Amazing Storytelling

Rating: 10/10 (10 October 2003)

At the end of his career, renegade and brilliant director Quentin Tarantino will be known from movie critics and fans for two movies, Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. The first, being his Indie-cult classic that paved the way for his distinct, vivid storytelling ability. The second being his rise to commercial stardom with an ensemble cast perhaps second to none.

It revived the career of former icon John Travolta, introduced Uma Thurman to the big stage, and also reminded us of the brilliance of numerous actors. Bruce Willis, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Ving Rhames, and Eric Stoltz are just a few. Oh, and that Samuel L. Jackson, well he just went out and stole the movie with an unforgettable performance as everyone's favorite character, Jules Winnfield. (That bad mother...you know the rest)
This previous paragraph would be undeniable for almost any true movie critic and fan. Sure there was Jackie Brown, a very enjoyable and well-acted movie that most Tarantino fans hold very dear to their heart. But it never hit mainstream like some thought. It never really caught on as one of Tarantino's true classics.
That all changed on October 10th, 2003. When Uma Thurman was going to Kill Bill. The preview had an auspiscious debut late last winter with a few cheesy promo clips showing Uma Thurman with quite a large sword, not that type of movie, and surrounded by several martial artists, in business suits and Shakesperian masks. Huh?
Almost a year later and Volume 1 of Kill Bill finally arrived. And while Volume 2 is still 5 months away waiting for February to arrive. Kill Bill will not only be added to Tarantino's impressive lineup, but it will stand with Reservoir Dogs & Pulp Fiction as true classics from the mind of the most innovative storyteller to direct in the past 15 years. Sofia Copolla is well on her way, but she is no Tarantino as of yet.
Film highlights? I don't want to ruin the fun. Uma is absolutely brilliant though, and looks more beautiful than ever. Tarantino once again tells us this story through his usual unorganized, yet perfect, method. We are introduced to each character, their story, and their relation to Uma's character abtly titled, "The Bride". Vivica Fox helps the movie get off to a strong start as villainess #1 and while we are teased with a sexy-return by Daryl Hannah, Lucy Lui then bursts out onto the scene with beauty and acting-grace with the beautiful, yet completely deadly O-Ren Ishi. Michael Madsen's "Budd" is foreshadowed and we even get a peak at the infamous "Bill".
Any more details outside of some amazing fight scenes, squirting limbs dumping out thousands of gallons of blood, an amazing battle pitting Thurman against countless of the afforemention well-dressed martial artists, and as usual, a perfect soundtrack (headed up by Wu-Tang Clan's true genius, the Rza)...this leaves Kill Bill: Volume 1 as an amazing movie to watch and enjoy.
Just save the popcorn for the next less-bloodied and limb-losing movie. I thank Tarantino for this amazing movie. And the best way I can think to, outside of this review, is by seeing Volume 2. I recommend you do the same.