What is it about?
A freed slave with the help of a German bounty hunter heads to Mississippi to save his wife from a notoriously brutal plantation owner.
Who is in it?
Jamie Foxx - Django
Christoph Waltz - Dr. King Shultz
Leonardo DiCaprio - Calvin Candie
Favorite Scene:
After being advised that Dr. Shultz and Django were only there for Django's wife, Broomhilda Von Shaft, Calvin becomes upset and begins sawing the dead skull of the man who raised his grandfather, his father, and himself to make a point.
Favorite Quote:
Dr. King Schultz: [aiming .45-70 rifle at fleeing Ellis Brittle] You sure that's him?
Django: Yeah.
Dr. King Schultz: Positive?
Django: I don't know.
Dr. King Schultz: You don't know if you're positive?
Django: I don't know what 'positive' means.
Dr. King Schultz: It means you're sure.
Django: Yes.
Dr. King Schultz: Yes, what?
Django: Yes, I'm sure that's Ellis Brittle.
[Schultz shoots Brittle off his horse]
Django: I'm positive he dead.
Review:
Django Unchained is a very, very good movie. As always, Quentin Tarantino delivers the goods with exceptional story telling through long and heavy dialogued scenes, quirky (yet very interesting) camera angles, and of course, your heavy dose of blood and guts.
The idea of pulling off a film depicting a hero out of a freed slave is an interesting one - something Tarantino should be applauded for attempting. When it comes to our shameful history, not many are willing to digest the details of what happened in the deep south, yet this film captured just that from the scenes, clothing and costumes, all the way to the precise language.
And speaking of language, I now see the concern and discussion when the film was released about the "N" word being used so loosely and so often. However, so were the times. Unfortunately, that's our history, and once again, Tarantino embraced it in the film to authenticate it without being PC. Kudos.
Where DU really shines is simply pure talent. Foxx. Waltz. DiCaprio. Samuel L. Jackson. Kerry Washington. All of them. Everyone. Just damn good. Seriously, just epic stuff. The acting made this film. Especially DiCaprio, who was really good in his role as Calvin Candie.
My only gripe? The ending felt a bit rushed. After several hours of buildup, it felt like the ending came about rather quickly. It just didn't seem as developed as the main plot. But just a minor complaint.
All in all, if you are able to set aside your unfomfortable nature regarding southern culture during the slave days in our country, the common use of the "N" word, and of course, some scenes of mass blood and gore, then you must see Django Unchained. Highly recommended.
Review: 5/5