Film Class: B
Genre: Action Drama
My only complaint about this film, is that the title is an absolute turnoff. Even though there's a pretty darn good reason for it, it metaphorically refers to the transformation of the black male protagonist (Jamie Foxx), Django turning from slave into a kickass cowboyish bounty hunter, the title lacked the coolness rampant in the movie, even more disguised by the cheesy-looking poster. Hmm... is that 2 complaints then?
Quentin Tarentino's movies are slowly, but surely, gaining the respect of the mainstream audience. His previous films used to be on the senseless gore charts, excessive unnecessary brutality and his trademark blood splatters. Not that I'm complaining, because most of the time the exaggerated blood splatter scenes added twisted comic relief, but has an adverse effect of making his movies seem less brainy.
I feel that he has dumped some of his old styles behind to fine-tune those which better attract a wider audience. I've caught many of his films, my first being his From Dawn to Dust (he wasn't a director but was one of the writers and actors), when he was still a fairly unknown (to me) name in the movie industry. For crying out loud, I didn't even know about his Pulp Fiction only after a few years later, and had to study a bit of him in my film appreciation class. Tarentino's filming styles are more distinct and pretty unique compared to most other directors, he sure isn't a Blockbuster-type director, but an artsy one.
Can't believe I've spent 2 whole paragraphs on him without even reviewing the movie proper, but bottomline is, if you're one who is familiar with his style, you more or less know what to expect. Unlike his previous films where there's a big twist in the storylines, and where the good and bad guys switch roles and vice versa, Django Unchained's plot is more "stable" and more conventional. *major spoilers ahead* The kicker lies in wiping off some of the main characters, somewhat similar to Inglourious Basterds, so for first time viewers, there's still a little "twist" in there, provided you're not already reading this post.
Christoph Waltz is now officially one of my favourite actors. He was able to match his Inglourious Basterds stellar acting, this time more of a hero than his usual villainous roles. Jamie Foxx still didn't impress me that much, but was one of his better performances, and as for Leonardo DiCaprio, I feel such injustice that he hasn't won an oscar for his unparalleled performance. Leonardo DiCaprio is such a cream of the crop versatile actor that I don't think he has ever failed in any of his roles. And to show that to the world, he has taken the role as a villian this time round... and he was absolute badass.
I read a couple of trivia on imdb before viewing it, which kinda enhanced the movie experience. I kept a look out for the "original Django", Leonardo's bloody hands, and Jamie Foxx's horse. In brief, for you lazy folks out there, the title and setting of this movie was inspired by a 1966 film Django, and the original Django actor Franco Nero cameoed in this, with him asking what Jamie Foxx's name was, to recieve a reply "Django" spelt out, and Jamie informing him that the "D" is silent. And Franco Nero said "I know". Such a deceivingly scripted easter egg reference for those in the know.
When Leonardo DiCarpo exposed Christoph Waltz and Jamie Foxx plan, he smashed a glass, and was really bleeding. However he chose to ignore it and stayed in character. And finally for Jamie Foxx, he was riding on his own horse, and there was even a display of his own horse tricks.
Django Unchained has a fairly predictable storyline, but I love how it's clearly broken down into different major scenes and features different showcases of the cast. From the start the focus was on Christoph Waltz, about how he freed Django and taught him the ropes. We get to understand him better, and once the director's "mission" of doing so was completed, the focus shifted to Jamie Foxx, about him rescuing his wife from a ruthless plantation owner. That's when Leonardo comes into the picture (about midway in the film) and steals the limelight. Next in line, was Samuel L. Jackson, Leonardo's loyal senior house slave. Samuel L. Jackson was also hilariously exchanging spiting lines with Django.
All in all, it was an absolute delight to watch these veteren, highly acclaimed actors on screen, all in one non-blockbuster-like movie. Kerry Washington, Django's wife's acting looked so amateurish in comparison with these powerhouses.
The plot, though simple, touched on a sensitive topic, in a professional, entertaining manner in which only Quentin Tarentino could pull off without offending his audience.
With loads of hilarious punch lines, unexpected cameos (did I mention Jonah Hill and Quentin Tarentino was in as well?), star studded cast, edge-of-your-seats mood setters (cos' you'll be sitting in anticipation of sudden gun draws), old school cowboyish cinematography/film style with old school OST and the director's trademark blood splatters, this movie would easily make its way into anyone's top 10 list who appreciates good ol' cinema. Intense, yet light-hearted, and highly entertaining. Django Unchained is a must-watch for 2013!
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