Quentin Tarantino is back!

Rating: 10/10 (27 March 2016)

I would like to point out that I have enjoyed all of Tarantino's films, but that this film is his first film since Pulp Fiction to truly astonish me. In a period of September 2015 - March 2016, I saw this film four times. Each time I enjoyed it more than the last. From the first minute to the hundred and fifty-third minute, you are in awe, watching a master film-maker present a truly outstanding war film. The opening farmhouse scene is incredible at building tension, and I will get to Christoph Waltz's performance later on here. From there we meet Shosanna later in life and the Basterds. Instantly, Tarantino introduces us to the main characters of the film. Brilliant story-telling. The basement scene with Michael Fassbender, Diane Kruger, Til Schweiger and August Diehl is arguably one of the best in cinema, and it's barren of English! Again, outstanding storytelling by Tarantino. Now Christoph Waltz. Seven years have passed since this film was released, and I doubt there is much more I can say about Hans Landa that hasn't already been said. Virtually unknown to everyone in world cinema, Waltz was thrust into a large Hollywood production opposite arguably the most well-known actor of this generation, Brad Pitt. The way everything played out, you could argue that Pitt was unfairly pitted (sorry) against Waltz, as Waltz gives one of the greatest performances of all time. His turn as Hans Landa is so incredible that you nearly like such an evil person. That is the mark of an astounding actor. This film is not just the work of Waltz, though. It is an ensemble effort. The cast won the SAG for best cast in a motion picture. Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, Melanie Laurent, Waltz, Fassbender, Daniel Bruhl, Til Schweiger etc. The list goes on right through to Mike Myers scene-steal as General Ed Fenech. Everyone involved in this film was at the top of their game, and if it hadn't been for two small films called The Hurt Locker and Avatar, this film would have won a slew of Oscars. In short, Tarantino is back at his very, very best.