Rating: 9 (Fantastic Classic)
Trailer:
Details: Quentin Tarantino's debut film as a director, hailed as one of the best independent films made of all time. Remember this movie is LOW budget, to the point where most of the actors had to wear their own clothes, and one guy even had to use his own car.
I finally watched it to see what all the hype was about. Filmed in 1992, the cast included:
Harvey Keitel - Mr White
Tim Roth - Mr Orange
Michael Madsen - Mr Blonde
Chris Penn - Nice Guy Eddie
Steve Buscemi - Mr Pink
Lawrence Tierney - Joe Cabot
Eddie Bunker - Mr Blue
Quentin Tarantino - Mr Brown
Plot: 5 complete strangers are employed and team up to rob a diamond retailer, but things go pear-shaped when one is suspected of being a police informant.
Review
I had always heard alot of things about this movie, people swearing at me when they find out I haven't seen it. So I went into this movie with alot of hype and expectations, which I hate because it usually means the movie disappoints me (like shitty Avatar did).
BUT I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!
This movie is a true classic, what it lacks in story and plot it makes up for in acting and Tarantino's unique filming!
Cinematography/Writing
This is classic Tarantino. His fragmented story telling and loong takes will hold your attention. Whilst other movies will constantly change locations and angles, Tarantino likes to keep the camera tracking without cutting for longer periods of time, and I really liked that.
In true Tarantino style there is blood, and like always ALOT OF BLOOD. I'm not talking horror movie ridiculous blood, but you've been warned! If you get squeamish or whatever you probably won't like some of the scenes. That being said, I don't care if I'm stereotyping, if you're a guy and you get grossed out by this grow some balls! (with the exception of 1 scene, which I'm sure you'll understand after you watch).
What I love MOST, is how every one of his movies have witty dialogue. He'll make his characters talk about shit that completely pointless and unrelated to the story, but the script will be written in a way that is sharp, interesting and somehow keeps you caring about what they're saying (especially in the opening).
Also I think Tarantino has the best ipod on Earth. The music he uses for this movie is completely OPPOSITE to what you would expect, but oh my god it works so well. Using 70's upbeat bubblegum pop and blues for a gangster film? Genius!
Acting
Man the cast for this movie was spot on. I can't imagine any other actors playing these particular characters. Harvey Keitel (Mr White) definitely shined for me, he is absolutely underrated. His violent outbursts and cool demeanour fully convinced me of his character, a cold blooded professional with a sense of morality.
Steve Buscemi (who I've only seen play weirdos in Adam Sandler movies) won my respect as Mr Pink "The Professional", who knew someone who played a character called "crazy eyes" would pull off a professional gangster like an absolute boss.
<---WHAT?! ---->
Who surprised me was Tarantino! Sure he only played a tiny character, but man he did well!
Finally Tim Roth, this must've been one of his first major films and he did extremely well. I've only seen this guy in the TV show "Lie to Me", but he impressed me with the variety of emotions he displayed in this movie.
Mood to be in
The most important thing before appreciating a movie is to be in the right mood. Don't expect fireworks or high fast paced action. This movie does have some action scenes, but when watching this just be appreciative of dialogue (lots of it), backstories and a build up to a climax. Get ready to appreciate a CLASSIC, not a modern hollywood bulletstorm. Professional criminals yeah!
What I didn't like
I think the only gripe I have is why Tarantino didn't let Tim Roth speak in his normal English accent. His accent kept drifting in and out it was kinda weird at some points!
SPOILERS. ONLY READ AHEAD AFTER YOU HAVE SEEN THE MOVIE!
Memorable Scenes
I also love the continuous shot which follows Mr Blonde outside to his car, and back into the warehouse. Going outside to the peaceful neighbourhood, little kids playing in the playground have no clue that just down the street, all this shit is hitting the fan in this warehouse.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mCfzQOyANk&feature=related
Also there's the legendary opening. There's no BIG BANG explosive opening, it's a slow engaging masterpiece of scriptwriting. My moving along quickly and talking about different things successively Tarantino grabs the attention of the viewer. Also check out Mr Orange being the first person to rat on Mr Pink for not tipping, this is actually supposed to foreshadow his identity as the informant!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyR4RK0LA_E
Another scene is the first action scene, Mr Pink blasting his way out. Whilst this was ridiculously short, it's so fast paced and slick, and really shows how much of a "professional" Mr Pink is. Also the scene is pretty much Grand Theft Auto for real, lol 2/3 stars?? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO23-EthGQ4
And then there's the final scene. I missed this small detail the first time. I thought Mr Pink got away with the diamonds, because he was the only one who acted like a professional. But turn up the volume and listen to the background sounds after he leaves, can you tell what REALLY happened??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c0FN8ajIlY
The scene where Mr White and Orange are talking in the car, the whole movie Orange is laughing along and comfortable in his surroundings. It is at this point onwards that he realises he's dealing with some real, cold blooded bastards. Watch the smile on Orange's face disappear slowly as White gets more brutal and brutal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al3CsTL2XDQ
This tension builds with the scene where White and Orange are getting away from the cops. Poor Mr Brown dies here. But as Mr White kills the cops, the look on Mr Orange's face just shows how he can't take seeing all these innocent people die and not being able to do anything about it. Also when Mr Orange kills the woman, the close up on his face looking like he's about to cry really got me, he's killed someone he as a cop has sworn to protect.
Anyways I hope you guys enjoyed this review, comments and feedback would be great. This is my first one so I'm still getting the hang of all this, they should get better as we go along :)
This is one hell of a movie!
