Inglorious Basterds – Mike C’s Take
“You probably heard we ain’t in the prisoner-takin’ business; we in the killin’ Nazi business…”, 
Before I get this review started, I must confess that I saw “Inglourious Basterds” twice in one weekend. This is something that has NEVER happened to me. Rarely do I even see a movie twice while it’s still playing in theatres no matter how good it is. I saw this Tarantino epic (it most certainly is epic, I kid you not) a second time with only a day separating my first viewing.
If there is one thing certain about Quentin Tarantino, it is this: He plays by nobody’s rules but his own. He could care less if you end up loving or hating a flick of his. And while there will most certainly be those who will detest the “Basterds” in every way, there will be those who will fall head-over-heels for it. Filled with great acting, excellent story and pacing, trademark Tarantino humor and at times over-the-top violence that can only be fitting for an epic such as this, “Inglourious Basterds” is an unforgettable experience.
Without giving too much away, I will be as brief as possible when it comes to the story. Seriously, the less you know the more surprising and fulfilling it will be. As the first chapter states, “Once upon a time in Nazi-occupied France,” a group of Jewish-American soldiers called “The Basterds” are exacting revenge on any and all Nazis they encounter. Brad Pitt is the leader of this outfit and he has made clear that no mercy is to be shown to them and that they are not in this to take prisoners. The Nazis must be shown the exact same horror and violence that they themselves have inflicted on others. A Jewish woman loses her entire family at the hands of the Nazis and when she comes to own a movie theater some years later, she surprisingly gets an opportunity for some retribution and revenge.
Now, I know from my brief synopsis, it sounds like a mindless revenge thriller bent on non-stop action and carnage. Hell, even the trailers present the film in such a light, but I can promise you that this is not the case. The film is much more story and character oriented. In fact, what you’ll find more in this movie is maddening tension. What can appear to be an innocent conversation can immediately transform into something more sinister. The opening scene, which I will not explain what happens, is a great example of how tense Tarantino can make it with very little action. The writing is confidently crafted, and the movie also plays like a foreign film since there are a lot of subtitles–but please, do not let that scare you away. Brad Pitt is humorous and perfect for the role of “Lt. Aldo Raine.” Christoph Waltz who plays “Col. Hans Landa” definitely deserves an Academy Award nomination for his outstanding portrayal of somebody who is so evil, and yet so terrifyingly calm and well mannered for the most part.
“Inglourious Basterds” gets my vote of being the best film of ’09 so far, and it’s hard for me to imagine finding another movie that will top it. It may not be for everyone, but it’s for sure an experience you’ll most likely not forget no matter what your overall feelings towards the film is in the end. It is long and there is a lot of dialogue, but once you see it as a whole you’ll realize it couldn’t have been done any other way. If you’re looking for a non-stop action extravaganza, you will be disappointed. An action extravaganza, this is not… this is a film, and a confident and daring one at that! One of the best times I’ve had in a theater in years!
