A Facsinating Study in Human Character

Rating: 9/10 (3 February 2011)

When I realized that more than 1500 reviews had been written, I thought that my own input would make little impact. Tarantino might prefer to say that it would be like 'pissing in the ocean'. But, after reading a dozen or so reviews, it became clear that many critics, even those who liked the film, don't actually understand the message of the movie. It's true that the story was well scripted, the dialog was witty and amusing, and the acting was good, but the essential theme of the film needs to be brought to light.
Essentially, people are not all the same. We differ in terms of race, nationality, social status, education, and religious beliefs. These fundamental differences at times cause conflicts of interest, even wars. Nevertheless, having common ideals and sharing personal struggles serves to unite us. Tarantino tries to teach us this moral through the lives and personal experiences of his characters. In fact, each character in the story is a study of just that, character.
Comparing Vincent and Jules, for example, we get the impression that Jules is the more educated of the two, nevertheless, Vincent seems knowledgeable and, moreover, he is perceptive logical thinker who can hold his own in a conversation. You may have been impressed by the simple fact that a white man and black man could be such good friends that they readily forgive one another for costly mistakes and other offenses. In fact, the two men treated each other in a manner that was almost entirely colorblind. The 'n' word didn't necessarily apply only to black people. It could apply to friend or foe and, depending on context, it could be either and insult or a compliment. But, perhaps even more impressive was the nonchalant attitude both these two men took toward their day to day job as hit men. Not only could they talk about breakfast, they could actually eat it after committing a bloody murder.
It is quite remarkable how many characters in story were too interested in themselves to pause for a even moment to reflect on the many lives they destroyed. However, at least at some point, just about every important character in the story reveals to us that they indeed have a conscious. To our amusement, Vincent talks to himself in the bathroom as he tries to encourage himself to be on his best behavior with the boss's wife. Jules' actions are even more dramatic, when he risks his own life to save the man who tried to rob him.
We are all searching for fulfillment in our lives. And, at times, it seems that we are desperately trying to maintain order in a world that is obviously corrupt and depraved. This common experience allows us to understand the many problems that others face, and it enables us to help one another to endure life's many hardships. This empathy is so powerful that on momentous occasions even bitter enemies can make peace. It may well be that this sense of compassion which transcends all law is what truly defines us as civilized human beings, allowing us to find meaning or purpose in our lives beyond the mundane existence of 'kill or be killed' in the so called neon jungle.