Rated R for strong graphic violence, language and brief sexuality
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Starring Brad Pitt, Eli Roth…
How do I explain Inglourious Basterds?
Hmmmmmm.
Two words: Quentin Tarantino.
Good enough?
Okay… maybe that’s not descriptive enough. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the works of Quentin, the director of Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, and Kill Bill… that might not mean much. But if you’ve seen any of those films, you might know what to expect: brilliant dialogue, an exceptionally creative and original storyline, and plenty of violence, blood and bad language.
Quentin is truly brilliant. He’s also void of moral character. The result? A remarkably creative R-rated film.
Brad Pitt is great, as always. If you’ve seen a preview, then you’ve heard his line: “You probably heard we ain't in the prisoner-takin' business; we in the killin' Nazi business. And cousin, Business is a-boomin'.”
Inglourious Basterds (misspelled by the filmmakers on purpose) is a dark comedy that takes place during World War II. Some might say that the lead characters are the violent mob of Nazi killers known as the Inglourious Basterds. But in actuality, the German “bad guys” are given more screen time. Tarantino allows us to see from a handful of perspectives: a German “Jew Killer,” a band of Nazi killers, as well as French and German civilians and the resistance. The film is in English, but French and German are spoken frequently (subtitled). As in all Tarantino films, the characters are brought to life with realistic, enticing dialogue, this time, in all three languages.
The opening scene was amazing. No special effects, nothing fancy, just enthralling dialogue. As the story unfolded, I never once looked at my watch. I laughed, I flinched… and flinched again, and again, and again… Interestingly, as I exited the theatre I don’t know exactly how I felt. My first reaction was that the film was just “okay.” A mere “rental” by my review standards. But the next day certain scenes came back to mind. I found myself talking about the film with others. Inglorious Basterds definitely had that Tarantino charm… and sting.
As much as I’d love to give the film a higher score, I’m going to go with my “theatre exit” hunch. The film is a mere “Rental.” Quentin will forever be a creative genius who soils his work with over-the-top violence and immitatable behavior.
Maybe it was subliminal for me—seeing Eli Roth on the screen. Eli Roth (director of the Hostel films and Cabin Fever), as a director is always excessively violent and perverse. Perhaps his role in Inglorious Basterds as Sgt. Donny Donowitz, the most violent killer in the bunch, may have not been acting at all.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Nope. Two words: Quentin Tarantino. Not only over-the-top violence, but a needless 3 second shot of two people having sex.
Side Note:
As said above, we don’t recommend your kids see this film. But on the occasion that they actually have already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
