Nearly, but not quite

Rating: 8/10 (29 April 2004)

If you, like me, have a problem with one on one violence, yet are quite happy to watch the wanton dismemberment of an entire squad of assassins, then Kill Bill Volume One is a film best seen as having two halves.
The first half features lots of unpleasant solo inflicted violence, mostly by The Bride. The second half is so blatantly over the top that you can suspend your disbelief and squeamishness, and just enjoy it for the masterfully crafted piece of filmmaking that it is.
Uma Thurman is unfortunately not the best actress in the world. She seems too harsh, too unlikeable to ever really fully deserve empathy. Admittedly she may be a mindless killer, but she just looks kind of weird at times, thus the necessary special something is lacking.
Tarantino is a vastly over-hyped director, but credit where it's due, by completely ignoring the linear storyline and bringing in the surprising cartoon sequence, he shows himself to be a filmmaker of intense vision and bravado.
It is the House of Blue Leaves that this entire film revolves around, a wonderful demonstration of the ability to use types of shot, shading and above all, kick-ass fighting. One of the most impressive shots, completed without an edit, is the roving camera that drifts throughout the club and into the toilets. Not even an action piece, it shows just how innovative a director Tarantino can be. Even better that he follows it up with all the black and white, and shadowplay that follows.
Unfortunately, without the House of Blue Leaves, Kill Bill Volume One wouldn't really be that special, just another film about killers. Let's be thankful that it is there and just enjoy it.
My Rating: 8 out of 10