Film enthusiasts are in for a treat tonight as Film4 broadcasts what many critics and audiences have labelled a 'rare perfect' war film and an instant classic. Quentin Tarantino's 2009 audacious wartime black comedy, Inglourious Basterds, is set to grip viewers once again with its unique blend of brutal revenge and sharp humour.
A Stellar Cast in Nazi-Occupied France
Released in 2009, the film boasts a stellar cast, a hallmark of Tarantino's work. Brad Pitt leads as Lieutenant Aldo Raine, heading a squad of Jewish-American commandos on a mission of brutal retribution against high-ranking Nazis in Nazi-occupied France. The ensemble is rounded out by powerhouse performances from Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender, and Diane Kruger.
The film's approach to its subject matter is anything but subtle, favouring audacious, over-the-top, and revenge-fuelled violence. Yet, it masterfully balances this gore with a pervasive, darkly comic tone that has become synonymous with Tarantino's directing style.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Adoration
The critical reception for Inglourious Basterds was overwhelmingly positive. The Mirror's original review awarded it a solid four out of five stars, praising its fairytale-like narrative and idiosyncratic soundtrack featuring Ennio Morricone and David Bowie.
This acclaim is echoed by audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, where it holds an impressive 89% score. Many viewers have crowned it Tarantino's masterpiece. One fan wrote, "A great movie, thanks Tarantino," after a third or fourth viewing, highlighting the gleeful satisfaction of watching Nazis meet their demise.
A significant portion of the praise is reserved for Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning performance as the chillingly polite yet sadistic Gestapo officer, Colonel Hans Landa. Critics and viewers alike were captivated by his ability to shift seamlessly from courtly charm to pure cruelty, a performance often described as "simply superb".
Is This Wartime Epic For Everyone?
Despite the widespread praise, the 153-minute-long film has its detractors. Some found it an unwieldy "messterpiece" that lacked the crackling excitement of Tarantino's earlier works like Pulp Fiction. One critic noted that its "sea of excess" could be frustrating, while another dismissed it as a "fundamentally silly piece of fiction" that missed the director's usual panache.
This divergence of opinion makes it a fascinating entry in Tarantino's filmography, inviting viewers to decide for themselves where it ranks among his other works.
Inglourious Basterds airs on Film4 tonight, Thursday, November 27, at 9pm. It's the perfect opportunity to experience this bold and unforgettable piece of cinema and judge its status as a modern classic for yourself.
