Much to violent. This is a sick glorification of both untrammeled and pointless killing and maiming. The picture ought to be banned. Even I myself felt gloomy and irritable the next day.

From the moment when the b/w Bride swam into view, drawing desperate gasps of breath, black blood splattering her face and neck, I knew that Kill Bill would be a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. This homage to kung-fu and spaghetti-western movies is more than just a two-hour smash-fest, however. It's a prime example of artistic cinematography and story build-up, taking what seems like a linear and predictable revenge-plot and constantly surprising the viewer. In fact, I don't think there are many movies out there that centre on revenge and violence and still manage to hold such an artistic quality.

Kill Bill started out as a premise shared by Quentin Tarantino and Uma Thurman on the set of Pulp Fiction. An ex-assassin (Thurman), on her wedding day, is brutally beaten by her ex-coworkers and shot to death by her ex-boss... or so it seems. She survives by the smallest of margins, falling into a four-year coma. When she wakes up - and discovers that she's no longer pregnant - she intends to make them all very sorry. Thurman deserves all the credit she gets for her performance; she is heartwringingly convincing as the heartbroken but unwavering warrior. Her dialogue often takes the backseat to her sheer emotional acting. Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox and Daryl Hannah are also inspiring in their characteristic, while diverse, roles.

When watching the movie, I'm constantly torn over whether I should feel bad or fascinated. The theme is a ruthless, brutal one, yet presented in such an aesthetic manner that I can't help but appreciate its beauty. Indeed, the flick is quite a cunning piece of art. I'll leave others to interpret the various connections to old marial arts/spaghetti western movies found in Kill Bill, but I think it very much succeeds as a modern-day version of such a film, enhancing the beauty and brutality of both. Volume One of the Kill Bill saga mostly pays homage to the old kung fu movies. The big fight scene goes from colour to black-and-white in a really satisfying manner, adding to the film's ambience as both old-school and modern. And the climax of the movie, of course - the confrontation with O-Ren Ishii - has to be one of the most beautiful fight sequences I've seen. The soundtrack compliments the entire movie perfectly; whether its the bouncy rock-funk of the 5-6-7-8s, the beautiful piece of hymnic Japanese music as the Bride looks at swords, or the classic "Urami-bushi", not a song in the movie feels out of place. This is not to say that Tarantino doesn't keep his humour up - indeed the fight scenes (the last excluded) are not always so serious. Blood gushes to an insane amount (anatomy is to no importance here) and chuckling slapstick moments frequently pop up.

The choreography of almost every scene is spot-on, as well; and I don't just mean the downright dance the Bride makes as she cuts her way through the Crazy 88. A particularly clever piece of camerawork is an almost two-minute long uncut shot at the House of Blue Leaves, transitioning from the Bride to the proprietor to Sofie Fatale to the Bride again. This sequence is so seamless and spotless, it's downright hard to believe it.

The character introduction is flawless, too. The prime example, of course, is the Japanese animation (not really anime, though) chapter dedicated to O-Ren's past. Her backstory adds to the sympathy of her character, and as such to the power of the confrontation between her and the Bride. O-Ren's isn't the only example, though. The hospital scene where the one-eyed Elle Driver 'visits' the comatose Bride is one of my favourite scenes in the whole movie, if not my absolute favourite. It is a very important, profound scene as it introduces what will be a key character in vol. 2, and the significance of her character. From the tune "Twisted Nerve" to the very cinematography of the scene, it couldn't be more obvious that Elle is one of the most significant characters in the story. As soon as the scene was over, I wanted to see her again, and knew she had a large role in what was to come.

My only real beef with the movie is that I have a hard time connecting to the Bride's motives. Is she getting back at her ex-coworkers (and all who stand in her way to them) for the wrong they did her? Is she avenging her daughter? Or the people who died at the chapel? All of these, perhaps? I feel it could have been presented better. On the other hand, perhaps Tarantino wishes the Bride to develop as a character as well, maybe even show just how ugly revenge can make you. Who knows?

Kill Bill is, on all accounts, a terrific film. It succeeds and exceeds at everything it attempts to be. Tarantino has a real talent in showing us beauty in even the most ugly things. And in my opinion, Elle Driver emerging from the ladies restroom in her nurse's outfit with her white, red cross eyepatch is one of those iconic female moments in cinema, like Ursula Andress rising from the sea in Dr No. A brutal film it may be, but you'd be hard put to find one with a more artistic edge.

