Tarantino delivers modern grindhouse film with Kill Bill: Volume 1

By Cameron Farmer

Once again, Quentin Tarantino delivers moviegoers with another work of original cinema. Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a unique action- packed fury of sword play and smart cinematography.

This explicit movie is fast paced and not for the faint of heart. The story is about a sword-wielding character played by Uma Thurman called ‘the Bride.’ She seeks revenge against her former lover and employer Bill, played by David Carradine, along with his vicious gang of killers named the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad which are played by Daryl Hannah, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox and Michael Madsen.

Much of this film consists of excellent yet extremely graphic swordplay. The martial arts choreography is superb and special effects, such as limbs being dismembered, are convincing if not exaggerated. The film as a whole is wonderfully made. Various camera tactics are successfully intermingled and there is even a Japanese anime-style sequence, which is visually stunning and disturbing. In this film, Tarantino uses familiar tactics.

The plot is not chronological and the audience is made to adjust to the shifting of events. This technique is aided by numerous title and scene introductions throughout the course of the movie. The soundtrack includes eclectic music from the past as well as original music composed by the RZA, which really enhances the mood of the film.

Kill Bill is a blend of movie styles from kung fu to western, with a very Quentin Tarantino spin. In this movie he pays homage to the diverse cinema he has absorbed over the past thirty-five years. References from 70s TV shows to kung fu films can be found all through the movie.

Some might argue that this film is just a clever way of glorifying violence and it may be so; but if an original plot, in an original style, loaded with kick-ass martial arts is what the moviegoer is looking for, Kill Bill: Volume 1 is exactly what they want. The second and final volume can de expected to have a different mood and tone as well as the confrontation between the Bride and the infamous Bill.

Cardinal Grade: A-