Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Movie · 2003 · Action, Crime · 1h 51m · R · English

Curator score: 8.6/10 (4.1M ratings)

Here comes the bride.

Overview

An assassin is shot by her ruthless employer, Bill, and other members of their assassination circle – but she lives to plot her vengeance.

Ratings

Director

Quentin Tarantino

Production

Miramax, A Band Apart, Super Cool ManChu

Cast

Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Daryl Hannah, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Julie Dreyfus, Chiaki Kuriyama, Sonny Chiba, Gordon Liu Chia-Hui, Michael Parks, Michael Bowen, Jun Kunimura, Kenji Ohba, Yuki Kazamatsuri, James Parks, Sakichi Sato, Jonathan Loughran, Yoshiyuki Morishita, Tetsuro Shimaguchi

Curator Review

Verdict

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a stylish and thrilling revenge saga that showcases Quentin Tarantino's unique storytelling and visual flair. With a strong lead performance by Uma Thurman, the film captivates audiences with its blend of action, drama, and dark humor.

Best for

  • fans of revenge stories
  • action enthusiasts
  • Quentin Tarantino followers
  • those who appreciate strong female protagonists

Skip if

  • dislike graphic violence
  • not a fan of non-linear storytelling
  • prefer traditional narratives

Overview

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a masterclass in genre-blending, combining elements of martial arts films, spaghetti westerns, and samurai cinema into a singularly compelling narrative. Quentin Tarantino's signature style shines through with vibrant visuals, sharp dialogue, and a killer soundtrack that perfectly complements the film's tone. Uma Thurman's portrayal of 'The Bride' is both fierce and vulnerable, making her quest for vengeance resonate with viewers.

Worth noting

The film's choreography and action sequences are nothing short of spectacular, showcasing a blend of practical effects and stylistic choices that elevate the experience. From the iconic showdown in the House of Blue Leaves to the emotionally charged flashbacks, every moment is crafted with precision. This is a film that not only entertains but also pays homage to the cinematic influences that shaped it, making it a must-see for any film lover.

Top Letterboxd reviews

clem (5★) · 34246 likes

tarantino’s casting call for this like “bad bitches only 😡🧍🏻‍♀️🚫”

shay (5★) · 22718 likes

uma thurman invented the colour yellow

Wes (5★) · 22597 likes

she really just had that giant sword on the airplane

demi adejuyigbe (4.5★) · 14703 likes

i think owning a giant yellow truck with the logo and license plate “PUSSY WAGON” should be grounds for instant dismissal from your job at the hospital but that is simply not the reality of george bush’s america. what’s the least h*rny way to say i want lucy liu to yell at me so bad

aaron (5★) · 13589 likes

silly caucasian girl likes to play with samurai swords

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Topics

action, crime, revenge, stylized violence, female protagonist, non-linear narrative, martial arts, dark humor, cult classic, graphic content

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