Tarantino has outdone himself SPOILER ALERT!

Rating: 10/10 (12 October 2003)

Kill Bill Vol. 1, to say nothing of Vol. 2, is the best film that Tarantino has made so far. Since QT is so versed in different film genres, it is fitting that he had to pay homage to martial arts films. This is the best martial arts film I have ever seen although I must admit I have limited experience with the genre. Everything about Kill Bill is unbelievable. The powerful soundtrack by the RZA that completely fits and compliments each scene. It's perfect and I think I'm going to have to get it. The masterful performance by Uma Thurman, I think an Oscar is not out of the question here. Daryl Hannah surprised me with her acting because acting is not a skill that she is known for. Vivica A. Fox on the other hand, was the same person that she has played in every movie and I was glad that she died early. Lucy Liu was also good although I don't think she is a particularly good actress. Sonny Chiba turns in a great guest appearance and Chiaki Kuriyama....wow. I think that this girl should get her own movie. Evil schoolgirls are not something you see every day. It came as no surprise to me that she also starred in Battle Royale. Although I have not seen Battle Royale yet,(can we get a US DVD release please!!!) I know of it's reputation. This film pays the proper respect to the Kung Fu movies of the seventies down to the vintage opening of the film. Vol. 1 is divided into five chapters and chapter three is the only one I had a problem with as it is entirely in anime and I despise anime. It was well done, I just don't like anime. Michael Madsen's character Budd is not really in Vol. 1 at all and the same with Daryl Hannah's character. We'll have to wait to see them in Vol. 2. The violence that everybody is going on and on about is not as bad as I thought. I thought that some of the blood gushing was actually a little cartoonish but this is how films were done in Hong Kong and so Tarantino is remaining faithful to that. The showdown with O-Ren Ishi's henchmen was shot in black and white I think because if it were in glorious blood soaked color it might have A. turned fragile American audiences off and/or B. gotten Kill Bill stamped with an NC-17 rating. Bottom Line: This movie kicks so much ass and I think it beats the Matrix at it's own game. Go see the best movie of 2003. You won't be able to wait for Vol. 2. I sure as hell can't!