I remember hearing two ex-coworkers raving about this movie when it came out. One of them was a backwards-baseball-hat-wearing Neanderthal with a "tribal" tattoo around his steroidal bicep, and the other was a keg-bellied 30 year old boy who still played video games. The endorsement of such people was all I really needed to know about this movie, but I guess ultimately I'm too much of a fair-minded rationalist to hold unsupported opinions, so I gave this movie its day in court. After seeing it, I have to say that I think there may be something to be said for the validity of prejudice. This movie reeked.

"Kill Bill-Volume 1" is a shallow, boring and interminable cat fight. Since everyone knows the protagonist is in no real danger (after all, Uma Thurman is on the cover of the DVD for Volume 2), there's no real drama or excitement here, and since Tarantino couldn't be bothered providing us with even the most basic character background or development, I couldn't care less why Uma's erstwhile comrades tried to assassinate her or how she will get her inevitable revenge in the sequel.

The movie amounts to nothing more than hot chicks fighting. For your average American fathead, I suppose that's all that's necessary. Everyone thinks that Tarantino's homage to cheesy 70s blacksploitation and martial arts flicks is cleverly ironic but I think those genres are actually the man's true artistic cynosure. He's not being brilliant when he references low budget cinematic ephemera- he's just showing that he's an arrested adolescent with no taste.

The Good Things
*Excellent action and fighting. Lots and lots of blood.
*Good story laid out in a very interesting way.
*Excellent group of characters. You can really feel for most of them.
*Visuals and filming style is smooth, clear, and vivid.
*Impressive use of different medias to achieve unique effects (color film, black and white film, and animation).
*Dialogue, even though limited, is fun.
*Interesting music.
*Lots of homage to westerns, kung fu, and anime. These elements are blended together to make a very unique picture.

The Bad Things
*The extreme violence scared me away at first (but once you're used to it, it's all quite fun).
*Some disturbing parts (but this can be a good thing, because it makes the film edgy).
*Some absurd, unrealistic parts (but this can be a good thing too, because it makes the film stylish and fun).

Despite being one of the bloodiest movies I know, it has become one of my all-time favorites. The style of it is smashing; even when there is no action, the movie is very immersive. I've come to appreciate the characters and the story, in addition to the vivid style. Highly reccomended to anybody who likes martial arts or action in general, and doesn't mind some blood.

I know that title may not mean much since this is only Tarantino's fourth full feature. But this is a movie that leaves you wanting more. Granted that will happen with the release of part two. But until that time, fans will have to salivate over this portion.

The story: a lady know only here as "the Bride" (Uma Thurman) is nearly beaten to death at her wedding. She is then shot in the head at point blank range by Bill (an unseen David Carradine). She goes into a coma for four years and awakes to find a hospital attendant has been offering her "services" to anyone willing to pay. She takes out the current customer and the attendant and tries to leave.

Flashbacks tell the tale here of how she was part of an assassination squad, the deadliest ever assembled. When she tried to leave, they took her out instead. On her wedding day. While she was pregnant.

Now awake from her coma, she has plans for revenge. The film opens with her attack on what seems like a normal soccer mom (Vivica A. Fox). The two spar back and forth using what they come across as weapons, ending with knives. When Fox' little girl comes home, they pause to set up a time and date to finish. Then...well I won't blow that for you.

Flashback again as we see the Bride heading to Okinawa. There, she has a sword crafted for her by the best maker alive (Sonny Chiba). He's stopped making them but when he learns of her intentions for this one, especially since Bill was his protégé at one time, he makes her the best sword possible.

Sword in hand, she head to Tokyo and the first person on her list: O-Ren Ishi (Lucy Lui). We are treated to an anime tale of how she came to rise from a little girl who watched her parents murdered to an assassin to the head of the Japanese Yakuza. She will not be someone that the Bride will take out with ease.

The confrontation takes place in a Japanese night spot. Not only does the Bride have to face off against Lui, she must first take on the gang she leads, her own group of sword wielding assassins. If she can get past them, she faces O-Ren's personal bodyguards. And finally, she will face off against O-Ren herself.

What happens to this point, and I am sure you can guess the outcome, ends the picture. Almost. A special cliff hanger is dropped on the viewer just before the credits role and the anticipation of seeing part two explodes.

