This new release to DVD is an absolute must see. In what some are saying is his greatest most iconic piece, Quentin Tarantino takes on World War 2. This engaging and shocking film which to be kind is a piece of historical fiction is an incredible watch. The story takes place in Nazi occupied France, where a young Jewish refugee Shosanna Dreyfus (Melanie Laurent), witnesses the slaughter of her family by Colonel Hans Landa (Christopher Waltz). Narrowly escaping with her life, she plots her revenge several years later when German war hero Fredrick Zoller takes a rapid interest in her and arranges an illustrious movie premiere at the theater she now runs. With the promise of every major Nazi officer in attendance, the event catches the attention of the "Basterds", a group of Jewish-American guerilla soldiers led by the ruthless Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt). As the relentless executioners advance and the conspiring young girl's plans are set in motion, their paths will cross for a fateful evening that will shake the very annals of history.
As is in his other films, Tarantino’s Bastards runs a long 153 but those are 153 minutes that will keep you enthralled in the film ultimately leaving you with one of the best endings to any film I have seen this year. Arguably the best ever at it,Tarantino is able to keep the viewer completely attentive through a 20 min batter between two characters. There is incredible writing in this film which allows the viewer to really get to know each and every character in the film. One warning, this movie is gory. Too be honest it is beyond gory. Tarantino truly expressed his point of brutality with the clear view scalping and smashing of heads in this one.
Two performances must be noticed in the film. The first would be that of Brad Pitt as the American leader, Lt. Aldo Raine. What I loved most about his performance in this film was that at no point did Pitt try to steal the show of the film. He works with the film as opposed to against it. His character is genuine and entertaining. Pitt plays the role with a sense of humor and gives the audience the good guy to love. Pitt also has a very good supporting cast of American soldiers which include Til Schweiger, B.J. Novak, and Eli Roth who is known as the “Bear Jew” (you will understand why in the film).
However, the eye opening performance in this film is turned in by Christopher Waltz as Colonel Hans Landa of the Nazi Regime. Already nominated for the Golden Globe and probably on his way to the Oscar nomination as well, Waltz gives us the Villian of the Year with his Colonel Landa. Some would say the Joker of 2009. His villain is a brilliant, intellectual, ruthless Nazi who not only seeks to destroy those in his way but chooses to do so in a clever, formal, and witty manner. I wont spoil the first scene for you but trust me you will know what I am talking about after the first 20 minutes of the film. Waltz succeeds in giving us that villain we all love to hate.
Overall this was an excellent film. A little long for those who are not true Tarantino fans but still a must see. The film is now out on DVD so I suggest you rent it one night.
Sex: Brief Sexuality
Violence: A lot, tons of gore and extreme violence
Language: extreme
Rated: R
Run time: 153 min
Grade: 4 Stars
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