe at a Japanese style rock concert & party, of all venues? It is here (in Tokyo) where all hell will break loose, and many lives are in danger, including our blond heroine's (WARNING: Not for those with weak stomachs, as well as those who faint at the sight of a certain shade of red). Again, Quentin Tarantino does a masterful job of keeping his audience firmly planted on the edge of their seats, and lets the audience become a contributing factor to the outcome of the story. How so? By giving "Kill Bill, Vol. 1" a mystery murder-type premise, therefore letting the people excercise their brains to let them decide who the innocent bystanders and who the guilty parties are, as depicted in the movie. So, all that needs to be cleared up is whether or not Black Mamba's daughter is dead or alive, as one of her tormentors is made well aware of. "KBV1" is definitely worthy of several viewings, and will leave you saying to yourself: "I can't wait until Vol. 2 comes out" (which will be in 2004). That one is sure to be another winner for "The Q Man" as well, as both films come highly recommended for the ultimate movie viewing experience. Get "Q-ed" up today!
Rating: Summary: Tarantino's Outstanding Grindhouse Epic Review: Quentin Tarantino established himself as one the greatest directors of our (if not all) time with Pulp Fiction, a sleep hit from 1994. His quick witted, realistic dialogue showed us that not only does one not need a writing class to be good, but it's probably better never even to think of attending one. Now, with that said, we look at Kill Bill Volume One. Here, his trademark dialogue isn't present, but what is present is Tarantino's encyclopedic knowledge of Grindhouse cinema. When I saw it in the theaters, no one knew what the Shaw Brothers emblem at the beginning was, but I didn't care. Uma Thurman is sometimes scary, sometimes touching, and the two emotions blended together make this, I think, a potentially better epic than the Man with No Name trilogy. Tarantino's influences are here more than ever, and once again he pulls some terrific and memorable performances from the actors. The film is beautifully shot, and the story telling is out of this atmosphere. The teaser ending has left me waiting for Volume Two, and I'll be right there waiting for it.
Rating: Summary: A gift for Tarantino fans. Review: Its been quite awhile since Tarantino gave us something to talk about and now I can't stop talking about this movie. It truly exceeded my expectations and surpassed anything he has given us so far. With all the movies filled with martial arts violence already in existence I expected the usual, but Tarantino's synism and brutal wit threw the ordinary out the window. I was on the edge of my seat with a big grin watching Kill Bill. I loved how Uma's yellow outfit was the same as Bruce Lee's in 'Game of Death'. The plot was all it needed to be, revenge, it speaks for itself. I left the theater with the tingle. Lately that has only happened after the matrix movies.this is probably one of the funniest and most fun movies I've seen in a long time
Rating: Summary: nearing cinematic and satirical perfection Review: it amazes me how many people nag at tarantino for "stealing" from other films, and yet each person who does this still seems to think they are the only person who seems to notice. this film is founded on satire--tarantino is often criticized by many for being far too over-the-top as a director, yet in spite of this over-the-top-ness it seems that most viewers still miss the point entirely. if this film were meant to be taken seriously i would agree, but instead it's almost as if tarantino is giving the finger to the films that he is "stealing" from. he "steals" only to prove that he can do it better--and anyone with less talent than tarantino probably couldn't get away with it, but he does and the result is at least worth a second viewing. that said, wow. this film is as close to cinematic perfection as i think i've ever seen. everthing, every last second of this film is perfect in its timing, its cinematography, its acting, its story--and of course how can you review a tarantino film without putting in a plug for the music. tarantino is known for having the best scores out there and i think he outdid himself with this one--the soundtrack is every bit as mind-blowing as the hour and fifty minute film itself. i must also add that i cannot wait for volume 2, mostly because the more times i've seen this film the more places i see that tarantino could just be teasing us for the time being before he lays the final smack-down. volume 1 seemed to be concealing many important points to the story, only hinting at the crucial "blood-spattered bride" event that is the catalyst for everything that happens in this film. enough is said to make the viewer think he knows what happened on that day four years earlier, but the more that i've seen the film the more i think it may not be as simple as we've been led to believe. to those who have yet to see the film, i assure you this is one that you will not want to miss.
Rating: Summary: My infalibility has been felled... Review: For almost ten years my top 5 movies have been 1.The Empire Strikes Back 2.The Silence of The Lambs 3.A Nightmare On Elm Street 4.The Terminator 5.The Naked Gun, I never thought anything could crack that list, but Kill Bill volume 1 has. This masterpiece of our time has not only cracked the list but made it to #2. If this is just the calm before the storm so-to-speak I can't wait for Volume 2! But I'm also kind of distraught that the empire strikes back may be bumped out. Can a lightsaber really be beaten by a Hatori Hanso blade? Only time will tell...
Rating: Summary: Too much will never fit in too little! Review: 3.5 stars. It's very hard to explain what's really going on in Tarantino's head. Even though I studied filmmaking, I don't like to critizice...making a movie is a very hard job and by I can't considered my self to make someone else movie better. I wont reviewed coz everybody elses have but there is some very positive elements you should keep in mind before viewing. For those of you who haven't got the pleasure to experience asian cinema, you will find this movie as the most unique and creative motion picture alive...but it's not. If you watch asian cinema you will see how much Tarantino takes from them and how little creative knowledge and originality he puts into his pictures. First of all the plot is very simple, a doublecross/revenge, almost every movie has the same plot...now lets give it something diferent and that's where those that have influenced Trantino come into the picture and I can't name a thousand...from Jackie Chan to Sonny Chiva to Gordon Liu to Sammo Hung etc. from Juen Woo Ping to John Woo to Wong Kar Wai to kitano and even the great takashi miike (best director alive)or even not asian directors like Sergio Leone and Sam Peckinpah. Now, I'm not saying that being influenced by the great ones is wrong, not at all, but my argument is when you imitate something that has been done alot and make it a trade mark, like something taht should have your name coz you brought it up from the ashes. Here you have the best from, Battle Royale,tokio story, Ichi the Killer, Pistol Opera, Fireworks, A better Tomorrow, Master of the Flying Guillotine, Black Mask, dead or Alive, the Street Fighter, Iron Monkey, Yakusa films, blaxploitetion, Euro horror and so and so and so....this ceirtanly means that Tarantino is not someone who control the medium, but all the others I did mentioned do! A huge gap was the dialogue, it will never be as sharp as Reservoir or Pulp, he just can't handle it. I'm not saying it is a bad movie, because its not..it was actually pretty entertaining but for me is just a sequel to someone elses great movie. So when you go see it, do not walk out saying is the most creative and original thing you have ever seen cause its not...but lets say is a good introduction and a great chance for the american public to see what Asian cinema can offer a million times better.
Rating: Summary: cant wait till volume 2!!!!! Review: this is one of the best films of 2003. i love all of quentins movies. resivor dogs,pulpfiction, and jackie brown. this movie is very diffrent than his other movies, but still as bloody. this is like one of the bloodiest movie ive ever seen. i like the 60's backround kung-fu movie style quentin put in the movie. this the best kung-fu movie since enter the dragon. i love this movie so much and i cant wait 4 vol. 2 when it comes out in febuary. this film has the revenge twist wich is great. i love revenge movies like mariah carrys "gliter". this is a must see movie or as now a must get dvd!!!!!!!ps. nic nac patty wack give a dog a bone...................
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