Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
MEDIUM LEVEL VIOLENCE, MEDIUM LEVEL COARSE LANGUAGE, DRUG USE
| Director: | Quentin Tarantino |
| Actors: | Daryl Hannah, Uma Thurman, Michael Madsen, David Carradine, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Michael Parks |
The acclaimed fourth film from groundbreaking writer and director Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown), KILL BILL, VOLUME 1 stars Uma Thurman (Pulp Fiction, Batman & Robin), Lucy Liu (Charlies's Angels, Chicago) and Vivica A. Fox (Boat Trip) in an astonishing, action-packed thriller about brutal betrayal and an epic vendetta! Four years after taking a bullet in the head at her own wedding, the bride (Thurman) emerges from a coma and decides it's time for payback...with a vengeance! Having been gunned down by her former boss (David Carradine) and his deadly squad of international assassins, it's a kill-or-be-killed fight she didn't start but is determined to finish! Loaded with explosive action and outrageous humour, it's a must-see motion picture event that had critics everywhere raving!
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 106mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 2.35:1 16:9 Enhanced |
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Member Reviews (158)
158 Member
Reviews
Aaron Ramon Ki Re
says
Lot's of action, blood and swordplay but light on the story...better than the 2nd part at least and this movie has an incredible soundtrack!
Owen
says
Watch this movie with headphones on - QT is an absolute master of sound which is often missed on TV speakers
Rob B
says
Started out well. But end up so far over the top I was thankful I could fast forward.
Kieran W.
says
felt like half a movie
some of the fights were rather comical
story jumped around way too much for my liking
Jason
says
Tarantino films are always well-written and generally well-directed. It's the little aspects of his film making rather than the gung-ho stuff that I enjoy. For example, there was something poignant about the water feature that slowly taps away in the final fight scene between The Bride and O-ren.
Having said that, I found this film, like the Matrix, to be overindulgent in terms of the fights scenes and the (admittedly comic book style) gore. I enjoyed it for the story and will defintely be having a look at Vol. 2 but it left me with mixed feelings. The music was superb and elevates this film from 3 to 4 stars.
Anne R.
says
At the first viewing I thought it was too violent and the blood and gore was overdone. On the second viewing I could appreciate the artistry of the fight scenes especialy the sword fights. But I still think their was too much gratuitous violence. Overall though it was a good story and Tarentino did a good job.
Heather B.
says
You'll either love it or hate it. Not my style but I give it a star on the merits of creativity.
Jean
says
This is probably the worst film I have seen for a long time. Too much blood - (fountains of it - most unrealistic) and just nothing but fighting -- no real story.
I hated it! NO stars from me
bobbyboy
says
Didn't know how to take this one, but will wait until I see Kill Bill 2. Great action by Uma and Luci and if Kill Bill 2 carries on from Kill Bill 1, the jigsaw will come together.
Danny B.
says
one of the best movies ive ever seen will go and buy this one so i can watch it again
Chris Krzyzanowski
says
Incredible Movie from an Incredible director. Tarantino is brilliant. Uma Thurman is sensational.
Daniel H.
says
Great movie, a lot of fun and interesting filming techniques throughout film. Kept me entertained from beginning to end. I also enjoyed the music and the well coreographed/filmed fight scenes. This movie is loved by all film critics so don't take 1 starred opinions, that's out of pure hate for a amazing writer/director and most sertainly... movie lover.
Graham M.
says
Well this one was not what I expected. Unusual directing style from Tarantino really makes you think. Plenty of graphic fight and injury scenes so not for the faint hearted. We are keen to see volume two now because this one leaves more of the story unfinished.
RK
says
Anthony S.
says
frightening initially but some later scenes were a tad unbelieveable but overall a good movie
Heide E.
says
This must be the worst ever taste we have had from a movie. Senseless violence without a plot to mention, though we only watched for about half an hour, always hoping it would improve. Ideal for someone without a brain but who loves violence I should have thought! Sorry about the bad review.
David D.
says
Cartoon based, brutal and bloodthirsty, yet very entertaining. Tarantino at his quirkiest. On par with Babycart samurai films.
Julie B.
says
Suzanne F.
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Jenny B.
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Daniel H.
says
Gorgeous movie, as no other expected by a tarantino one! MUST SEE! Cool Fighting scenes! Not for easy scared viewers... but i loved it!
Ian G.
says
Plenty of action (blood and guts). As the saying goes "pay back is a bitch".
Peter R.
says
This is a very well crafted movie with enough subtle nods at other 'classic' films to keep the real buffs entertained for days!
Scott H.
says
Very good. Tarantino has expanded his skills with this one and has obviously melded techniques from some of his favourites. As with all of his movies the soundtrack is as big a part as anything else. This music score is superb.
It is very violent and gory, even for a Tarantino film. I felt this was overdone in one extended scene.
Not as good as Pulp Fiction but still very very good.
Jan K.
says
Not for the feint-hearted or squeamish! Overdoes it with the gushing buckets of blood, but a great one for martial-arts fans and girl-wannabees! Mind you, I'll need to watch the second Kill Bill to get a more complete view on the storyline.
