The story is set in 1858 Texas as a dentist turned bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz) rescues a slave from a chain gang (Jamie Foxx) in order to help him find three wanted men. Much of the ensuing story is based on the rescue of Foxx’s slave wife (Kerry Washington) from a notorious plantation in Mississippi which is run by a notorious young master, (Leonardo DiCaprio).
One word can describe this movie: “Entertaining.” And that’s what movies are all about. The next word would be “Captivating” because you are glued to the characters and the story from beginning to end. It is an outstanding motion picture with all the elements; Action, suspense, romance, good guys versus bad guys, heroes and villains, history and passion.
The next word would be “Raw.” Director Quentin Tarantino holds no bars in depicting slavery and white supremacy in its worst of days.
But it is not a movie for everyone. If you are offended by the “N” word, don’t see this movie. It’s part of the dialogue in every scene, by every character, black and white. It’s the way it was. And if you can’t stand gore and bloodshed, you might want to turn your head in some scenes, or…just stay home.
Tarantino is a movie-making genius, as are the actors that play in challenging, sometimes amusing, roles. The director even appears in one scene, but you have to know him to pick him out.
Yes, there are shootings and killings galore, which I often rail about in my reviews of bullets flying, cars crashing, glass breaking, nonsensical and gratuitous violence. But, somehow it all fits in this story, much of which will surprise you.
Because of the movie’s daring to be politically incorrect, it’s not likely to win any awards, though it should. Every actor was superb, including Samuel L. Jackson – who I didn’t recognize at first…and neither will you.
The movie is two and a half hours. But you’d never know it.
For pure entertainment value, I give it 8 1/2 out of 10.
A couple links that you might find of interest.
Click here: ‘Django’ an unsettling experience for many blacks – latimes.com
Click here: Django Unchained (2012) – IMDb
I agree with Marshall. It is an entertaining movie, but if the use of the word “nigger” bothers you, stay home. According to a professional review I read, the word is used 115 times in this movie. It’s used in every conceivable construct; but, I suspect it is accurate for the time period.
It is also cast with about a dozen big name stars doing cameo roles, some for only a few minutes. You will not recognize many of them and will have to watch the early credits at the end to see who they were.
The real star of the movie is not Jammie Fox, who has the lead role, but Christopher Waltz, who plays the dentist turned bounty hunter. He is a very talented actor who is absolutely wonderful in this movie. Samuel L. Jackson is also very good, demonstrating some acting talent I never suspected. It isn’t that Fox isn’t good. He is. He is arguably the lead character; but, Waltz, Jackson and Leonardo DiCaprio shine.
Another word of caution. The shoot out at the end is over the top. I’ve never seen so many people killed by so few in such a bloody display of carnage.
I disagree with Marshall in one respect. I suspect there will be some academy award nominations for this movie. Some of the performances are just that good.
From what I’ve read, the ‘Subject of Slavery’ is the main theme and background for this entire movie, and always brings to mind the human bondage in the tobacco fields of Virginia, and later the wealth of cotton plantation owners of our southern states.
Our early colonial history necessarily holds the stain of slavery before and after the Revolutionary War, where the genius of our founding fathers crafted laws that led to Abe Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclaimation in 1863, in the middle of the Civil War, and the deadly body-count of over 600,000 fatalities on both sides; and most of them were Caucasian casualties.
When authors, or movie makers portray the history of slavery, I believe it necessary to
include the factual details of the grim suffering of all races – not just the negro race.
Also, the factual history of slavery is traceable… back to the Continent of Africa, and the ancient times of King Hammurabi’s Code in Babylonia in 1800 B.C.
It’s seems necessary to remind those that point the finger of blame at the “white man”
that the uglyness of slavery did not originate here in North America, and that greedy and lustful slave-traders are still in business elsewhere… in the 21st Century. – reb
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You are correct. Muslim slave ships were doing big business trading their black slaves. They also forced countries to give them money to keep from having their ships plundered. If it weren’t for Pres. Thomas Jefferson who said, “No way,” and faced down the Muslim slavers/extortionists, we’d still be paying them.
These last two comments are accurate and interesting as they relate to history, but have little to do with the movie. What did you two think of the movie?
I don’t have the desire or the time to go to the movies; not qualified to analyse them.
I do trust Marshall’s mature opinions. – reb
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Ralph E, all of us make the time to do the things that are important to us. When you say you don’t have the time to do something, you are saying more about your system of priorities than whatever the subject might be. Going to the movies is not important to you, which raises the question: why post comments on a blog that is specifically about a movie review? This is not a criticism; it’s just an observation.
Sir d.gill 3.000,
When Marshall sees fit to publish anything, there’s something of value, I read, and I learn… and there are valid reasons why I no longer sit through a two-hour movie.
* I do not like the blaring audio of the movie house, and I have a hearing loss!
* I”m responsible 24/7 for a wife with Alz (for 10 yrs) + meds 4 X a day, + our meals.
* I do research-to inform, help others understand – see ‘Muslim Brotherhood “Project”
* I watch old ‘Turner Classic Movies’… plus CNN and FOX News Channel – for News.
* Six Yrs On This Computer… Now, I’m an Amatuer Journalist! I Comment on 2 Blogs!
* Really Enjoy Marshall’s Blog… also ~~ > Debbie Hamilton’s RightTruth..Try it! – reb
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http://www.lazyonebenn.blogspot.com < ~~ Click it… scroll down 3 to Link Page.
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Sir d.gill – I do believe the title of “DJANGO” was the actual name of a Slave…
and the subject of human bondage is of particular interest to me, as I have read much about the King Hammurabi Code (1800 B.C.) the first known Legal Code (Law) in man’s history… and how that ancient legal code dealt with slavery in those days… and etched on a 7 ft black hunk of granite, and displayed at famous ‘The Louvre’ in Paris, France.
>>
Just saw on the FNC (FOX NEWS) that the DJANGO movie placed 2nd in some review, ahead of Les Miserables at 3rd Place. (To each his own preferance). – reb
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Ralph E, I would put Django ahead of Les Miserables too. Less Miserables was a huge disappointment for me and my wife. None of the characters, except Ann Hathaway, had more than passable voices. They were actors trying to sing, rather than singers trying to act. The consequence was that the music was not very good. Also, they sang every word in the movie. I much prefer they speak the dialog and sing songs. It sounds so artificial to hear them sing meaningless phrases that pass for dialog. On a scale of 1-10, I would give Les Miserables a barely passable 5. Unfortunately, I’m sure the arty hollywood crowd will rate it much higher and give them a bundle of academy award nominations. As for sheer entertainment, Django was much better.