What's not to like?

Rating: 9/10 (5 November 2019)

As Tarantino lived through the 60s, it was expected that he would make a western sooner or later and he sure enough delivers.
Django Unchained follows the journey of freed slave Django and his trusted bounty hunter friend Dr. King Schultz as they try to locate the Brittle Brothers and save Django's wife from a cruel plantation owner.
Tarantino returns three years later to present us with a terrific, over the top western that provided the audience with memorable character, laudable dialogue and action that is a direct crowdpleaser.
The characters are well written and wouldn't be the same if other actors played them. The chemistry between Django and Schultz seems very authentic due to the fantastic performances of Waltz and Foxx as well as Tarantino's impeccible writing. The role of Schultz was made for Christoph Waltz and he owns the film. His delivery is so endearing and likeable to the audience that when he's not in a scene, you do wish to see him in it. Jamie Foxx also does a good job. His transformation from being a quiet freed man to a gun-slinging hunter is well done and his performance shows it. Despite DiCaprio's late arrival, he shines in his role. His character bares resemblence to Hans Landa from Inglourious Basterds in terms of the way he speaks to the two bounty hunters but DiCaprio makes Calvin Candie his own and leaves a great impression on the film. As well as DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson makes a late appearance but steals every scene with his hilarious delivery and expressions. Finally, Kerry Washington gives an earnest performance as well.
The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes but not once does it feel that long. Tarantino's trademark of excessive dialogue is present throughout but none of it is boring. Each conversation is investing as it gives an insight on the personality of each character fleshing them out completely by the end. The story is predictable but Tarantino adds elements of unpredictability during the dialogue driven scenes which invests the audience further and when something huge takes place, you feel it and wonder what will happen next.
The costume design and sets are beautiful to look at which in return add a level of authenticity to the style of the film. The music is well utilised. I mean Tarantino even used rap songs by Tupac and Rick Ross in the film and somehow it worked.
Altogether, Django Unchained is another amazing film in Tarantino's arsenal. The acting provides a sense of realism to the characters as well as the dialogue which is equally as intriguing. The film has some really funny moments and character building scenes that allow the runtime to feel as short as possible and the action is just a beauty to behold. As Django says in the film, "What's not to like?".