Nostalgic humour...

Rating: 8/10 (18 August 2012)

Do you like references? Are you a fan of martial arts films from the 70's? Do you like blood and gore? If yes to all these, then you have probably seen this film. If no, then this isn't really a film for you.
Quentin Tarantino has a tendency to make non-linear films, and he does them very well. 'Kill Bill: Volume 1' is no different to most of his films. It features heavy amounts of gore and a very, very interesting story. I don't know what it is about the story in this film which makes it different though. Maybe it's because, unlike his other films, the non-linear aspect is very straight forward and links beautifully to the character's own development.
Talking about character, my god this film has beautiful characters. Uma Thurman is actually rather striking. Although the film starts with her more innocent side it quickly morphs into her violent, no mercy side. Such dynamic emotion is very well done and written. Also, the cold- hearted nature of Bill is creepy yet you feel empathy for him when he communicates with the assassins.
Cinematics now; the 1970's martial arts style taken on actually adds beautiful comedy to the otherwise very serious mix. For instance, whenever The Bride sees one of her assailants the screen goes red, klaxons go off and it cuts to a flashback. Moments like that just make me wanna go "F*** YEAH!". The use of "swooshy" and "punchy" fighting sound effects sound so cheesy yet so satisfying. My favourite sequence: the end massacre, when O Ren and The Bride fight in a snow covered Japanese garden.
The shortcomings are the same as the things which make it brilliant. At times it just feels like the gore is overdone plus the comedy sometimes ruins the pacing of action sequences. Although easy to overlook, these can ruin the experience for some.
So, 8/10 overall. Good-looking, good fun and good god with a bit of a ruined experience at times. Good show!