This movie is Tarantino's tribute to the movies he learned to love visiting what he calls "grindhouses", those cheap low scale theaters that were full of unsavory characters in attendance and needed hosed down with bug spray almost nightly. Tarantino grew to love these movies in their environment and while working in a video store. His love of these movies, everything from spaghetti westerns to samurai films, is apparent in most of his movies, but never as much as it is here. This movie is an homage to those films.

The action in this film fills the screen more than not. The blood in this film flows bright red and fluidly, so much so that even though it appears fake it still elicited oohs and aahs from the crowd I saw it with. Everything from splitting a man in two to decapitations to mutilations is on view here, reminding me of movies like SHOGUN ASSASSIN. And it should. That is the exact type of movie he is paying his respects to!

More than anything this movie was made for fans of movies. Note, I did not say "motion pictures". I said movies. There's a difference. While members of an elitist film scholarly group will embrace this movie because of the name attached, it is the fans of movies that will love this one.

Kill Bill DVD



One wonders who is buying this stuff.

Kill Bill was made by the extreme fringe of Quentin Tarantino, Kill Bill is a quest for revenge.
The Bride , Uma Thurman is carted away in a four-year-long coma. She wakes up and vows revenge. The movie is all about her revenge and how she gets it.

Warning gobs and gobs of blood.

Not something I'd let small children see, in fact I don't believe I'd let children of any age see it.


If you enjoy Quentin Tarantino you'll enjoy this movie. Otherwise save your money for something else.

Gunner March 2008

Action enough to keep your blood pumping. Campy enough to keep you smiling. Uma is superb!

You must see both films on the same night. Just great entertainment.

This is a very graphic blood and guts fight movie
using sharp edged instruments.
I don't like Quentin Tarantino (Rating R) very much after having seen a number of his movies:
mostly because he is very very good at
grossing me out. A younger me would have hid his head at this movie; the older me says he hopes no stuntmen/ extras were hurt doing this.
I'd buy shares in his company, because people are going to line up
for these movies. I just don't have to like his product or the man
behind it.

After the disappointing Jackie Brown, I was glad to see Tarantino back to his best. Kill Bill Vol. 1 is outstanding, a classic tale of betrayal and the bloody vengeance taken by the betrayed, The Bride, played to perfection by Uma Thurman. And yes, the film is very violent and very bloody (what else do you expect from Tarantino?) but excellent nonetheless. The plot holds your attention throughout and there is never a dull moment. The fight scenes are exemplar (the scene where Uma Thurman dispatches hordes and hordes of Yakuza swordsmen is unbelievable), and what I love is the fact that on not a few occasions our heroine (if you can call a former assassin that!) almost comes close to losing and being killed by those she is seeking to wreak vengeance on, showing that although The Bride is an excellent fighter, she is not perfect, making her an even more sympathetic protagonist. Excellent movie-making: this is what film is all about. I can't wait to watch Volume 2. You better not let me down, Tarantino!

I enjoyed the movie but it is pretty bloody. I wouldn't recommend it for someone with a weak stomach and definately not for children under 16.

American film makers have a tendency to follow a certain career cycle. At first, they seek studio approval, so they make a couple of films to the specification of pushy producers or totally independently but on low budget. Either way, their initial successes are then followed up by the grand opus syndrome. Coppola is a case in point. So is Bertolucci. There are other boy-wonders who have fallen into the trap of believing their own hype, as have the studios who ultimately green-light whatever their favorites come up with, including ideas without story-lines. "Kill Bill" is going to please some, as it should. It is, after all, rather different, and does celebrate a certain genre that no doubt many find appealing. That said, the slaughter-house opening struck me an over-indulgent rather than artistic. Don't get me wrong. I loved "Pulp Fiction." But this is "Pulp Fiction" without the brilliant story-telling. This is lots of effects, but no acting. No doubt some would have it that this is exactly what the director had in mind. I'll give Tarantino credit for pulling off what he set out to make, but from my point of view the fact that the director had fun making his film is not the same thing as the audience having fun watching it.

Having seen both Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction(and loving both!) I purchased used(thank God) both volumes of Kill Bill. Having just finished watching Volume 1, I felt compelled to express my utter dislike for this movie. So here I am.

