Django Unchained - Review

For many Quentin Tarantino can do no wrong. That belief is confirmed with Django Unchained, a typical Tarantino mix of blood, characterization and pure entertainment. Django Unchained is a spaghetti western, reminiscent of the blaxploitation era, it features terrific performances by Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington and Samuel L. Jackson. The movie is run by Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio though, who dominate the screen in stellar performances.

In 1858, enslaved Django (Jamie Foxx) meets a traveling dentist, Dr. King Schultz (Waltz). Schultz enlists Django to help him find a trio of wanted brothers, as Schultz reveals he is actually a bounty hunter. Through success the two become good friends, and when Django confirms that his estranged wife, Broomhilda (Washington) is in 'Candieland', a plantation owned by sinister Calvin Candie (DiCaprio). Django and Schultz set out to rescue her and reunite the couple, running into trouble with the head slave, Stephen (Jackson).

This movie just bursts of Tarantino. From the exhuberant and wildly successful direction and fun character names and quirks, to the gory shoot-outs and fun soundtrack. Much like many other movies recently however, Django Unchained runs for an incredibly long 165 minutes. There are sections and scenes that are unnecessary and elongate the film.
The cast makes the length of the film worth it though. Foxx puts in an understated performance in the key titular role, and pulls off Django. Waltz and DiCaprio are what you will be talking about after seeing Django Unchained though. Waltz proves that he is made for Tarantino films with a wonderful, humorous and heartfelt turn as King Schultz. DiCaprio is the opposite though. He puts in a deadly and genuinely scary performance as the evil Calvin Candie. His balance between evil and even handed hospitality is brilliant, making DiCaprio my pick for Best Supporting Actor honours at the Golden Globes and Academy Awards.
Django Unchained features frequent use of the 'N word', and some confronting scenes involving deadly one on one fights. Some may take offence to these two aspects of the movie, but it has been proven to be historically accurate and moves the plot forward. Another scene projecting an early incarnation of the KKK is also prevalent, but it is wonderfully written by Tarantino, and one of the better moments of the film.

8.9 out of 10 - Fantastic.

Tarantino puts in another winner, combining great writing, directing and acting is a sure fire way to make a terrific film.