Django Unchained [2012]
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Written by: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Jonah Hill, Walton Goggins, Don Johnson, Franco Nero
Ruthlessly violent, fiercely dramatic and darkly comedic, Django Unchained is the quintessential Tarantino tale of revenge. While not at the level of his best work (Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction), and battling pace and length issues, Django is still one of the finest cinematic achievements of the past year.
The dialog is a bit weaker than what we’re used to getting from the filmmaker, but that sort of works in the film’s favor. This time, the visuals, the clothes and the actors are able to shine without being overshadowed by Quentin’s undeniable knack for writing great conversations about meaningless topics.
The deservedly Oscar-nominated work behind the lens by Robert Richardson and the sadly snubbed textile creations of Sharen Davis, along with the director’s eclectic and, as always, fantastic compilation of tunes, are all of the highest quality.
Which brings me to the cast: a wonderful array of talent. Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, Jamie Foxx and Kerry Washington give memorable performances but it’s Leonardo DiCaprio, so used to being the hero, who plays a nasty villain and knocks it out of the park. His work in Django, overlooked by many award-dispensing groups (including the Oscars; seriously, what the hell?) is a definite highlight of 2012. Bloody fun.
You finally saw it!!! Glad you loved it glad you got the chance to see it. #2 for me of 2012, right behind Skyfall.
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Yeah, I finally did! It wasn’t as good as I expected but it was still pretty fun.
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Excellent review man, I’m excited to see this.
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Thanks. Hope you get to watch it soon!
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Nice review. I wouldn’t say it’s as strong as Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs, but it goes to show how great of a director Tarantino is. I had a lot of fun with this film, and it was one of my favorite films of the year. Also, I don’t know why DiCaprio was snubbed at the Oscars.
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Thanks. Yeah, it’s not one of his strongest but it’s a lot of fun. It’s a shame that DiCaprio’s been snubbed 😦
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I saw this last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. A little too long but everything else pretty much makes up for that. I agree that DiCaprio deserves a lot more praise than he’s getting for his role.
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Yeah, the running time works against it a bit but it’s still pretty cool. Hope the Academy makes up for it by awarding him soon.
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It was very well written and DiCaprio, Waltz and Jackson were outstanding in their parts. The 3 hour running time was difficult to endure though.
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Yeah, it could definitely be trimmed a few minutes, but the acting was very good.
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Good review. Everybody is great in their own, respective roles, but it’s Tarantino who seems to be having the most fun and that’s where the enjoyment of this movie comes from.
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Yeah, he always has fun behind the camera, doesn’t he? I didn’t care for his cameo, though.
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Trying to avoid reviews as such until I see it, but nice to see you gave it a good score Fernando! 🙂
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Hope you watch it soon! Let me know what you think!
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Hoping to see it this week, can’t wait! 🙂
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Nice one Fernando. We do agree on many things here. I’m still undecided on who gave the best performance though. Im swaying towards Waltz but it’s a hard choice separating him, DiCaprio and Jackson.
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Thanks, Mark. Yeah, the three of them were pretty good but I’ll give the edge to DiCaprio.
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Hey we are pretty much agreeing on the movie! did you read my review? look, i agree on Di caprio and if I was him I would prepare for my honorary award when I am 75, he is like the Scorsese of actors, totally undervalued!
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Haha, definitely agree. I think this and the one for Revolutionary Road have been the worst snubs so far. I even think he deserved to win the damn thing both years.
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There are plenty of great scenes, which mostly involve Waltz, and to some extent DiCaprio. I also think there are some weak scenes thrown in, and a few are well below Tarantino’s usual standard. The music didn’t really work for me at all, and it’s usually a strength. I’m hoping it improves after a few repeat viewings, but I would still place it in my Top 5 of 2012. It’s just that I expected it to be the clear number one.
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Yeah, I understand. I was the tiniest but disappointed with this one but still enjoyed it and had fun. There were some awesome scenes (it’s Tarantino, after all) but also a lot of weak ones, as you say. I particularly didn’t care for Tarantino’s cameo. It was unnecessary and drawn out and he’s a terrible actor, LOL. Also, didn’t find the KKK scene very funny. I did like the music a lot, though.
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Certainly one of the better films I saw this year. I walked out of the theater with a smile ear to ear.
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Awesome. Love when that happens 😀
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I was so impressed w/ Christoph Waltz in Inglourious Basterds, so I have a feeling I will be too here. Great review Fernando, but for me this is more of a rental.
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Yeah, if you’re not a huge Tarantino fan, it can wait. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed by Waltz either.
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Well, you already know my thoughts on this one: I’m dying to see it!!!
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🙂
Hope you get do just that soon!
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May not be all that soon but it will happen…
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I tried watching Jackie Brown the other day. Couldn’t get past the “Miramax” logo. If my parents found it on Netflix, they’d KILL me! I hate being 15 sometimes….
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I am really super excited to watch this!! I finally have it, now I just need a night where I am able to sit down and see it all!
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It’s not as good as some of Quentin’s other work but it’s fun and visually striking. Leo DiCaprio is amazing in it!
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I have heard his role was phenomenal. I am a huge Tarantino fan, and I thoroughly enjoy his work, so I am excited! I just hope I get to see it soon!
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Well, I hope you find the time soon!
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I’m probably watching this one tonight! Very excited!
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Cool! Have fun! Leo DiCaprio is amazing in it!
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Thanks!
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