An unapologetic, **** you look at World War II

Rating: 9/10 (26 September 2012)

This is a great film, and the finest example of the world through Quentin Tarantino's eyes. Taking an alternate perspective of WWII, it primarily follows Jewish Americans brutally killing Nazis. Take that in! There are other plots too, including a stellar opening segment and a theater owner's vendetta. It's tense, badass, classy and barbaric all in one package.
A key factor in this film's enjoyment: receive it as a drama. When I first saw it, I expected a light film heavy on bro action, almost comedic. I can thank the bizarre advertising, slogans and title for that. I was disappointed by the film. On my second time I figured it out and enjoyed it, and now on the third viewing I got to truly appreciate the film.
The five story chunks are all captivating, switching up enough to feel fresh. Being a Tarantino film, the script is a 10. Everything that is said is interesting, witty and natural. The pace fluctuates from a simple briefing to a suspenseful standoff and back again, but every scene is captivating- magnetic.
Another plus of seeing a Tarantino film is that the characters are gems, performed by all to perfection. Waltz's Landa is amazing and terrible to behold, a contained psychopath. The Basterds are all slick fellows, especially Donny. In particular though I want to mention Fassbender's Hicox as a charming fellow who I wish had more screen time, Mr. LaPadite (Denis Menochet), the dairy farmer, and Til Schweiger's Stiglitz- the most memorable single shot in the film for me is him, in a flurry of activity, stabbing that Nazi in the head- somehow.
Inglourious Basterds is a good show: entertaining, gripping and definitely not mindless. Did I take a life changing message away from it? No, but I do hate them Nazis. I feel that the violence, though a Tarantino staple, is a bit gruesome, but that's just me. The climax is outstanding. Let's rewrite our own history. A very bold film. 8.8/10