Shock and Awe -- **MILD SPOILER**

Rating: 10/10 (23 November 2003)

As I watched the opening credits and the beginning of this movie, I wondered what to expect. I knew there was going to be some heavy kung-fu, but would it be cheesy Matrix-style action with recycled Tarantino style?
No way. Within about 5 minutes of watching the movie I immediately felt the same energy that I felt when I originally watched Resevoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. This is Tarantino at his finest. In fact, he was totally unrestrained. This situations and content in this movie are brutally gritty at times, yet presented in such a way that I found myself chuckling throughout.
I think one of Tarantino's most unique talents is being able to tell a story by skipping back and forth through different parts of the timeline. I can't imagine this story being told any other way. The camera techniques were incredible, the performances were incredible, the editing is incredible and the blood and gore is extremely entertaining. This is an instant classic. I can hardly wait for Volume II.
** MILD SPOILER **
Look closely at the name on the cereal box in the opening scene. It has some humourous significance as to how the scene concludes itself.