A slow-burning love letter to '60s Hollywood

Rating: 10/10 (23 August 2019)

Tarantino's ninth film reveals his huge love for the Hollywood of 60s, and is heavily loaded with pop culture references of that era, has clever callback moments to his own movies, and several Easter eggs including signature Tarantino shots and brief cameos by legends. One may or may not get these references all the time, but realizing them does make the viewing experience richer, as Tarantino decides to randomly be nice or mean to several reel and real life souls, while neatly altering the history - he himself has never cared about it, so shouldn't you. The Fuhrer of Nazis was killed in a French theater owned by a Jew, remember? So, if something unexpected happens with Bruce Lee or Sharon Tate in this Hollywood world, don't worry about it.
The authenticity has been taken care of - the streets, the magazines, the pop style and the background score - these all make the movie constantly emanate the vibe of a grand movie set in L.A. The narration though slow paced, is compelling for the most part. It demands a lot of time to engage one, getting even stagnant at times. What work during these sequences are the amusing dialogues, Robert Richardson's lively cinematography and the apt acting by the entire cast - something not to worry about in a Tarantino movie. This cinematic slow-burner demands your attention. Expect less action and violence, except for the obvious climax.