The fourth film by Quentin Tarantino titled: "Kill Bill," made in 2003. One of Tarantino's ("Pulp Fiction") best films, in my humble opinion, to date. What makes it so great, you ask? Good Question, I was just about to tell you.
What Is Likeable About "Kill Bill"
This series is a series of many mysteries, many questions, and many ass-kicking moments. Just the pleasure of watching this film gives me joy. You can screencap any scene, and it is unquestionably beautiful to look at. This film is, in many ways, what changed the directing landscape on how movies could be made. Bringing in these ideas of what could be done differently than the usual action-packed films that were out.
You had your “Iron Man’s” and your “Spider-Man’s,” but nothing was as cinematic as "Kill Bill." Nothing told a story as beautiful as "Kill Bill." Nothing that showed that a film does not have to go forward to backward for it to be a watchable film. Tarantino made it to where he got other directors thinking, “well, I could start from the ending and then backtrack on how they got there." It brought out these ideas aforementioned to expand upon in many different ways.
Just the pleasure of watching this film and watching it be directed in the way it was is incredible. There are many reasons why this film goes down as one of the best of the day; and, on top of that, why it goes down as one of the best series’ overall with just two volumes under its belt.
The Characters (And Actors Who Play Them)
So, let's talk a little about the Pussy Wagon's one and only, Bride.
"Pulp Fiction's" Uma Thurman is The Bride. She is a goddess, for many reasons; however, in this film, particularly, she is a goddess as well. She plays that kick-ass Bride so well that I want her to kick Bills ass; and, she does just that.
However, before I knew that - I wanted her to find him and kick his ass. She kicked everyone’s ass to get to Bill; I would say that is a win. Also, how cool is that yellow outfit she has on? I mean, can we get one of those in 2017?
She plays the damsel in distress Bride well, and then she plays the "I am going to kick your ass" damsel in distress well, too. Overall, her performance is what made me adore this movie as much as I do now. She was the highlight of the film.
"Charlie's Angels" Lucy Liu (pictured in the image above with Uma) is O-Ren Ishii. Absolutely gorgeous always and all the time. I loved her in "Charlie's Angels" because she just works perfectly in roles where she is kicking someone's ass. This was no exception. Her backstory also had the comic-esque trope, which will be talked about later.
"Two Can Play That Game's" own Vivica A. Fox has never done any wrong towards me. Playing Vernita Green and never backing down, I aspired to be her in this film. One of my favorite roles she has ever had among many others. She dies early on, but she does have that kick-ass, sassy, attitude I love from characters in films like this. Always a pleasure to see her in this already strong cast.
There are other big names in this film such as Daryl Hannah as Elle Driver, Chiaki Kuriyama as Gogo Yubari, David Carradine as Bill, Michael Madsen as Budd, and so much more to name. The cast is incredibly powerful.
Speaking of Elle Driver (Hannah, pictured in the first image above), she whistles the theme song of "Kill Bill" We all know it, we all love it, and if ringtones were still a thing - I would make it my ringtone. After you watch this film, it will never be able to leave your head.
Gogo is one kickass character - I cannot express how badass she is in this film because I feel I would do not justice to her badassery. Let's just say she has a chain with a huge spiked ball on the end, and she works magic with it. A ton of magic with it. It's beautiful.
A Comic Book-Esque Feel?
This film also has a comic book-esque trope to it. One of the other reasons why it is beautiful to watch. I am an avid fan of comic books and coming from a film that was not a comic book beforehand that chose to use that trope; I was in love with it.
You do not often see films taking that trope on purpose. It was one of the rare things when writing and directing, but Tarantino did it and did it well. It resembled an Anime style.
The Subtle Black And White Scenes
It often goes in black and white which adds to that comic style trope. Seeing some of these action-packed scenes in black and white is a ride.
It makes you wonder why Tarantino chose to make certain scenes black and white and why. After this black and white was used, but sparingly in films and even prior to this; so, what was going through this mind using that change in coloring.
The Deadly Viper Assassin Squad
Granted they were terrible people, but they were quite the squad. "The Bride" killed them all, but at the end of the day, they pulled a good fight. Each one of them was some incredible people to battle against. The bride did it, but it was not easy - that much she and I both can agree on.
Why Is It The Best?
Tarantino has done for films, what David Lynch has done for television. A legendary person doing what he is meant to be doing. I know a lot take "Kill Bill" with a grain of salt.
It is a film, and for most, it may not be as memorable as others; however, give this gem a rewatch and tell me it is not breathtaking. The picture isn't as sharp and picturesque as films are these days, but somehow this film works just fine aging that way. It ages well.
Just watching the film and watching the production, you cannot help but sit in awe of what it did. This was in 2003. Well before production and direction were even in their prime. That shows something. And, it shows something great.