This movie had a good first half. It did. Entertaining. Not as entertaining as Dogs or Pulp(can anything surpass Pulp?) but nevertheless held some interest. But the last half took me down quickly. It was so over the top, so saturated with silly, bloody fight scenes which were too drawn out, too cheesy, and no real surprises that not only did I lose interest, I could not wait for the unrealistic blood bath to end. I won't be watching this one again. Why would I? The dialogue was more than lacking. The action was too unreal. Way over the top! Over the top can be a good thing. But TOO MUCH of a good thing can become a bad thing. This was an utterly bad thing in my book.

Unfortunately I still have Volume 2 to watch. Maybe it will be better?

I think I would rather put Pulp Fiction in the DVD player.

This is a good movie. I love it. It was cheap and was delivered quick.

This was a good seller, I would buy from them in the future.

Kill Bill is one of the best movies I have ever watched in my entire life as a gamer and a movie lover. The story is basically about a woman named Beatrix Kiddo who is out to kill her former boss and his four assassins who put a hit out on her when she left Bill and nine innocent people were killed, along with her own daughter(or so she believes). In this movie she kills two of the assassins by tracking them down and slaughtering them with her katana made by one of Bill's sensais. The storyline of this movie is good, the action is awesome, the gore is overly splatterful, and the movie is humorous at times. Plus, I actually learned some Japanese words and phrases from this movie. If you love Quentin Tarantino movies, you'll love this astonishing masterpiece.

Quentin Tarantino's fourth film, 'Kill Bill,' shows how significantly he has matured as a director from his previous work in Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, and Jackie Brown (Two-Disc Collector's Edition). Tarantino's improvements have been quite grand over his relatively short career in Hollywood, going from a very gritty and rough beginning with Reservoir Dogs, to continuous refinement in his followups, to 'Kill Bill, vol. 1,' which is very nearly a perfect homage to the kung fu movies of the 1970s. After having been severely beaten and then shot by Bill and his Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, Uma Thurman wakes up in a hospital, having been in a coma for four years. Her would-be husband has been killed, and presumably, her unborn child is also gone. She embarks on a mission of revenge, which, in volume one, focuses on the characters played by Vivica A. Fox, and Lucy Liu. Thurman, Fox, and Liu, all play their parts exceptionally well, but with the exception of Liu, all have acted in other Tarantino films, so their performances are not unexpected in terms of quality. Uma Thurman's character, known only as the Black Mamba, bests her foes in the true spirit of the kung fu movie genre, and includes the addition of some of the special touches expected by Quentin's fans. Volume two is set for release next year, and, it seems safe to assume, will feature Daryl Hannah's and Michael Madsen's characters more prominently.
In terms of directorial prowess, Tarantino is definitely taking his place among the truly great directors in the world of film. From the very strong, but immatured promise he showed with 'Reservoir Dogs,' much has been expected from him, and to his credit, he has delivered time and again with an ever-improving final product. Pulp Fiction certainly showed a marked improvement over Reservoir Dogs (1992), but Tarantino's sometimes awkward, and occasionally unnatural character dialogue took away from 'Pulp Fiction's overall greatness. These early mistakes have served as lessons learned by Mr. Tarantino, however, as 'Kill Bill' is very nearly perfect in terms of its dialogue, writing, acting, directing, cinematography, and general nod to the classic kung fu movies that he seems to love. The homage aspects of 'Kill Bill' have been covered by critics quite thoroughly, but what seems to be underappreciated is the director's other strong influences, like the early Charlie's Angels work, and the James Bond series of films. Both of these areas play a very strong role in the overall tone and style of the movie, and it is important to note them lest all the trouble Tarantino has gone to in including them go to waste on his audiences. The RZA's soundtrack to this film is impressive to say the least. The music is absolutely perfect in its fitting the scenes and is something of which to take note when seeing this film. Anime is even included for the first time of note in a major, primarily non-animated, feature-length movie, and it is used very effectively. Tarantino certainly still has his strong ambitions toward bringing the unusual to the film-going public.

The bottom line is that 'Kill Bill' is definitely Quentin Tarantino's best film to date and should be seen in the theaters by everyone who will not immediately condemn it because of its violent content. If the violence can be endured by the audience, they will be rewarded with viewing a truly great film and a very strong desire to see 'Kill Bill, vol. 2' when it arrives in theaters next year.

Where to begin. This movie is my second favourite movie only second to Kill bill Vol. 2. This movie boasts a star studded cast of Uma Thurman, Michael Madsen, Vivica A. Fox, Daryl Hannah, Lucy Liu and the legendary David Carradine, with a special appearence by the also legendary Sonny Chiba.

