Inglourious Bastards

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Just as we expect from the director of such movies as “Pulp Fiction”, “Kill Bill” and “Death Proof”, Quentin Tarantino delivers a kick-ass, ultra-violent, and explosively entertaining production in his latest movie “Inglourious Basterds”.

Set in the height of World War II, it follows the stories of several people working in Nazi-infested countries trying to put a brutal end to the Third Reich.  Similar to the structure of “Pulp Fiction”, it begins with several alternate stories, and all characters are ultimately led to the same conclusion. The film focuses around a group of Jewish-American soldiers sent out to kill German Nazis. The leader of this group is Lt. Aldo Raine, played superbly by Brad Pitt. Within this group of Nazi-killing Jewish soldiers, the actors Eli Roth, B.J. Novak and Til Schweiger display their ability. Other brilliant performances include the vicious Jew-hunting Nazi officer played by Christoph Waltz, the smooth British spy played by Michael Faabender, and the brief but unforgettable part of Mike Meyers, the exceedingly British General.

When we are introduced to the Nazi-hunters, Aldo Raine (Pitt) demands his men collect for him one hundred Nazi scalps, and already the mood for the movie is set. Fans of Tarantino’s infamous dialogue may be a tad disappointed in this movie, however. This is due mainly to the fact a large portion of the speech in the movie is in German, French, or a terrible variation of Italian. Also being set in the early 40’s, it is difficult for Tarantino to include some of his trademark pop-culture references. Having a plotline of this size, some character development is also neglected. It is in these minor details that a small amount of the charm of Tarantino’s directing is lost.

Though if you’re anticipating this film to see some gun-wielding, dynamite-strapping, Nazi-scalping action, then quite obviously, you will enjoy this movie.

Personally, Pulp Fiction is one of my favorite movies. So for this movie I had high hopes. Despite the foreign languages, the lack of historical accuracy (which, really, who needs that when you have shooting scenes like this?), and the fact that all the Arian women look so similar; this movie was by no means a disappointment.  It is a tad slow during the start, though all will be forgiven by the end of the movie, with such a spectacular ending.

A warning to all those attending simply to appease your loved ones; it is not for the squeamish. When scalping their fallen enemies, they don’t shy away from the close-ups. There are no cinematographically pleasing death scenes. A spray of blood, bullets and bone is enough for the audience. If you have enjoyed Tarantino’s explosive directing in the past, however, there is no reason why you shouldn’t love his latest masterpiece “Inglourious Basterds”.