Django Unchained (2012) - The "D" is Silent!

Rating: 10/10 (21 January 2013)

Written and directed by the one and only Quentin Tarantino, "Django Unchained" is a spaghetti western satire set in the South, during the time of slavery. But at it's scope, this is yet another gruesomely violent, expertly written, and incredibly entertaining masterpiece from the man that brought us "Pulp Fiction" and "Reservoir Dogs". Jamie Foxx stars as the title character, an African-American slave who is suddenly freed by a former dentist turned bounty-hunter, played by Christoph Waltz, whom turns Django in as a bounty-hunter, as they both team up to track down and kill some of the town's biggest menaces for a quick reward. During their progress, these two hunters then set out to help free Django's enslaved wife, played by Kerry Washington, from the clutches of a villainous plantation owner, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and his trusted house slave, played by Samuel L. Jackson. Everything about this movie is what you already would have expected in a film by Tarantino. The witty and well-written dialogue, the certain choices of soundtrack, and the incredible directing are all nothing but masterful, as the accomplished director delivers yet another masterpiece in his long-life career as a filmmaker. Say whatever you want about his personal life, but this is one of Hollywood's most beloved filmmakers, delivering such a love for cinema in nearly every film he makes. Now, this movie might create controversy with some viewers, as it delivers more uses of the "N-word" in any film ever, and to make things even more disturbing, it's used in a film where the main topic involves the era of slavery. Tarantino was not trying to glorify any of the brutal attacks or language portrayed in the film, but instead uses it as a way to recreate the environment of that time in history, and how it affects people today. But, while you can still take the topic of slavery seriously, this is also one of the funniest movies of 2012. Just like in all of his films, the humor just gets better and better, making the movie a lot more entertaining all on it's own. Appearing in yet another Tarantino performance, after his Oscar-winning work in "Inglourious Basterds", Christoph Waltz delivers another convincing performance, still succeeds at delivering great Tarantino dialogue. His recent Oscar nomination for this film is rightfully deserving, but it's strange that he was put in the supporting category, when he has more screen-time than anyone else in the film. Jamie Foxx is just as remarkable as the former slave turned bounty-hunter, delivering some of the film's most memorable moments. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers one of the most menacing performances of his career, and he's easily the most interesting character. It's a real shame that he was snubbed by the Academy for his vicious but charismatic performance as Calvin Candie, a ruthless plantation owner. Tarantino favorite Samuel L. Jackson also delivers a hilarious performance as Calvin's only trusted house slave, as he suddenly suspects what business those these two people need in their plantation. At a pace of 165 minutes, I would argue that the movie does run a little bit long, but the movie takes it's time very well, and it always keeps your attention. This is an incredibly well-made, and definitely entertaining feast that only true film lovers will enjoy. From the first shot, to the final bloody climax, "Django Unchained" is one of 2012's best films. "Django Unchained", in my review, "wickedly entertaining, good old-fashioned Tarantino".