Post-modern film-making at its best

Rating: 10/10 (27 July 2008)

Without a doubt, 'Pulp Fiction' is one of the best pieces of postmodern film-making we have at our disposal. It is an audaciously entertaining hunk of pop culture, a feisty showing from Quentin Tarantino and one of his most raving successes. It's gloriously profane, unapologetically gratuitous, but not without purpose or meaning. With its underlying theme of redemption that runs through the veins of each story Tarantino tackles, 'Pulp Fiction' becomes an exhilarating and daring masterpiece.
With a brilliant twist on the traditional three act set-up, Tarantino rolls expectations on their side and masterfully spins a web of many threads and intersects. Jam packed with adrenaline and unexpected twists and turns around every corner, 'Pulp Fiction' never panders to its audience and never passes up a wicked change-up thrown directly at the audience. We quickly pick up on the fact that this is not just violence for the sake of violence or vulgarity for the sake of vulgarity but a man wrestling with the very meaning of life. And what an extraordinary film it has made for, executed perfectly down to the very last detail.
Each episode that Tarantino captures on film is simultaneously self-contained and apart of a whole. The sum of its parts is great, and whether it's Samuel L. Jackson's fury reigning down on the evil tyranny, or Uma Thurman sipping seductively on a five dollar shake, or Bruce Willis dismantling a hotel room in search for a wristwatch, 'Pulp Fiction' is never, ever dull. It carries a hefty running time (more than two-and-a-half hours), but we're constantly kept on our toes and immersed with the character Tarantino has zeroed in on. His writing here is fantastic, each line of dialogue delivered with calm confidence and each story developed with thrilling style.
There's an abundance of fantastic performances to be admired within 'Pulp Fiction'. John Travolta's Vincent, Uma Thurman's Mia, Bruce Willis' Butch, Ving Rhames' Marsellus, Tim Roth's Ringo. But perhaps none more compelling and crackling than Samuel L. Jackson's Jules. His is the highlight of Tarantino's picture, a commanding role and fascinating character in search for redemption and a new outlook on life. When all is said and done, his story will still resonate most powerfully. It all goes back to Quentin Tarantino's immense ability to tell a story that not only keeps audiences entertained but has a purpose and destination. A great, great film that will leave an unforgettable impression you'll be itching to relive again.
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