Before I write about the movie, I feel like I should offer a few words about Quentin Tarantino. There are many movie goers who think everything he touches is gold; I am not one of them. I have liked quite a few of his movies, but I feel as though I can judge his movies based on their own merit and not overvalue it because it’s one of his. He has definitely had his share of good and bad.
It’s worth noting that I was looking forward to Inglourious Basterds. I’m a big fan of period/war films, I think Brad Pitt is one of the best of his generation and sprinkling in some Tarantino always promises to make things… different. I try not to build up movies before I see them, if nothing else to prevent disappointment, but I had a hard time with this one.
Now that I’ve gotten all that disclaimer out of the way… this is the best movie I’ve seen since The Departed. It was not at all what I expected and that is actually a good thing. I don’t want to ruin it for those who haven’t seen it yet, so lets just say it was a far more artful, crafted piece than the previews would lead you to believe. If Spaghetti Western met French New Wave during WWII and had a baby, it would be this movie. Despite being a movie based around the exploits of military men, it’s the antithesis of something like G.I. Joe.
The dialogue, character development, cinematography and acting were all top notch. I spent a lot of the movie thinking to myself “How the hell is this scene going to end?” and in usual Tarantino style, tension is always at the forefront. Brad Pitt was good, Christop Waltz was outstanding (stole the movie, I think) and the best part is Tarantino didn’t appear in it. Despite a few slow parts, the 2.5 hours went by fairly quickly.
The film is certainly not for everyone but I’m pretty sure I’d like to go see it again.
My dad saw a black market (i.e., shitty) version of thia movie in Russia last week, and he too thought it was excellent. I might have to go see it next week.
I didn't read your review because even though I know you didn't spoil it, I don't want to go in knowing ANYTHING. I really can't wait to see this… just gotta find the time.
I really recommend it to anyone who enjoys "film" and can judge movies on more than just their face value. This is the first in a LONG time that I clapped for at the end. I actually caught myself doing it and thought "you're that idiot who claps in the theater."
I guess I'm too shallow for judging "film." It was good, but nothing spectacular IMO.