Tarrantino delivers such an amazing story that cannot be rivalled by any other movie made. This movie is trademark tarrantino, but the whole movie is done in a brilliant new movie making style all together. Its like a patchwork of different short stories each done in their own styles. You see the film take on different characteristics as you go from a scene shot under a regular lense, to a black and white to highten certain elements of that scene, to anime, to a warmer coloured lense and so much more. This is without a doubt one of the most artistically done movies i have ever seen.

The movies litteraly starts off with a bang, making the viewer watch and just go "whoa" and the ending is equally good in that its one of the best cliffhangers you'll see.

The music intertwines perfectly with the mood of the scene making you feel every twist and turn the movie takes.

Overall this movie is a girl power movie but i beleive that men can enjoy this movie still. It's a story about love, a story about motherhood, a story about revenge and mostly a story about doing all the wrong things for all the right reasons.

Their is a lot of japanese influence in this movie to bring out the honor of fighting and how honourable it used to be to use one's own skill to defeat your enemies. The skill of the art of fighting. Thus making it the newest old skool martial arts movie there is.

Tarrantino fans can appreciate the "over the top" style of the movie and non-Tarrantino fans will love it right away. This was the first Tarrantino movie i watched and it made me a Tarrantino fan as i discovered the rest of his movies. This is beyond a shadow of a doubt the crowning jewel in the Tarrantino collection and a recommend it to anyone.

The story follows a bride who is on a journey to claim what is rightfully her's; the lives of each and everyone responsible for putting her in a four year coma and the murder of her unborn baby. The journey not only takes us to where she's going but also to what brought her to where she is now.

There are some amazing fight scenes, that rival some of the action greats, with enough blood to send aid to the whole of Africa.

There are only a handfull of movies that recieve a 5 out of 5 from me, and this is definitely one of those few. In fact if it was possible i'd give this film a sixth star. Now buy it and watch it, because i guarantee you wont regret it.

Uma Thurman has to be the most overlooked "femme fatale" personna in Hollywood. This movie could, can't, and won't get any better....UNLESS she dies and I die too....and I watch her and Bruce Lee and Chuck norris fight and....

You get it. LOL!

This movie duet (so far... parts 1 and 2) will prove to be a classic - bringing to Western audiences the excitement of stylized Asian martial arts movies. For those who look closely, the Kill Bill(s) (and the old martial arts movies) contain much emotion and intimate storylines.

What is the value of of reality, or destiny and fate against a given individual's "sheer will?" How far would you go to protect what means the most to you? Do "you," as "the individual," even matter in pursuit of a larger goal? Does a given individual's Fear rule in the case of "little" or "big" experiences? Does one judge high level "risk-taking" as an exterior or an interior motive? Is the physical, ultimately mental? Do early or primal memories mean more than other memories? Does the fact that Tarantino cast a female lead - make the "case" more or less obvious?

Why did I get the distinct impression I was watching a very poor parody of "The Abominable Dr. Phibes", starring Vincent Price.
A slight bit of humour (mixed in between profanities); and throw in a Bruce Lee film, and you have: KILL BILL, VOLUME 1.

A very bad movie. The anime segments done properly had the potential for a bit of creativity. The only problem was: I kept thinking how much money Tarantino saved by not having to film these sequences with actors and actresses,--live action style.

All in all, a very forgettable movie. I feel no need to see volume 2.

Braithwaite

Well what can I say, I just love this movie. All-star cast, great script, a ton of action, and of course the cinematagraphy. A truly unique depiction of revenge. Quentin Tarantino is a guenius, with the whole amamation thing. All I can say is I wanna be Uma Thurman when I growup.