William E.
says
Judy B.
says
Plenty of action and fast moving. Very entertaining
Dale A.
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Dale S.
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Shereen W.
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Bev M.
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Claire H.
says
not really my kind of movie
JW
says
Kornelis V.
says
Too much violence
Patricia A.
says
Loved it - can't wait for Volume 2.
Kathryn W.
says
Gemma W.
says
The actual story was a overshadowed a bit by all the gore...could've toned it down a bit. Worth watching if you haven't got anything else - and make sure you watch them in order!
Steve R.
says
Awesome movie not for the faint hearted.
Eloise C.
says
Quentin Tarentino out does himself with this movie. All the action and production you would expect from his movies. Many aspects from the classic asian action with Tarantinos quirky characters.
Symone P.
says
Toni B.
says
absolutely brilliant
tirralirra
says
Almost perfect movie making at its very best. Total control of the form. You'll get most out of it if you are cinema-literate and can read the references. Every frame is crafted to produce an integrated work of art. Certainly one to watch many times - seeing more each time.
Paul G.
says
This movie rocks! This is one of the best action movies for a long time, classic Tarantino and Uma Thurman is fantastic as the ex-assassin who seeks revenge on her old assassin clan. Must see for all action fans, just a great movie. Brilliant.
Karla R.
says
Fantastic movie. Q.T's movies are the best. Need to watch them more than once. Loved the martial arts, blood and guts. The end was the best.
Annabel K.
says
Didn't really understand the hype. Not at all tempted to see the second one.
Wolfgang H.
says
interesting scenes with reasonable story line
Simon E.
says
Darren B.
says
my wife wishes she was blind to the colour red! tho left her pondering the story and eager for Vol 2. For me its worth 3 for pure entertainment. I am actually indifferent to Tarantino, finding his movies join all the dots for the audience with long monologues explaining the story or the intent of actions, as if the story writing crew taped their own meetings and simply transferred this to script! His ideas aren't novel either - anyone who thinks same needs to know that there are whole other worlds that make film besides hollywood - he's just bringing them to the popcorn munchers. Having said that he's not the only one out there taking direct stories and westernising them (think the Ring series, the Grudge, in recent times, and there are about a million derivations of the seven samurai, incl a bug's life)I'm a big anime fan and have watched various japanese movies from the sixties and seventies, which invented the broken hero, blood fountains and chopped limbs in set-piece fight scenes, so the style here is familiar - and Uma's yellow suit is 100% Bruce Lee.
The women are gorgeous and heroic, if all rather damaged, with good character development.
All in all visually appealing but not worth repeat viewing. Call me snob, but you're a popcorn muncher!
Darryl L.
says
Great fight scenes
Typically quirky Tarintino dialogue
Good story
Phil J.
says
Pure fantasy. Waste of time.
Tim H.
says
Pretty good. Watchable, but didn't live up to the hype. However, good movie to just kick back and watch (as long as you have both; don't know how I would've went if I had to wait for the other part).
Brigitte
says
Norman M.
says
Absolutely wonderful. Great style, music, story, performances. Great movie!
Geoffrey H.
says
Rebecca B.
says
Suspend your belief and prepare to be overloaded with blood and gore - a homage to martial arts films that goes to the extreme...
Nic W.
says
Zoe R.
says
Beautiful film, perfectly paced
Annette C.
says
Crazy Humour mixed with Action Action Action....
Victor Voesenek
says
Rolf
says
A real surprise gripping.
Adam Donaldson
says
Marcus Rummler
says
Crap movie, too much violence.
John Wilkes
says
Dick Simpson
says
Juergen Oschadleus
says
One of those that you think just has to get better at some point - but it doesn't.
jubilist
says
Tedious amounts of slick violence and a plot so pointless you have to watch Vol 2 to understand anything.
Jeff
says
Extremely violent. Not for the queasy or faint of heart. You need Volume 1 and 2 if you are going to watch this properly - this film was spoiled for me by the abrupt end to Volume 1. It seems it was too long for one picture and the studio just chopped it in half.
There are many parts of this movie that you won't get if you are not a fan of many different genres in the movie world.
Chris
says
Wronged sexy young thing goes to Japan and buys a sword. After a months practice she takes on an army of 80 Ninja assassins and singlehandedly slaughters them all in a battle with megalitres of fountaining blood and severed limbs and heads. Very plausible (not). Apparently some people actually like to watch this stuff.
Helen Bradbury
says
Tim Harrison
says
I am becoming a Tarantino junkie! This was fantastic and I've moved KB2 way up the queue. Sure it's gory, but no more than Itchy & Scratchy on the Simpsons and the effects are similar! Great fun, just remember you are watching a cartoon. It ain't serious folks.
Job Napitupulu
says
I'm a die hard fan of tarantino and chiaki after seeing this movie!
Peter Bedo
says
Bad acting + excessive violence = not my kind of film. But by the comments on this site I am odd-man out. Good film tricks though so maybe.
Whale Tony
says
Ashley Moses
says
A bit hard to follow but great action.
