Quentin Tarantino's acclaimed war film Inglourious Basterds airs tonight on Film4 at 9pm, offering viewers a chance to watch what many consider a masterpiece of World War II cinema. The 2009 black comedy, starring Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger and Daniel Bruhl, presents an alternative history of two conspiracies to eliminate Nazi Germany's leadership at a Parisian cinema.
Plot and Cast
The film follows American officer Aldo Raine, played by Brad Pitt, who leads a squad of Jewish American soldiers into occupied France on a mission to kill as many Nazis as possible. Their plot intertwines with that of Shosanna Dreyfus, a French Jewish cinema owner seeking revenge for her family's murder. The climax takes place at the premiere of a Nazi propaganda film, attended by Adolf Hitler himself.
Christoph Waltz won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of SS Colonel Hans Landa, a performance widely praised as one of cinema's greatest villains. The ensemble cast also includes Melanie Laurent, Diane Kruger, Michael Fassbender and Eli Roth.
Critical Reception
The film holds an 88% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, significantly higher than the 69% rating of the 1978 film The Inglorious Bastards that inspired it. Fans have called it an "absolute must-watch" and "peak filmmaking." One reviewer wrote: "10/10 A rare perfect movie." Another said: "Amazing acting, amazing screenplay and an amazing direction. This is one of the best movies ever made."
A fan commented: "One of the best films this director has made, with one of the best villains we've ever had, epic, fun moments, with incredible tension that rises every moment from the opening scene. 100% recommended." Another declared it "the best World War II film of all time that should've won the Oscar for the best picture."
Broadcast Details
Inglourious Basterds airs on Film4 on Friday, June 26, at 9pm. The film is rated 18 for strong violence and language. According to the official synopsis: "American officer Aldo Raine leads a squad of soldiers into occupied France on a mission to kill as many Nazis as possible and spread fear through the Third Reich. They become involved in a Jewish resistance fighter's plan to blow up the premiere of a propaganda movie - due to be attended by Hitler himself."