Comas are a deep sleep wherein a victim is neither living nor dead. The mantle of darkness protect the soul from the reality which put it there. However, an ancient proverb states, that "if the spirit has unfinished business in the world of the living, then woe betide those who put it there." Such is the premise of Kill Bill. Once part of an elite group of world wide assassins, 'B.B', the victim, {Uma Thurman} awakens and recalls well who tried to kill her. Throughout the rest of the film, viewers are introduced to her former friends all code named after the world's most venomous snakes. Not sure of the reason why she was nearly murdered, " Black Manba" as B.B. was code named, (The deadliest snake) goes after each of the assassins. It has been suggested, were Bruce Lee to have lived, this vehicle would have been his. Instead, the story was redesigned with a feminine twist and all the explosive action and martial arts confrontations were designed in the fertile mind of action Director Quinton Tarentino. From the first to the last, exciting sub-plots and well-choreographed martial arts scenes give this film it's special quality. The main target of B.B.'s revenge is of course none other than Master (Kung Fu) David Carradine as Bill. It is he and his 'Snake" team which consists of Lucy Liu who plays O-Ren Ishii, Vivica A. Fox as Vernita Green, Daryl Hannah as Elle Driver and Michael Madson who now become the intended targets. Interest in the film is ample as each killer has their own story and each contains the special formula of subtle sex, exciting physical confrontation and superb samurai action. In the end, what can be said of Kill Bill One? If this film is fantastic, I can't wait for part II. (of which there is) Excellent.

I had high hopes for this film because I've enjoyed Tarantino's work in the past. I don't know WHAT he was thinking with this. What a mess. Many of the action scenes were actually boring as they went on and on. Tarantino beats us over the head again and again with the whole revenge theme. Yes...We get it! I hope this isn't a sign that Tarantino has lost his edge because Kill Bill 2 was just as bad.

This is a great movie. Uma Thurman as the Bride is one of my favorite characters.

Quentin Tarantino has made a career of writing and directing fantastic films, and with the first volume of the Kill Bill duet the tradition continues. On the surface, Kill Bill: Volume 1 spins like an above average revenge flick - an ex-assassin known only as "The Bride" is brutally tortured on her wedding day by her former employer's lethal band of contract killers: the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. The `blood-splattered bride' is left for dead on the church floor, but her wounds eventually heal and four years later she begins her personal quest for revenge. Plot points such as these, however, are not what make Kill Bill (or any Tarantino film for that matter) special.

From the first grizzly minute all the way to the credits, every shot, every character, every line of dialogue, and every aspect of the story is driven by Tarantino's love for Hong Kong martial arts films, samurai movies, spaghetti westerns, and revenge flicks. These influences can be seen everywhere - from the camera framing copied from The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, to the final battle at the House of Blue Leaves where The Bride wears a yellow catsuit very much like the one worn by Bruce Lee in Game of Death. Tarantino uses references such as these to give Kill Bill: Volume 1 a cinematic depth that most revenge films can't match.

Quentin Tarantino dropped out of school at the tender age of 16 to pursue acting. However, he developed his love of film while working at a video rental shop in California. Since then, Tarantino has directed a total of five films, written eight, and won an Oscar (for Pulp Fiction). His love of film bleeds through every frame of every movie he is directly linked to - as evident by his use of homage as a film style. Pulp Fiction paid tribute to (among other things) gangster movies. In Reservoir Dogs, it was heist films and undercover cop stories. And in Kill Bill it was revenge, samurai showdowns, and old Westerns.

One of the strongest aspects of Kill Bill is that Tarantino embraced the simple mentality of typical revenge flicks while, at the same time, generously applying his own spirit. By default, movies that deal with reprisals tend to be a little bit shallow and predictable - someone has to kill or harm someone else for some wrongdoing.

What sets Kill Bill apart is the dialogue. For the film's entire 111 minute running time, the story is unfurled using dialogue that is packed with black comedy, old Asian legends, pop culture references, and extraordinary bravado. For example, when The Bride awakens in a hospital bed four years after the massacre, she learns that when she was comatose the head hospital attendant was acting as her pimp - selling her for $50 a "session." While this might have otherwise come across as a totally revolting and extremely dire situation, the dialogue and characters involved turn the scene into black comedy gold by playing off of the hick stereotype associated with many small Texas towns.

Another example of where the dialogue shines is when The Bride travels to the tiny island of Okinawa, Japan to meet with the legendary sword smith Hattori Hanzo. The nature of the film changes dramatically (for the better) as Hanzo passes on ancient Samurai proverbs to aid The Bride in her fight. This scene sets up a more purposeful tone for the remainder of the film and might contain the most powerful lines in the entire movie. Before giving the `yellow-haired warrior' (The Bride) his powerful `Hanzo Steel' samurai blade, Hattori effectively sums up the entire idea of vengeance by saying that revenge is "never a straight line. It's a forest, and like a forest it's easy to lose your way." This is the type of dialogue that sets Kill Bill apart. The ideas behind it are not new, but they are executed in such a way that they come off as fresh, funky, and unique.

