History buffs and Bubbies beware, Inglorious Basterds is no Schindler’s List. Quentin Tarintino’s latest conquest is a World War II movie with neither cinematic nor historical bounds.
The movie follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers who have been assigned by the government to “Do one thing, and one thing only: Kill Nat-Zees.” This quote is repeated by Aldo Rainn, Brad Pitt’s character in the film and the leader of the infamous Basterds. Pitt’s rag-tag group of soldiers is given the order to kill and scalp (yes, scalp means what you think it means) one hundred Nazis. Meanwhile, over the pond, the Germans have enlisted Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz) to hunt down all the Jews who remain hidden in the French countryside. Paths eventually cross in an explosively exciting way when the German government decides to have a movie premier full of Third-Reich high rollers at a closeted Jew’s small theatre in France.
Tarentino, who is known for his non-linear movie timelines, Mexican stand-offs and out of control gore still sticks to his dogma in Inglorious Basterds. However, the movie has a different feel than his other projects: it has less drag-along monologues and more high strung tension than ever. Less tolerant moviegoers may have trouble sitting still during the 153-minute film, but the ridiculously surprising ending and sharp dialogue are enough to keep a viewer in his or her seat. Although the women of the film, Melanie Warrant as the revenge hungry theatre owner and Diane Kruger as Bridget Von Hammersmark, a German movie star with a dark secret, are cinema gold, Chrisoph Waltz takes the cake as the best actor in the film. He speaks fluently in four languages throughout the film, and his malicious character is enough to give you over two hours of chills.
No audience member should enter the theatre expecting a sidesplitting comedy or a grimly serious WWII flick, but a refreshing blend of the two. Also, keep an eye out for cameos by the unexpectedly mustachioed Mike Myers and “The Office’s” excellent BJ Novak. Though a little lengthy, Inglorious Basterd’s genius dialogue, first class acting and nail biting suspense will not only keep you in your seat, but on the edge of it.
Loading ...