Rated R for strong graphic violence, language and brief sexuality.
153 Minutes
Written and Directed By: Quentin Tarantino
Staring: Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, Eli Roth, Michael Fassbender, Diane Kruger, Daniel Bruhl, Til Schweiger, Gedeon Burkhard, Jacky Ido, Omar Doom, and B.J. Novak
You probably heard we ain’t in the prisoner-takin’ business; we in the killin’ Nazi business. And cousin, Business is a-boomin’. -Lt. Aldo Raine
Review: 
Inglourious Basterds was a pure and simple masterpiece. To me it isn’t even debatable that this has been the best movie I have seen in 2009, and even more so probably my second favorite film ever made by Quentin Tarantino . It was that good. From the moment you see his name and hear his soundtrack play you know you are in for something special. Why can’t other film makers be so distinct in who they are and their point of view? Nobody makes films like QuentinTarantino, and his adoration for the movies themselves comes across in spades in each creation he deems us worthy of sharing.
Christoph Waltz was a scene stealer. He was fascinating. He was a cold blooded tactical and maniacal killer with the most impeccable manners. As vicious as he was it was amazing each time he entered the screen. Diane Kruger was more enigmatic and beautiful here than when she was supposed to be as Helen Of Troy as she was reunited with Brad Pitt. His role wasn’t an incredible stretch, but each moment he was on screen the movie seemed to get that much better. Somehow Pitt is smart enough to consistently pick roles for himself that are fascinating and memorable while elevating movies beyond levels they may have otherwise reached. His “Basterds” were a phenomenal cast as well. Each individual personality was distinct even though they weren’t given a plethora of screen time. Days later I’m still chuckling over the “Bear Jew” and the scene where they recruited aBasterd that had been jailed. The side story staring Melanie Laurent and Daniel Bruhl was a compelling piece of the tale that gave it a much needed depth.
Tarantino is well known for his unapologetic violence, and while Basterds definitely maintained a level of brutality and violence, it was also full of very focused scenes that mostly contained dialogue. The structure and the way it’s filmed is very unique to Tarantino’s style and may not necessarily appeal to others that aren’t already fans of his work, but I think it this may transcend past strictly Tarantino fans. His marks were there. Even though it’s a war themed time piece, there is no question who made this movie, but at the same time it’s so incredibly different than anything he has done before. This is the work of a movie genius.
The tension was insurmountable. Overwhelming moments of wondering who’s going to cave and when. It became totally unpredictable and since Tarantino never blinks at offing one or even ALL of his main characters everyone became expendable. The pacing isn’t typical, nor is anything else about this movie. All of this is in a positive nature. When I go to the movies this is the kind of film I want to see. It’s so rare to actually have your socks completely blown 
off that when they are it becomes difficult to convey that message to others, which is pretty much how I still feel days after my viewing. I just want to see it again and make everyone I know go to the theatre and see it now.
As usual I found myself laughing hysterically at scenes that under someone elses perspective may have seemed highly inappropriate. The last scene of the movie I’m sure I missed certain great lines because a character makes a pretty straight forward allusion to what is going to happen. Just utterly humorous. It might be a little grotesque humor, because like most ofTarantino’s movies it isn’t a comic movie, it just has moments to let you know it isn’t trying to win an Oscar or fall into the typical movie beats. The last line feels likeTarantino is speaking to you himself.
Watching a Quentin Tarantino movie is one of the greatest events a movie goer can have. Each of his films are so strikingly different, yet they all still have a common thread and feel about them. The personal touch of Tarantino’s personality reigns deeply in each of them. He goes down as one of the greatest film makers of all time. It’s a bold statement but one I have no problem arguing. There is something personal about his films, but also his own love and adoration of them that somehow bursts into each scene, each minuscule moment. Every detail feels like it was put together with love and the greatest respect and attention. This is what the movies is about. Go see Inglourious Basterds this instant.
LAMBScore
Yes, if a movie ever needed an extra bucket for the ranking this movie is it. As much as I loved District 9, this movie will be the one I remember at the end of the year, and this will be the movie that I buy on DVD the day it comes out. I’m going to see it again this week, so I can enjoy the dialog without stupid old redneck woman screaming at the screen.
Screaming at the screen? How and why?
Wow. A masterpiece, you say? Well, then, I shall see it forthwith!
I haven’t been impressed by Tarantino in the last few films I’ve seen of his but this one looks great. Just how much dialogue is in this one? That’s really the one thing that he can do either really well or very badly. It’s an up and down thing with me.
Just saw this yesterday and BEST movie of the year. Even better than District 9.
Hagi, some of the dialogue was questionable but the actors were superb so they compensated for any lack of greatness there.
I liked it better than Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown but so much as Kill Bill or Reservoir Dogs, but for sure up there.
It’s funny that you liked it better then Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown but less than Kill Bill or Reservoir Dogs because I like Pulp Fiction and loved Reservoir Dogs but didn’t like Jackie Brown and thought Kill Bill was alright.
I’m wondering where this will fit in my categories now! Although my man-crush on Brad Pitt will probably help this one! HAHAHA!
Your love affair with Brad Pitt won’t be hindered, if anything it will only grow. He is insane in this movie and will make you laugh your ass off.
Sweet! I’ll probably be checking this one out tonight since my girlfriend already saw District 9 and wasn’t impressed. Guess I’ll have to live with Brad Pitt tonight instead of weird talking aliens!
Going out on a limb….I’d say you kinda liked this film Heather
I completely agree that this is the best movie of 2009 so far. The Hurt Locker held my previous number 1 slot but “Basterds” not only bumped it from the spot, it blew it up. Great movie and great review!
Forget the Aliens and go see Basterds Hagi! That’s what I did. Totally intended on seeing D9, but went to IB instead. Well worth it, though I still want to see the weird aliens myself.
Thank you Reel To Reel! Love to hear someone share the enthusiasm!
Welcome back George! We haven’t heard from you in awhile!
Totally agree that this is one of the best movies of the year so far, though I still count PULP FICTION as QT’s best flick.
I also couldn’t agree more with you that this film is stacked with some absolutely tense scenes. There is a flow to them here that helps propel the overall story, compared to KILL BILL that felt like a collection of bloody plotlines.
Great review – though I’m not sure I would have revealed so many details of the actual plot. Didn’t bug me since I’d already seen it, but your post is rather spoilerific.
PS: If you’re interested, this is what
like my comment on another weblog review… This film should wait…. and I am also interested to be able to comment on this movie, but I have not seen it
search.. Read my comment too for another movie i’ve been watch in my site
I agree this is one of the better movies of the year. It was a surprisingly good summer though and the fall has been pretty exciting with a lot more good titles on the horizon.
Unfortunately, most of this films brilliance will be ignored by the Academy just as The Dark Knight was last year.