Tarantino as stylish and captivating as ever

Rating: 9/10 (5 February 2013)

Quentin Tarantino, the man likes to push boundaries. Django Unchained is not an easy watch. Foul characters are many, taboo speech is thrust upon us constantly and violence is abundant. But all the while, it's just so damn stylish. Tarantino is in complete control throughout. He knows exactly what he's about in every scene and makes sure you always know you're witnessing one of his films from minute one through to minute 165 (yes, even during the credits he's still up to his old tricks).
The story, set in 1858 (two years prior to the Civil War), follows a German bounty hunter who frees a slave named Django, and the journey the two take to free his enslaved wife. The brutality of the times is never hidden, or even danced around. We're shown it as it was and you have to admire that. The 'N' word is thrown around a multitude of times. At first it's reasonably shocking to hear the comfort with which the characters throw it about, however by the end you're pretty accustomed to it. It's just the way it was. There's an element of heartbreak for the audience seeing the way these people were treated, probably the clinching factor that got it a well deserved Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards.
The acting is nothing short of brilliant from all involved (even Tarantino himself). Christoph Waltz steals the show for me, reminiscent of Inglorious Basterds. He's such an unlikely hero, but he's just so likable that you can't help but love him (or if he's playing a Nazi, admire the hell out of his performance). Jamie Foxx was truly excellent, as was Leo DiCaprio, but the real surprise for me was Samuel L. Jackson. I don't know how Tarantino does it but he gets the best out of that man every time. If only he had directed Snakes on a Plane.
Django Unchained is a must see movie. It doesn't matter if you're worried about whether you'll be able to handle the violence or the tough themes, you have to put those worries to one side, grit your teeth and get to your local theater. It might not be easy to sit through, but boy is it rewarding at the end.