 Quentin Tarantino 100-homage, 4-hour, 2-part revenge movie |
| Review Date: March 13, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Lawrance M. Bernabo, The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota |
Once upon a time in El Paso, Texas a wedding party is slaughtered execution style. However, it turns out that the Bride (Uma Thurman), who is pregnant, is not dead but in a coma. Four years later she wakes up, no longer pregnant, in time to save herself from insult being added to her injury. Then the Bride puts together her list of people to kill: (1) Vernita Green (Vivica A. Fox), (2) O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu), (3) Budd (Michael Madsen), (4) Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), and (5) Bill (David Carradine). In "Kill Bill, Volume 1," the Bride only gets to the first two names on her list, albeit not in that order the way the film is cut, and then proceeds to the rest in Volume 2. This does not constitute a spoiler because you cannot have a film called "Kill Bill" that does at least get to the title character, regardless of the results. But then this was a do-it-yourself "Box Set" (I bought the two DVDs and they gave me a box to put together).
There is more happening in the each film besides the kill list, such as an anime telling us how O-Ren Ishii became the Queen of the Tokyo underworld and the training sequence in which the Bride studies with the great Pai Mei. But in the first film the primary emphasis is on how the Bride takes out her first two victims and the triumph of style as substance, especially when style means fountains of blood gushing from human beings that would make Akira Kurosawa proud. With "Pulp Fiction" Tarantino made his impression upon our ears with scene after scene of great dialogue. No wonder the soundtrack for that film had clips of some of what came rolling off the tongues of the actors (usually Samuel L. Jackson, who only plays a corpse in these films). But with "Kill Bill, Volume 1" Tarantino's blood feast is mostly for the eyes. This film is not for everybody, but then what Quentin Tarantino film ever was?
The biggest complain about Volume 1 is that it has the two most memorable sequences in the entire epic, namely watching O-Ren Ishii and her posse walk glide into the House of Blue Leaves with the blasting soundtrack giving them energy and the final showdown in an exquisite garden at night with gently falling snow where O-Ren in her white kimono and the Bride in her yellow biker suit do their dance of death with Japanese steel. Nothing in Volume 2 tops either of those scenes, which is not necessarily a bad thing, just a cinematic reality.
The caveat when Mirimax decided to split this four-hour revenge film into two volumes was that those who sensed a lack of character development and motivation in Volume 1 would be appeased by what was put forth in Volume 2, and this is indeed the case. We finally get to go back and see a couple of pivotal scenes set before the "beginning" of the film's opening, such as the massacre at the Two Pines wedding chapel. The net result is that character is more important than killing in the last half of the film, which makes sense because it would really be virtually impossible for the Bride to slice and dice more opponents than she did at the House of Blue Leaves.
I watched Volume 1 on DVD again before I went to see Volume 2 in the theater, which I thought would put me perfectly in the narrative flow. However, Quentin Tarantino has set up his audience just to play with their minds, which, of course, is what he was doing from the start and at the climax of this film I was not at all sure who, if anyone, was going to come out alive. Certainly what happens with numbers 3 and 4 are not what you expected after seeing the fate of numbers 1 and 2, but that certainly puts what happens with the final name on the list up for grabs.
There are a lot of oppositions between the two halves of this film. The beautiful setting of the duel between the Bride and O-ren in the gentle falling snow is countered by the showdown with Budd (Michael Madsen) in the harsh sunlight of his trailer in the desert. Having devoted an entire chapter to Hattori Hanzo creating his most perfect sword for the Bride, it is amazing how hard it is to get the sword out of its scabbard in this one. Volume 1 was a feast for the eyes, but in Volume 2 Tarantino's dialogue becomes more prominent, although not quite up to the level of "Pulp Fiction." But the dialogue is important because before we get around to the titular business of this film, the Bride and Bill have got to have themselves a conversation. Sound also matters more in this film: there is one sequence that is effectively done in the dark.
