Tarantino brings 1969 back to life

Rating: 10/10 (22 March 2020)

I think this is the first film I have ever rated 10. But there can be no other rating. I am not a Tarantino fan, but after seeing this, I will reevaluate his other films.
First: Unless you are extremely familiar with the Manson family and the murders of Sharon Tate and the other poor souls in the house with her on that horrible night, you should carefully research the story, otherwise, the movie won't have the impact it should. Second: If you are not familiar with pop culture from the late '60s, it would be wise to learn about the popular TV shows, songs and movies from that time. Without that knowledge (and probably a fairly extensive knowledge at that), this movie also won't have the impact it should.
For me, because I am from Los Angeles, and was a teenager at the time the (real and/or imaginary) events in this film took place, I was riveted to the screen. But even if I didn't know the world of L.A. that well, this movie is still entertainment in its highest form.
DiCaprio and Pitt are, as I believe Tarantino said, the most exciting male duo on the screen since Newman and Redford. As fading TV star and his stuntman best friend, Leo and Brad are, in a bizarre way, very much like a gay couple, without the sex. Brad (as "Cliff") seems totally dedicated to Leo (as "Rick"), and their relationship goes beyond friendship, venturing into brotherhood and even substitute spouse. There isn't a second of their time together that you don't buy.
And Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate? It's uncanny how she seems to capture Sharon's natural joy, sexiness, beauty and optimism. You fall in love with her in a nanosecond. She was letter-perfect in her performance.
But there are many, many performances that are absolutely A+, from Bruce Dern as George Spahn (a real person), the ancient owner of the forgotten Western movie town where the Manson family took up camp, to Julia Butters as "Trudi Fraser," reminiscent of other brilliant child actors such as Natalie Wood and Margaret O'Brien.
There are tons of delicious moments, cameos... and shocking laughs. I say shocking, because in the midst of horrific violence being carried out, you will find yourself laughing because the set-ups lead to such rich pay-offs. I do not like, condone, watch, enjoy or appreciate violence, but in this film, because of the era and what the story required, it worked, and Tarantino knows a punchline and the audience will not be disappointed.
I will not describe the story points here, because the film must be seen (but honestly, only if you have done your research and come prepared with the knowledge required to appreciate it). I will say that I did not see the surprise ending coming and, for someone who lived through that time and felt the shock, sadness and anger that anyone would have about the fate of poor Sharon Tate and the other souls lost in one of the horrific crimes of that era, there was a sense, even if for a fleeting moment, and even if only imaginary, that justice was finally served.
A triumph on all possible levels.