Movie Review : Inglourious Basterds
Last night I went to see Inglorious Basterds, the latest movie by Quinton Tarantino who also made Pulp Fiction and the Kill Bill movies. I am a big fan of Tarantino, so was pleased that the movie was still showing when I got back from my travels. Here’s the run down:
Plot
This is so difficult to summarize. The movie is set in the 2nd World War and is marketed as Brad Pitt organizing a group of American soldiers to kill as many Nazis as possible. Yes this is true, but this (the killing) only counts for a small part of the movie.
The thing about this movie is that it’s like a novel, where characters are introduced at various stages and all of which add something to the plot. Although Brad Pitt is the lead actor he is really only on screen for a combined time of 1/2 hour of the 2 1/2 hour movie. The other members of the Inglorious Basterds gang are on screen for even less.
There are however other major strands of the plot which involve a French woman who owns a cinema (who a German war hero falls for), a German actress who is a spy for the Americans and British and also quite possibly one the most sinister and clever villains ever seen in a movie - A Nazi Colonel.
Verdict
Do not go into this movie expecting another Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs or Kill Bill. Its nothing like anything Tarantino has ever done. In fact you would do yourself a favour forgetting who the director is. Another thing you need for this movie is patience. It takes its time explaining what’s going on and introducing the characters. Many movies these days do not spend time developing the characters, this one does - just like in a novel. Be patient and trust me you will be rewarded.
There are a few scenes which are so wonderfully constructed, with excellent acting and dialogue, that they will stay in your mind as the tension slowly builds up to breaking point. As with Tarantino movies there are of course some funny parts, especially from Brad Pitt who is excellent. In fact all the performances are fantastic, but top of the pile is the German Colonel who is in charge of security and is played by Christoph Waltz (an actor who I have never seen before). His performance is incredible and worthy of an Oscar. In fact it’s probably worth watching the movie just for him.
Inglorious Basterds is by far Tarantino’s most sophisticated and cleverest movie yet and up there with the best he has made. After coming out of the cinema, I thought it would be a 3 1/2, maybe 4 star movie. But I have to say, thinking about it this morning, it is easily 
A couple of things to note:
1.The movie is very heavy on subtitles as many scenes are spoken in German or French. I don’t mind subtitles at all, but some of you might.
2. Censor Watch: There are almost no scenes which are cut by the censors. The only one I can remember is right at the end (involving a knife) but you sort of work out what’s going on.
4 Responses Leave a comment
This has to be one of Tarantino’s best movies! Great cast! Great acting!Lots of tension, drama and surprises! You keep thinking about the movie hours after its finished!
I agree, Tarantino really shows his talent as director and writer with this movie.
The longer you think about the movie afterwards, the more you realise how great it really is.
I haven’t seen this movie. Hope the fact that u mentioned a knife at the end of the movie doesn’t give too much away. (I have visions of watching the ending of Indiana Jones…remember!!!!)
Doesn’t every Tarantino movie have a knife scene ?? :) Don’t worry, I haven’t spoilt anything for you. (I am now more careful after Indiana Jones LOL !)