I am barely acquainted with the genre of Hong Kong films that Tarantino was apparently weaned on, so everything is fairly new to me and consequently smacks more of homage than parody, which is no doubt the director's intent. I probably will not go out and check out some of the films that inspired Tarantino to do "Kill Bill" which have been pointed out to me, because they will undoubtedly pale in comparison to the slicked up version that he is serving for our American palates. All things considered, I have a definite preference for Volume 1, which seems to run counter to the prevailing sentiments, but it took me a while to be comfortable with how the two parts fit together. The key thing is that they do, without Volume 2 being simply more of the same, because it is definitely not. There is something to be said for Tarantino pulling out all the stops just to have fun. |
Go buy it now
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| Review Date: October 23, 2006 |
| Reviewer: T. Wolf, |
By Tom-K ill Bill volumes 1 & 2 (Must See)
"Kill Bill," simply stunning and earth shattering in every imaginable way. The music was the best and most fitting I have ever heard, the visual effects and camera shots were that of a science fiction film and art drama all rolled into one, and the acting and story were the best I've ever seen.
Though this movie was separated into two volumes, both are equally amazing and quality films. You can't just watch one, because by the end of the first, you'll find yourself begging for the second. And after the seeing the second movie, you'll find yourself begging for the third volume (If one will ever be made). But I suppose that's how it is with nearly every movie directed by Quentin Tarantino.
I personally believe that this movie would be enjoyable for anyone, no matter their interests, so go buy it.
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Great Movie-Box Set is ok
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| Review Date: February 5, 2010 |
| Reviewer: J. J. Nester, Brookhaven, Pa. |
Quentin Tarantino is arguably the best film-maker of his generation. His ability and passion to tell stories through film is second to none. "Kill Bill" bears witness to Tarantino's love of film by referencing a variety of genres such as blacksploitation, marital arts, anime, spaghetti westerns, and superhero movies. Some might find it easy to dismiss him as merely a movie fan who makes movies about other movies. I argue that he's far more creative than that. He draws upon these genres for inspiration and creates stories that are fresh, intelligently written, and compelling to watch. For example, in the third act of volume 2, Bill, played by the late David Carradine, shoots [Uma Thurman's character] with a dart filled with truth serum forcing her to answer his many questions. While waiting for the serum to take effect, Bill monologues about his fascination with comic books and, in particular, superhero mythology. "The point emerges" as Bill compares [Uma Thurman's character's] alter-ego, Arlene Plympton, with Superman's alter-ego, Clark Kent. No one but Tarantino could reference comic books in a film and make the dialogue sound so interesting.
In the realm of cinematography, he "pulls out all the stops" using a variety of camera techniques like split-screens, long-shots, and fast close-ups on the eyes. Some of these techniques can be traced backed to Martin Scorsese, one of his biggest influences. Of course, do I even need to mention the music? I believe I can best describe the selection as cooler than Dante's ninth level of hell. "Kill Bill", while packed with dozens of exciting ideas, can be enjoyed simply as fun movie viewing which, in my opinion, is a trademark of an excellent director.
The Box Set isn't anything extraordinary. Based on my own copy, all that I can determine is that the Box Set contains the regular DVDs............................. in a display box. Unless you are obsessive over display boxes, you could do just as well to buy the two movies separately either online or at your local movie retail store. I personally enjoy the DVD extras but don't be deceived. The Box Set doesn't contain any additional DVD extras. |
TARANTINO'S OPUS
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| Review Date: November 15, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Shannon Deason, Houston |
| Usually I am not a huge fan of Tarantino, but when he is great, like with Reservior Dogs or this fantastic duo, he is truly a unique filmmaker. Uma Thurman is great is this, she is perfect as the bada** heroine and Caradine rocks as her nemisis the eponymous Bill. This is just a fun movie to watch, it's full of over the top violence of course, this is Tarantino afterall, and the the action sequences are sort of tougue in cheek, in a omage to Bruce Lee. In addition to Thurman and Caradine, Daryl Hanna rocks in this, the fight scene between she and Thurman is one of the great cinematic Cat Fights of all time. This film is really Uma Thurmans and she throws herself into it head first. Really the best part of the film is the ending, it ties everything together is and is poinient and funny in way..the look on Caradines face is priceless. Since this is actually one film broken into two parts and this is a box set I really saw no reason to compare the two, I reviews it as as whole, and you should look at it as such, I mean who is going to watch Vol. 1 and not Vol. II..get realz. Nice work, by Tarantino, highly recommended, really a classic of this genre..uh whatever this genre is~ |
A Fitting Tribute...
