Django Unchained- Will Tarantino ever stop 1up'ing himself?

Rating: 10/10 (29 June 2014)

With Quentin Tarantino's 8th film, we get the idea by now that anything this guy directs, writes or even stars in is going to a masterpiece. So with him doing all three of those things in 1, we probably know that this one may well just stand above the rest. Does it? Absolutely it does! Tarantino's first western shows us that he can really take on anything as he delivers a film better than any other western out there, even competing with the big dogs like 'The Good The Bad And The Ugly'. I think this modernized western is a decade defining film for sure and will be one of the best directed, perfectly executed films for many years to come. There is very very little that could be changed at all in this film.
The film starts and we are immediately thrown into the concept of slavery as we follow a 'pack' of slaves through a desolate land. Django Freeman (Jamie Foxx) is a typical slave who turns out not so typical when he is granted his freedom in exchange for helping Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) with some bounty hunting business. From then on, a bond is forged between the two unlikely friends as they go on a dangerous yet thrilling mission to free Django's slave wife from the most treacherous slave hating maniac of a plantation owner you will ever meet, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). The atmosphere changes throughout this movie a lot, but the same continuous light-hearted vibe is evident as each scene is either fun, action packed or just plain hilarious! You are just glued to the screen because each and every scene is different as we meet new characters as the story progresses.
There is however, as in most films, a standout scene. If you have seen this film or are planning on watching it you will know the scene I'm talking about once the movie has finished. The goriest, over the top, and not to mention best shootout you will ever witness in any film. As in true Tarantino fashion the gore is on point, being over the top and just crazy. Django tears up the house shooting fumbling idiots one by one, painting the walls red literally. Each shot adds to the explosive bloodbath that you can't help but revel in. The completely unique and unusual music kicks in as the bullets begin to fly, I mean what director would think to put a rap song with a western shootout and still make it work astoundingly? Some beautiful cinematography from inside the house, and of seemingly hundreds of armed men running into the house and getting mowed down by a rain of bullets. That scene will stick with me forever as one of my unconventional favourites.
My favourite character in this film, despite my favourite actor being Christoph Waltz has to be Stephen played by the great Samuel L Jackson. When you think of Samuel L Jackson, instantly the smooth talking Jules Winnfield comes to mind from Quentin's second film Pulp Fiction, but his character in this film is completely different in every way. Stephen is an old decrepit Slave who has become so old he doesn't really act like a slave anymore; Calvin Candie is more lenient to his character and even jokes around with Stephen. Being his slave for such a long time they have become friends which is pleasantly unusual. He is smarter than he looks or acts as he sees through Django's plan to free his wife. Watching Samuel act in this film is just so satisfying, he can really inhabit a character and it just seems like Stephen is the character who Samuel was not meant to play but he does it so perfectly.
As for a rating, there is basically nothing I would change; anything I could possibly think of would only be me choosing something for the sake of choosing it as everything is perfect. Having said that, I would have to give this film 10/10 as it is one of the best I've ever seen. The story is amazing, the scene's vary so much making this film not the slightest bit boring and pretty much everything else makes the film even better including an incredible soundtrack, outstanding acting and stunning cinematography. I would say there is no way any Tarantino film could top this, but knowing him there is a very big change it could happen as I said the very same thing to Kill Bill and look where we are now. You will be captivated from scene one, right up until the climactic quarter of the film, yes that's right, there is literally a quarter of the film that is the penultimate part of the film!
If you haven't seen this film already I can't recommend it enough, whatever type of films you are into I can almost guarantee you will like it, there is something for everyone. Everything is varied so there is always something new on screen that will keep you enticed. If you're looking for a cinematic masterpiece, or just a good time, then this is the film for you as it will keep you on the edge of your seat but then you will be blown you away as it smashes boundaries and is ultimately a good movie!
10/10 – A cinematic landmark.