A knockout debut from Quentin Tarantino.

Rating: 10/10 (22 April 2003)

First things first lets drop the argument that "Reservoir Dogs" is a blatant copy of Ringo Lam's "City on Fire." While Quentin Tarantino outright steals some concepts, ultimately "Reservoir Dogs" its own kind of animal. Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs" is a dramatically better film; "City on Fire" is a gritty, but ultimately forgettable film that has suppressed potential. "Reservoir Dogs" takes the suppressed potential of a story about friendship that develops between two characters on opposite sides of the world--a common theme in Hong Kong cinema--see John Woo's cult classics: "A Better Tomorrow 1 & 2","The Killer", "Hard Boiled--and mixes it with Tarantino's now cliche to praise dialogue.
The dialogue is what makes the film sublime; the dialogue features a myriad of quotable lines: the diamond speech, the madonna monologue, the rapport between Mr. White (Keitel) and Mr. Blonde (Micheal Madsen). The film feels fresh not because it is gritty, and violent; the film takes a genre which is innately violent, and infuses it with witty dialogue. It gives it's characters an arc not usually associated with crime films: Cynical character's who talk about day to day pop culture s**t, albeit it is a bit more vulgar--they're gangsters after all.
The film doesn't just rely on dialectical laurels; the film also features a non-linear narrative which puts a refreshing spin on the typical beginning, and end archetype. These flashbacks allow the viewer to piece together the heist; basically giving the viewer a chaotic feeling much like the films characters. It also allows for some entertaining dialogue: the conversation between Mr. White and Mr. Pink discussing the psychotic Mr. Blonde going trigger-happy at the bank. Their discussion paints a menacing picture in our heads; so when Mr. Blonde is finally revealed we realize his subtle, malevolent nuances. Speaking of Mr. Blonde his torture scene is one of the most gruesome, and hilarious scenes--he listens to Steve Miller Band's "Stuck in the Middle with You"--ever filmed
"Reservoir Dogs" is a film about witty gangsters, who seem to have a bad bout with lady bad luck. The films mix of kinetic dialogue, ferocious filming style, and perfect choice of 70's pop music creates a film wholly it's own. Do yourself a favor, and see the film that jump started Quentin Tarantino's successful career.