Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill”) yet again brings the gore and greatness in “Inglourious Basterds a historically re-written account of the Third Reich. Because of the brutal nature of this film, Tarantino’s latest release is an adrenaline-fueled action ride – but one that balances emotion and humor. It’s obvious from the brilliant first scene that this is an over-the-top and unrealistic beat-’em-up film. In almost any other situation, excessive violence like that in Inglourious Basterds” would seem sadistic. In the case of killing Nazis though it seems justified to some degree. The violence aside “Basterds” is technically well made and very original. More importantly it is just plain fun.
Brad Pitt (“Benjamin Button”) stars as Lieutenant Aldo Raine a slightly insane but loveable character who leads a band of vigilantes against the Nazi regime. Entering Nazi-occupied France his group of bandits known as the “Basterds quickly spreads fear throughout the Third Reich.
Featuring unmerciful slaughter whenever and wherever it gets the chance is the essence and heart of this film. Although violent and somehow-hilarious murders are morally depraved on so many levels, the audience will find themselves rooting for the Basterds as they depart on their quest to dismantle the Nazi regime.
One example in particular reveals the ridiculous nature of the Basterds’ actions. After capturing a convoy of Nazis, the Basterds kill all but two. Lieutenant Raine then gives the colonel a chance to live if he provides vital information about the location of other Nazis. He refuses; a scene follows where the Bear Jew” (one of the Basterds) viciously beats the colonel to death with a metal bat.
The cinematography leaves nothing to the imagination. The whole movie is like this not to mention that the Basterds scalp every Nazi they kill thus allowing the audience to groan simultaneously in disgust and sadistic pleasure at the bloody brains of the deceased Nazis.Another plot sequence follows a young lady named Shosanna Dreyfus (Melanie Laurent) who barely escapes with her life after witnessing the execution of her family by the Nazis. Clever and full of vengeful anger her character is quite an intriguing one and her rightful indignation diffuses to the audience. One cannot help but rooting for her in the same way as for the Basterds. Once the two plot sequences intertwine the real fun begins.
The strength of “Inglourious Basterds” lies in the acting. Brad Pitt for one was phenomenal. Not only was he quirky and remarkable but he was truly hilarious. There are many scenes where Pitt is the comic relief such as the part where he attempts to pass himself off as an Italian knowing about three words of that language and making a gigantic fool of himself.
Pitt is grand but the best acting of the film belongs to Christopher Waltz who plays the role of Colonel Hans Landa more infamously referred to as the “Jew Hunter.” Frightening humorous and powerful Waltz commands the screen in every scene he is in. In essence he makes the perfect antagonist.
Although it occasionally drags on through unnecessary scenes “Basterds” was great nonetheless. Creative and artistic this film was well made in most aspects especially with regards to the action and well-acted characters. Surprisingly the comedy was fantastic too. In the end this is a fun movie that will have your heart pounding. It makes the audience wish this were the way history happened.
Quentin Tarantino has directed a passel of original and inventive action films known for their dead-pan comedy and cartoonish cinematography. But Lieutenant Raine’s boast about his mutilation of the Nazis also alludes to Tarantino: “This may just be my masterpiece.”