Different kind of masterpiece from Tarantino.

Rating: 9/10 (30 September 2008)

Okay, I have to admit I was one of those people who called "Jackie Brown" a bad movie around the time of its release. I thought it was overlong, uninteresting, dull and not nearly containing enough violence and spectacular gimmicks. That has changed with a couple of repeated viewings over the years. Admittedly "Jackie Brown" is an unusual film at first, especially when you expect to see another "Pulp Fiction" or "Reservoir Dogs", but Tarantino's versatile brilliance still quickly shows through the staggering dialogs and masterful character drawings. The script is an adaptation of Elmore Leonard's novel called "Rum Punch"  and a very faithful one, I've heard  but the elaboration of the characters and creating the atmosphere of coolness is pure and genuine Tarantino. He squeezes the most out of his already super-talented cast members and, for once, also indicates the viewer right from the start that this will be a slow-paced and story-driven type of thriller this time. I'm usually not a fan of long movies but the two and a half hours of Jackie Brown always literally fly by, since it's a joy and pleasure to observe Pam Grier, Robert Forster, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro, Michael Keaton and all the other cast members in the roles of their lives. Jackie Brown is a middle-aged airline stewardess working for a lousy minimum wage and making some extra cash on the side by smuggling for the relentless gun trader Ordell Robbie. When she gets caught, she and the charming bail bounder Max Cherry develop a plan where they play Ordell and his criminal posse against the tough cops led by special agent Ray Nicolette. Trust me, the plot is far more convoluted and extended than this and it's definitely worth discovering the details for yourself if you haven't already. Many fans and internet sources state that "Jackie Brown" is one giant homage to the "Blaxploitation" trend of the early 70's. Well, it's true... but only partially. The smooth atmosphere (with the awesome soul soundtrack) and decorative elements are definitely heavily influenced by this particular cinema trend (and of course the casting of Pam Grier and Sid Haig as well), but the actual story is far too sober and even too mature to be Blaxploitation. Tarantino for once didn't deliver a rough and provocatively violent film, but this different type of approach is definitely rewarding since he managed to make a different type of masterpiece: one with heart, beauty, intellect and passion.