Daniel Cann

The other story sees Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt, proving once again that when not the focus of the paparazzi he is in fact an accomplished character actor) recruiting eight Jewish American soldiers to bring the fight to the Nazis. His crack, covert team are parachuted deep into enemy territory and become known as the ‘Basterds,’ their mission is to strike fear into the hearts of every Nazi by ‘shock’ guerrilla methods, including scalping and mutilation.

Obviously, being a Quentin Tarantino project (written and directed by him) the viewer can expect unrepentant and graphic violence from the beginning to the end. It is at its heart a fictional wish fulfilment revenge caper, the ‘bastard’ child if you will of films like ‘The Dirty Dozen’ and ‘Kelly’s Heroes.’ There are plenty of Tarantino flourishes: swift explosive violence, unsettling scenes and characters, sharp witty dialogue, a fantastic soundtrack, gallows humour, strong women and of course bare feet!

I have to say that this is the most accomplished and assured Tarantino film yet. After the disappointments of ‘Death Proof’ and the ‘Kill Bill’ films (sorry, I felt they were long winded and self indulgent for all their other merits) Tarantino has finally got his mojo back! I would go as far as to say this is on a par if not better than ‘Pulp Fiction.’ The pacing is confident and tension and atmosphere are well realised and expressed. The unease, fear and hatred are often kept just below the surface in several powerful and convincing scenes. The acting is excellent, especially Laurent, Waltz, Michael Fassbender (as Lt Archie Hicox) and Diane Kruger (as Bridget von Hammersmark).

Kudos must also go to Daniel Bruhl as German hero Pvt. Fredrick Zoller whose film about his bravery ‘Nation’s Pride’ is being premiered at Shosanna’s cinema and being watched by the Nazi hierarchy including: Adolf Hitler, Josef Goebbels, Herman Goering and Martin Boorman. Yes, this is fantasy. Like most of Tarantino’s work this resembles the real World, but it is a heightened reality with everything ‘turned up to eleven.’

With cameos from ‘Austin Power’s’ Mike Myer’s and Tarantino regulars Samuel L Jackson and Harvey Keitel this is packed to the rafters with talent and knowing nods to past efforts. Despite its flourishes and almost ‘Spaghetti Western’ style this is a very European film and it is stronger for it. English, French, and German are spoken and there are subtitles. I must say I preferred this to listening to actors doing poor German and French accents coupled with hammy acting. Thankfully because characters speak in their native tongues the film has a more authentic feel to it and people like the debonair, urbane and charming Landa (hiding a ruthless and brutal interior) are more vivid and terrifying because of it.

The film isn’t just about blood guts and glory, it explores the power of propaganda and fear over us. Hugely enjoyable and over the top this is perfect Saturday Night entertainment. Welcome back Quentin Tarantino, you have been missed!