Tarantino's tribute fits the `Bill'

Rating: 9/10 (31 October 2003)

Over the top and outrageous has always been a characteristic of director Quentin Tarantino. And in his latest film, `Kill Bill: Vol. 1', the filmmaker doesn't merely leave this trademark all over the screen, but all over the floor and every square inch of the settings. Tarantino, who is best known for his witty dialogue and pop culture references, relies more on the action to do the talking in his latest feature. The director's tribute to the kung-fu genre packs a powerful punch that not only leaves audiences with their jaws dropping but has them begging for more.
On a warm Texas afternoon, a pregnant young bride known only as Black Mamba (Uma Thurman) is about to leave her old life as a mercenary. The ceremony is cut short when she is brutally beaten by her old cohorts, The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad (Vivica A. Fox, Darryl Hannah, Lucy Liu, Michael Madsen). The bride is left for dead after the final blow delivered by her former boss, Bill (David Carradine). Alive but in a coma, woman awakes four years later from her ordeal. With the memories of her beating replaying in her mind, she sets out in search of the Squad and vengeance.
Director Quentin Tarantino makes a triumphant return after a six-year hiatus. In `Kill Bill: Vol. 1', Tarantino presents his own unique style of martial art filmmaking. A well-known trademark of Tarantino's films is the jump between times in telling the story. The director utilizes this signature with great effect in revealing the past of the bride and the Viper Squad. A great addition to the story telling is the incorporation of Japanese anime to introduce Lucy Liu's character, O-Ren Ishii. The transformation from reality to animation gives the audience a break as well so as not to overexpose the physical fighting. The cartoonish action does not by any means take away from the effect of the film. Rather, it serves as a different vehicle for the fighting and narration. With all the different camera tricks and storytelling techniques, fans will appreciate how the director never fails to capture a blood spurting chop or action packed sequence.
Tarantino co-wrote the screenplay with lead actress Uma Thurman. Their combined talents deliver a smart and hard-hitting film from start to finish. The first volume is built on heart pumping fight scenes. Each fight not only knocks moviegoers back into their seats but will also stun them with the aftermath effects. The writing duo not only pens the fight scenes that are true to form of the kung-fu genre but the dialogue as well. But that is not to say that the film lacks punchy dialogue that fans have come to enjoy from Tarantino's scripts. One such example fans will undoubtedly appreciate is the comedic discussion between the sushi chef (guest star Sonny Chiba) and his partner as they discuss who is in fact in charge of the restaurant.
Actors rarely put on a bad performance in Tarantino movies. Many seem to connect with the director's vision of the character and play it to a T. `Kill Bill: Vol. 1' follows in this great tradition. Uma Thurman is absolutely terrific as Black Mamba/The Bride. She plays the character with such great emotion that audiences feel her fear, her sadness, and her thirst for revenge. Even more impressive is the extensive amount of work and training that went into for the role. Thurman executes each fight with mastery that rivals many of today's action films. Her technique and skill would make one believe that she had been studying martial arts and sword fighting for years. Equally talented in her role is Lucy Liu as O-ren Ishii AKA Cottenmouth. Liu emits an aura of fear and sympathy. Her portrayal is so well done that audiences will sympathize with Ishii's traumatic childhood one moment and just as quickly become enthralled with her ruthless tactics. Liu is also very experienced with the sword but it is her acting ability that will grab audiences and make them cringe should they meet such a character. Although playing the title character, David Carradine does not make a facial on-screen appearance. However, his presence is felt. With a sly evilness in his voice Carradine provides a truly sadistic villain. Even without seeing him, audiences can still picture the sadistic persona who would beat a pregnant woman unconscious and unleash a merciless horde of assassins.
Although `Kill Bill: Vol. 1' is not for the weak of heart, it is still an excellent piece of filmmaking. All the right tools are involved: superb acting, brilliant directing, and an expertly crafted soundtrack. Fans will leave the theatre with their hearts racing and a longing for the immediate release of `Kill Bill: Vol. 2.' Tarantino's contribution to his beloved kung-fu genre will surely be remembered for years to come.
Grade: A