"Kill Bill"

Let me start off by saying that I love both volumes of "Kill Bill." They are among my favorite movies of all time. Let me also say that I believe these movies to be Tarantino's best movies. Yes, I know people love and revere "Pulp Fiction." I do to. Yes, I know so many people are high on "Inglorious Basterds." I'm still not decided on it. But I don't think any of Tarantino's movies are more him, more who he is, than "Kill Bill." It is true, I do not know the man* and I could be very wrong, but in every interview I see with him, every behind the scenes with him, I see this movie as being the best representation of who he is. Now, that alone is not enough to make a movie great, but when you have a filmmaker who is able to pour not just a bit of him or herself into a movie he or she is creating, but a larger portion, maybe even a full portion, I feel you have a greater chance at creating something special. And "Kill Bill" is special. Perhaps one of the most helpful aspects of the two volumes is the use of the chapter format. Each chapter is so unique with a different feel and emotion to it. One chapter you're watching an over-the-top, cheesy, kung-fu movie; the next you're watching dramatic tension build in an intimate setting; soon you're watching an epic, serious, and genuine kung-fu movie; following you're watching an entirely anime sequence; finally you are rewarded with an emotional, satisfying, and incredible finale to an amazing story of revenge. Each unique chapter is an integral part of telling the story of the Bride seeking her revenge on Bill and it is woven together beautifully. It is true that there are deficiencies. Does Uma Thurman portray the best martial arts? No. But when it cuts to black and white and she faces off against the Crazy 88, you forget that completely and can't help but love every minute of it. Does Vivica A. Fox portray a stereotypical black woman of sass and attitude with Uma Thurman? Yes. But it makes her fight with Uma Thurman even better and an even greater contrast when she talks to her daughter. Does this movie have enough Lucy Liu in it? No. But when she is in it, she is an absolute scene thief. Is it sometimes over-the-top to the extreme? Of course! But that's what makes it so incredible! The Bride's acquiring of a Hanzo sword! Her training with Pai Mei! Her seeking of O-Ren and final battle! Her face-off with Elle! Her epic pursuit of Bill! David Carradine as Bill! His Superman speech! I'm seriously freaking out and need to watch these movies again right now! I feel that I could keep going on and on, but I won't except for a few last remarks. One thing I've liked about Tarantino is how great he is at using pre-existing songs in movies perfectly. Even when it's a song you don't think fits, you can't imagine a better song in it's place. I have complained before that Tarantino has a style that is very much his own and that he doesn't seem to expand on that, but luckily his style fits these movies perfectly. These movies are filled with so many memorable moments,** memorable characters,*** and memorable lines**** that fit together and work together perfectly, adding up to a pair of memorable movies.

*Seriously, true story, I do not know Quentin Tarantino personally.

**Esteban.

***Esteban.

****Esteban.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266697/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0378194/