an excellent film with this generation's "Man With No Name"

Rating: 10/10 (21 April 2004)

This film is a treasure. Quentin Tarantino has a skill as a director that few have been lucky enough to acquire. He, just like the Coen Brothers, know exactly how to mix brutal action, suspense, drama, anime and, perhaps most important, comedy in an excellent timeless classic (hopefully), while adding a message about humanity. Of course, Quentin Tarantino can't make an excellent movie without an excellent cast. I have to admit, I've seen more bad movies with Thurman than good, so I didn't think that she would be any good at all. Same goes for Vivica and Lucy. Matter of fact, the only people I knew would be good were Michael and David. Boy, was I wrong. There is not a single major character in the movie that I believe is flawed in any way. Although some were stereotypical, they still showed human aspects that we were not used to seeing in action movies. Notice how some characters plead for their lives, some embrace death because they deserve it, some are almost sympathetic to their enemy. Interesting. This movie also has excellent cinematography, top-notch editing, and a score to die for. Put in these five ingredients together and you not only get some memorable major scenes (the enormous and over-the-top sword-fight in the restaurant) but some minor ones as well (Daryl Hannah whistling "Twisted Nerve" and goons comparing a waiter to Charlie Brown). 10/10