“You probably heard we ain’t in the prisoner-takin’ business; we in the killin’ Nazi business. And cousin, business is a-boomin’.”
Inglourious Basterds tells the story of a group of renegade militia-type characters called the “Inglourious Basterds” as they, as well as other allies, try to take down the Nazi Party and Adolf Hitler. In true Quentin Tarantino fashion, this is a World War 2 film like you’ve never seen. It’s been 10 years since Inglourious Basterds graced the big screen for the first time, and to this day, it remains one, if not the best, Tarantino film.
To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of Inglourious Basterds when I first saw it. I was a little put off by the unrealistic ending. I thought it was trying too hard, like Tarantino was the only person who could change the course of history. But in the times that I’ve watched Inglourious Basterds since, my appreciation and respect for Tarantino as a filmmaker has only increased with each viewing. Tarantino is able to create a non-linear story, which fits so well. Introducing character after character, but never feeling bogged down with the inclusion of so many, simultaneous, storylines. The film gives us violence, war, romance, and wild characters, all in this historical fiction piece. Not only that, but with this backdrop of war, and the stench of death in the air, the comedy flows naturally, and is so well blended that it doesn’t take away from the overall story. The acting is superb in this film, with Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Diane Kruger, and Mélanie Laurent, all giving some of the best performances of their career, and catapulting some of these actors to a level of more recognizable fame.
With Tarantino calling it quits after his 10th/next film, I believe that his retirement couldn’t have come at a better time, by concluding his filmmaking before having to change himself in this ever changing world. It’s hard to single out any Tarantino film as being “the best”. But if we must reduce this film to a rank, Inglourious Basterds definitely ranks in the top 3 of Tarantino films.
Inglourious Basterds
Written and Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Diane Kruger, and Mélanie Laurent
Rating:
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