The only downfall of Kill Bill: Volume 1 is the way it was released. Originally, Tarantino wrote and directed the project as one film. However, due to its four-hour plus running time, the Miramax production company decided to split it into two `volumes.' Due to this separation, the first volume comes across as light on story and heavy on violence while the second part seems light on action and heavy on plot exploration. The difference is especially noticeable in Kill Bill: Volume 2, which contains only two major fight sequences. The lack of closure at the end of Volume 1, due to Miramax's attempt to sell multiple tickets to the same movie, must be listed as a flaw of Tarantino's (otherwise) brilliant project.

Kill Bill is an experience. It pulls ideas from many different cultures, movies, genres, legends, and old television shows, and packages them together in one super-fine blood-soaked escapade. The only problem is that it's not one escapade (as it was originally meant to be) - it's two. Splitting the film causes a jarring shift in tone that's difficult to ignore. The best solution is to watch both DVDs back-to-back, thus eliminating what might be the only problem with one of the best films of the past decade.

Kill Bill is utterly enjoyable in all ways. It has the most clever dialouge, has the best directer in existence, and is quite humorous yet sophisticated. This movie is pure LOVE!

Mr Tarantino should have used lightsabers - it would have made the movie far more believable. Also, Uma Thurman's character should have been played by Nicholas Cage.

Verdict:

Avoid

Powerful films are hard to come by these days. But when Quentin Tarantino is directing something, you know it's special. Kill Bill is a revenge movie, done in a grindhouse kind of style. It's Tarantino's first action film, but don't worry, his dialogue is as cool as ever. Featuring neat music, humorous scenes, and silly unrealistic violence, Kill Bill is a fun experience. I hope you enjoy it!

"Kill Bill" was either a disaster-in-the-making or a one of a kind hit -- a sprawling revenge flick that had to be cut in two and released separately. But director Quentin Tarantino serves up entertainingly mindless gore and twisted thrills in "Kill Bill Volume 1," a salute to homages.

Tragedy strikes the Bride (Uma Thurman) on her wedding day: The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad (DiVAS) attacks and slaughters the guests, the groom, and wounds the very pregnant Bride herself. Her former boss/lover Bill (David Carradine) finishes the bloodbath by shooting the Bride in the head. But despite his efforts, she isn't dead.

A few years later, the Bride wakes to find that she has been in a coma for a few years, and has been being used as a sex toy for rent. After recovering enough to move, the Bride gets a sword sharp enough to "cut God," and goes on a revenge spree against the people who wrecked her life and killed her baby, including Cottonmouth (Vivica A. Fox) and the deadly O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu).

Don't expect cinematic art in "Kill Bill Volume 1." If anything, this is cinematic pop art, a loving tribute to cheesy martial-arts flicks and westerns. Tarantino even inserts a stretch of anime detailing O-Ren's background. It's pure Tarantino, untainted by typical directing methods and immensely entertaining if you switch off your critical faculties, refrain from asking "How the heck could that happen?"

"Kill Bill" isn't for the weak of stomach; over 450 gallons of fake blood are used in both movies. But the blood usage is more "Monty Python" than "Braveheart"; it's so over-the-top that it's silly and sick rather than disturbing. So is the violence -- hacking dozens of people down without getting so much as a scrape is impossible, but it's sure fun to watch.

Tarantino throws out more one-liners than just about any other filmmaker around. The absurd "Trix is for kids" line aside, there are a number of great lines like "Those of you lucky enough to have your lives take them with you. However, leave the limbs you've lost. They belong to me now." The script teems with impossibilities, but they seem plausible enough in this alternate reality that Tarantino has cooked up. Call it Tarantinoland.

Uma Thurman, with her yellow tracksuit and katana, rules the screen as the Bride. Despite the Bride cutting down people by the dozen, it's impossible not to appreciate her. And the best supporting performances come from Liu as the ruthless O-Ren, Carradine in a brief but intense appearance, and the wonderful, underrated Chiaki Kuriyama as evil schoolgirl Go-Go Yubari.

It's silly, it's creepy, it's gaudy, and somehow it's vastly entertaining. Tarantino's special triumph in "Kill Bill Volume 1" is to somehow rope his vast store of movie homages into a gory, action-packed storyline, and one that is, at the very least, hard to forget.

