The trailer had my curiosity, but the film now has my attention

Rating: 10/10 (19 January 2013)

For some time now Django Unchained has had my curiosity...now that I've witnessed its spectacle, it has my undivided attention. Quentin Tarantino's latest endeavour takes us into his fictional historical tale of the deep south of the United States in the antebellum era. There are endless, near indescribable qualities that the modern spaghetti western remarkably presents. Everything Tarantino wants to accomplish, he achieves. If the director/writer means for you to laugh, you will laugh. If it's fun he's after, prepare to be entertained. In regards to emotion, for some, a spare Kleenex may be required to endure the brutality of slavery that has not been explored in such a graphic, yet ludicrously stylish manner in cinematic history.
Never before have I wanted a hero to achieve so much in any fictional narrative. Our protagonist Django, so marvellously portrayed by Jamie Foxx, coincidently is released from the oppressive and immoral shackles of slavery by Dr. King Shultz (Christoph Waltz) in the opening scene of the film, and following the incredible introductions of these characters, they set out on an interdependent journey of bounty hunting, self-discovery and most importantly, the reuniting of Django and his wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington). I haven't really divulged anything that can't be ascertained from the trailer or synopsis of the western drama. Nonetheless, one cathartic response to Django Unchained that can only be obtained by actually going to experience the film in theatres is how much we relate and adore our heroic free man. When he cries, we cry. His desire for vengeance is our desire. Tarantino is not trying to create the most realist representation of antebellum slavery, but in fact provide a horrific account of the suffering that occurred in the unjust south. Though as I said, when the visionary filmmaker wants to entertain, he will entertain. For the most part, slavery and oppression are the consistent and ever-present motifs throughout the almost three hour film, and yet the outstanding performances, inconceivably sophisticated dialogue, beautiful cinematography, fantastic soundtrack, unpredictable plot and visual masterpiece enthral, excite and provide comedic relief at perfectly allocated times. Django Unchained almost has everything; spectacularly choreographed action, a great narrative, an intriguing setting, emotion, memorable quotes and character development are all present and appreciated thoroughly.
The performances are almost beyond belief. The assimilation of this sensational cast, along with one of the greatest filmmakers and a talented crew, make for a theatrical experience that revives any doubts you may have on the power of motion picture performances. I cannot think of another film whereby deciding who my favourite character is makes me feel guilty for not choosing the others who are just as brilliant. Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson and Kerry Washington not only play convincing characters, they convinced me I was with them in antebellum Mississippi due to the life, emotion and realism they bring to their respective and truly memorably distinctive roles. While we are supposed to root for our victims of the oppressive society and we certainly do, the antagonists Calvin Candie (DiCaprio) and his slave Stephen (Jackson) are nothing short of exceptional and intriguing to watch. The costume design is wonderful, the sets and locations the characters occupy are wondrous and as soon as you depart from your cinema seat, which you won't forget sitting in, you will find yourself being unable to replace the characters with other actors. Not only the primary characters, but the supporting cast are also irreplaceable and unforgettable to a perpetual degree.
To those that regard Django Unchained as a Hollywood product of solely racial profanity and excessive violence, I say I respect your opinion, but do not be afraid of reality. The film embarks on the pinnacle time of white supremacy in the United States and while it sensationalises much of its content, the topic of slavery is not one that can ever be fully comprehended or physically depicted by those that have not lived through it. Therefore, Tarantino's work should be admired for its confidence to approach such a sensitive, serious and often overshadowed element of American and world history.
At the risk of exhausting an abundance of synonyms for optimistic adjectives to express my adoration for Quentin Tarantino's phenomenal work of genius, I will bring my literary opinion of Django Unchained to a conclusion. I could persist and continue writing endlessly, which I would indeed find very enjoyable, though I have highlighted the fundamental aspects of the film that create my love for it. This isn't just the finest Tarantino has to offer, it is one of the most epic productions that the world of cinema has to offer. Though many were gifted with Django Unchained on Christmas Day, for me, the film has sparked a potentially inconceivable swarm of hopefully terrific films for the 2013 cinematic year, though I doubt any release will match the originality and style that Tarantino has gifted upon the world.