8 on a scale of 10

Rating: 8/10 (23 October 2004)

This was not far from a 9 rating, but the primary reason I couldn't go with a 9 was that it was just too violent - and not in a sexy way (Godfather or brilliant caper). It was a simple robbery that went bad. However, the story is brilliantly told.
Instead of starting out at the beginning and going chronologically, it meanders back and forth between time lines. The bulk of the movie takes place in about a two hour period immediately after the robbery. The acting was also brilliant. The direction sensational.
I have to comment on Michael Madsen. He was truly evil - one of the more sadistic performances I have ever seen.
SPOILER: Perhaps the most unique thing about the movie was that no one lived. Everyone of them died in the end - some of them at the hands of their own gang. This was a clever and exceptionally well-made film. If you like violence, you might give it a 10. Even if you hate violence, I can't see less than a 7. A real masterpiece. Congratulations to Quentin Tarantino.