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| Review Date: July 6, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Nathan R. Cukryznski, |
...to an era-gone-by. I won't make this wordy, because I feel that other users have written reviews that more than amply describe the details of this two-part cinematic masterpiece.
Everything in this movie, and I mean /everything/ is the ghostly image of something from the golden age of kung-fu cinema poured through the imaginative filter of Quentin Tarantino's mind and stylized to the point of near-absurdity. Even so, it is just this almost-insane pacing and imagery that makes the movie. The dialogue is tight and razor-sharp, contrary to a few comments. What you must understand, is that it is being written in a manner specifically characterizing that which it parodies.
Tarantino clearly loves kung-fu cinema. You can feel it in every frame, no matter what is happening on screen. I have loved it as well, and I hope that many more will give this classic the chance it deserves. |
Simply fantastic
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| Review Date: February 12, 2006 |
| Reviewer: El Perro Patron, In Exile |
I can't get enough of these flicks. While I love both Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, and I thought that Jackie Brown was a sweet and fitting tribute to Pam Greer, nothing compares to the Kill Bill films. I can watch these two at least once a month.
Watching the film go back and forth between silly, cartoonish violence to the emerging story of The Bride is like a roller coaster ride. Quentin manages to balance the two elements of this epic perfectly. Too much of the violence would just be numbing and boring. Too much of the story would be Jane Austin.
Quentin manages to keep you involved in the story of The Bride without giving away too much too soon. And he even makes you care about secondary characters like Brother Bud before he meets a well-deserved death.
Personally, I loved the character of Elle Driver and would like to see a prequel, the story of her life and training.
Quentin not only "came back" with these two films, he surpassed his previous glory by adding so much more depth and color to his amazingly unique vision |
Kill Bill was off the chain
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| Review Date: July 11, 2005 |
| Reviewer: ms utk, Memphis, TN USA |
| I enjoyed Kill Bill vol. 1. It had a great plot. Also, it's a good movie to see in many different situations - with your significant other, your crew, and even your family (older family members). If you haven't seen it yet, you need to see it. It's great. Bang Band she shot me down will be in your head for FOREVER!!!! |
Sorry can't help here.
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| Review Date: October 8, 2007 |
| Reviewer: W. Pardlow, |
| I order it from a very unreliable seller,I never got the box-set. Just two DVD's in separate jewel cases and one was damaged. |
Getting the sword out was hard because:
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| Review Date: May 31, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Hunter, Orlando, FL USA |
| A)it was not made for California Mountain Snake but for Black Mamba B)at this point CMS was nervous - and in a trailer with limited moving space, fighting a more motivated attacker (with better skills - you cannot assume that because you are both using swords that your opponent will only use swords - assuming you wish to survive anyway. |
There are good kung fu movies, bad kung fu movies and there's this
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| Review Date: June 11, 2007 |
| Reviewer: noman, Seattle, WA |
| IFC is showing both KB movies on TV. Boy, I wish I could get back the time I wasted.
Fortunately I've got a good remote. and the pain is less. Wooden acting, rotten dialogue
boring action sequences. Painfully bad. I rate this somewhere below Crippled Masters.
I'm going to watch Dirty Ho and Princess Iron Fan and clean this from my mind. |
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