Tarantino knows what he's doin', this is truly fodder for the children of suburbia, all the ones who were nurtured on sugar crisps & little league & sesame street & soccer moms & commuter dads, little tubeheads this is your stuff. *Bad language* woowoo, daughters of charlies angels meet asian martial arts movies woowoo.

Bad stuff, like thinking robitussin is a high, imitation of life. hahahaha.

smart move quentin.

The first, I really enjoyed... and the second didn't disappoint! Cheers!

After reading the other reviews, good and bad, I just decided to chime in with my two cents.

To be quite honest, I love this movie. Tarantino must have had an amazing time making it, and that shows up in the final product. It's just fun to watch. It introduces those of us who aren't very familiar with the kung-fu genre to it and makes us want to go watch a bunch of them. Volume 2 does the same with spaghetti westerns. These movies are like a crash course in Grindhouse-type cinema. I noticed one reviewer who negatively critiqued the film commented on the black and white photography during the fight scene-Quentin had to do that to get it past the MPAA; the Japanese version is all color. Anyway, the movie was a blast, and if you can stop being a snooty cinephile for about 2 hours, you should have a blast too.

My first viewing of this volume in the Kill Bill saga occurred at two in the morning, as I suffered from severe insomnia. I was desperate, hoping that it would help me drift off. Unfortunately, or rather, fortunately, this film did anything but. The action, cinematography, and witty script blew me away; I loved it. The next day, however, I was surprised to learn that many people I knew did not feel the same way as I did regarding this flick. Willing to form a better opinion of the movie and shrugging the fact that I loved it off to simply being overtired, I watched it again.

I still loved it. And herein was where I realized that this film is not for everyone. As it is a homage film, a tribute to Spaghetti Westerns and Kung-Fu flicks, one must look from this perspective. I myself enjoy these genres of film and lapped up Tarantino's unique and witty take on them. It is apparent (as it is in most of his work) that he is a great fan as well.

As mentioned numerous times by others, there is gore abound here. Ridiculous violence, blood spurting everywhere, and bodies flying constantly. But somehow Mr. Tarantino, and you may call him sick or twisted for it, made all the slicing and dicing humorous and never too serious, witty lines and funny visuals all the way through. True cinematic genius in my book.

On the surface it looks like a senselessly violent revenge movie, but underneath it is far more. Like most of Tarantino's films, Kill Bill is riddled with culture references and contains a wonderfully varied soundtrack; absolute joy for the pop culture buff. It is a cleverly written, and the wonderful talent of all involved is clearly exhibited.

On to the acting, Uma Thurman is a true standout. Prior to this film I hadn't thought much of her, even believing her to be overrated. This one role of hers changed my opinion completely. Thurman is brilliant as "The Bride"; her piercing eyes and intense persona portray a woman out for revenge amazingly. Lucy Liu is also impressive as a cold Yakuza headlady, and Vivica A. Fox and Daryl Hannah both provide great supporting roles as well.

Overall this film is most definitely not something that everyone will go for- in fact, most will find it odd for the first ten minutes or so, but stick with it. This film is one of the most brilliant in recent years, even though it might not hit you with its depth right away. Highly recommended.

**By the way, make sure to buy Volume 2 along with your purchase of Volume 1- the films were intended to be one but due to time constraints two were made, as you see them now. It will add for a more complete viewing experience, not to mention the cliffhanger at the end of the first.

I've been waiting for the Director's Cut to be released so that I can see both films the way Tarantino originally imagined them....as ONE film!....Does anyone know if this is in the works??

Opening with 1970's style 'Our Feature Presentation' and then you are straight into a roller coaster of a film. Yes it is violent, and there is a lot of blood. But its very well done and of course a homage to the films that Tarantino grew up with in the 60's and 70's. Spagetti westerns, Kung-Fu movies are all referenced in images and the soundtrack. Spot Sonny Shiba as the greatest sword maker ever.

A third of the way through the film we get an anime section as well. Tarantino may be a fan of anime, but watching this sequence again recently I realised how incredibly violent it is. The whole film is an adult comic strip anyway, but this section is so violent that maybe Tarantino just decided to do it animated to avoid censorship problems. Whatever it doesn't matter, it works.

This is, as you would expect, well directed and fantastic entertainment. The performances from the cast are all good or better.

BTW there is really no point in buying this DVD without buying vol 2 at the same time. The reason it only gets 4 stars? Kill Bill vol2 is better.

I ain't picky regarding looking for tiny little flaws. I just like Kill Bill 1 and 2.