a contemporary classic

Rating: 10/10 (14 March 2007)

For a lot of film fanatics Quentin Tarantino's 1994 surprise hit "Pulp Fiction" is the modern-day equivalent of Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane", and therefore the prime example of a contemporary masterpiece. Whether or not this sort of praise is warranted, "Pulp Fiction" is still an all-around well-made film with pitch perfect casting, exceedingly memorable and quotable dialogue, and the sort of high quality film-making not generally seen in a director's second film.
The film tells three interlocking tales that take place in the underbelly of Southern California's crime world. The stylistic choices and overall panache of the piece turn ordinarily life-low, repulsive characters into highly engaging pseudo-intellectuals with guns. The feat of making the "bad guys" sympathetic characters, worthy of undivided attention and intense interest, is one of many of the strengths of "Pulp Fiction".
Beyond the obvious portrayals of unflinching darkly comedic violence and the rapid-fire stream of pop cultural and profanity-laced dialogue, there's an amazing depth to "Pulp Fiction" that was never quite duplicated in all of the films it has since influenced. "Pulp Fiction" remains a one of a kind wild ride for the senses and the intellect, and truly an important piece of cinema.