Inglourious Basterds is one of Quentin Tarantino’s finest films made to date.  It is dramatic, it is comedic, it is gory, and it is very Tarantino.  The film is separated into five different “chapters” each involving its own storyline that connects to the one before it.  In traditional Tarantino style, emphasis is put on the (often subtitled) dialogue and subtle character interactions and expressions.  Those who are looking for immediate action may find this mildly irritating, though the eventual over-the-top gruesome action is quite satisfying.

From the trailer and overall buzz of the movie one would probably expect that Brad Pitt is the main protagonist and star of this film.  Although he does play an integral part as the leader of the Basterds, the “star role” is shared with the entire main ensemble and the supporting cast.  Christoph Waltz’s portrayal as “Jew Hunter” Col. Hans Landa is magnificent, Mélanie Laurent’s Shosanna Dreyfus is disturbing and enticing, and Diane Kruger shines as sexy actress and undercover German Bridget von Hammersmark.  It is worth mentioning that Pitt’s role as Lt. Aldo Raine from Maynardville, Tennessee is one of his most real and convincing characters he has ever played.  It is clear to see that Tarantino wrote the part for him.

Basterds is a WWII movie unlike any you have ever seen before.  It will have you clapping (if not standing in your seat cheering softly, like me) at the end of the movie.  Tarantino strikes gold yet again with a great storyline, a successful mix of drama, comedy, and violence, a fierce musical score, and a brilliant cast that lifts this movie over their shoulders and holds it high throughout its lengthy but deserved duration.