Craig Sheffield
says
Steven De Visser
says
leesa
says
Too bloodthirsty!
Chris Buchholz
says
Joanne Rogers
says
Brilliant. Even though the violence was extreme.
says
parfy
says
Exciting, terrific film. Always so interesting the way Tarantino weaves the scenes of his plots together. All the actors were marvellous, and the action was non-stop from beginning to end.
Nadine Fogale
says
Mussy
says
BRILLIANT! SENSATIONAL! AMAZING! Could not fault this superb film - although violent, the violence was 'cartoonish' enough not to upset.
AJC
says
Roslyn Mcauliffe
says
My husband's choice, thought it was fantastic.
Tulsi Rajyaguru
says
Lyn
says
Too much over the top, unnecessary violence for my liking.
Young Hun Kim
says
Jennifer Roache
says
Although extremely violent definetly worth watching, had to view Vol 2.
Robert Mcintyre
says
Craig Lighton
says
Another great QT movie. The old samaurai movies influenced a lot of his work, and this movie pays homage to that genre. Violent, but in an exaggerated cartoonish way - blood sprays to excess with many of the amputations and decapitations. Likewise, many of the deaths are also exaggerated and drawn out (while others are over in a second). Like other QT films, time has been shuffled with events not ocurring chronologically; leaping back five years, then the more recent past. Anime has also been used to good effect to provide the historical tale of one of the characters.
Jenny Stephenson
says
A bit violent for me
Amanda Muir
says
Classic Tarantino, clever, complicated but hideously gory. Not for the fainthearted.
Lorraine Golland
says
Mark Gardiner
says
Graeme Ackland
says
Interesting, lots of blood and violence. Great scene where the child arrives home in the middle of a fight.
Aloysius Muthu
says
Ben Hui
says
Aik Foo Lau
says
Lorene Johnson
says
Barry Wyatt
says
I must be the last person in Australia to watch this movie - not bad at all..
Steven Louey
says
Non-stop action, plenty of blood and violence from beginning to end.
Scott Whale
says
I din't like Pulp Fiction, too arty for me but Quintin has done it here. It's a great film. Lot's of blood but if you can get past that you'll love it. A great movie lover's picture
Chrissi Hayward
says
Quentin Tarantino is not one of my favourite directors, but his treatment in this film is impressive.
Jane Hooper
says
Kara
says
Awesome movie not to be missed - Tarantino at his best with the usual "killer" soundtrack.
Lots of samurai sword fighting and blood, all with tongue firmly in cheek. Watch out for the Pussy Wagon and Uma's cool outfits!
says
Leroy
says
Absolutely awesome. I have seen this movie at least 4 times now, can't get over the pure genius. Perfectly cast, absolutley amazing. Definite all time top 5.
Nils Johansson
says
David Robert Rylands
says
Kelvin Loo
says
Action packed although some parts are too unreal.
Lee Tanabe
says
Helen Croucher
says
Tamas
says
Music - very good; directing - good; action (read "violence") - OK; plot - other than what could be summarised on one word - revenge - there wasn't one; believability - oh perleeease! Its target audience was surely the shallow- or sick-minded (apologies to the Fetchmemovies reviewers who said they liked it!).
Cameron Miller
says
I found it a little far fetched and at times hard to follow. But for the openminded it was a treat.
Linc
says
Definitely one for the martial arts fanatics out there! I look forward to seeing Vol. 2.
S Mathewson
says
The good, the bad and the samurai with a killer soundtrack. Bring on Volume II.
Reuben Petrie
says
more magic from a great artist - looking forward to kill bill 2
Cowgirl
says
Kill Bill Vol 1 synopsis is spot on. This is a classic and I'm adding it to my all time favourites list!
Sandra
says
Sandra Valimberti
says
Brilliant! I never thought I would enjoy so much blood & guts! Very artistically done. No way suited for kids viewing.
Kylie Mason
says
bingoze
says
Kill Bill Vol. 1 is a film heavily influenced by genre. It most resembles the classic Japanese revenge movie, as epitomised by The Bride With The White Hair. This style of female action is becoming predominant in Western television and movie making with the rise of the 'Warrior Woman', epitomised by characters such as Alien's Ridley, Xena the Warrior Princess, and the heroes of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Being a Tarantino epic, the film is heavy on violence and music. Once again the soundtrack adds irony to the lush visuals ala Pulp Fiction, although this film has a more cartoon-like quality. This is enhanced by using an Anime sequence in place of a flashback at one point.
Tarantino seems to be taking a leaf out of David Lynch's book of linking older styles of music and decor with more modern character ideologies. The film is also very Lynchian in that it is fast-paced and requires you to think about it long after the end titles have rolled, if you really want to understand all that has taken place.
Violence is central to the plot of Kill Bill Vol. 1 but is handled in such a way as to make it quite visually beautiful and athletic. Some scenes are so over the top that the blood splatter becomes almost humorous.
There is also a great deal of homage to shows from the 70s, complete with references to 'pussy wagons' and characters who look as though they would be at home in an Austin Powers flick.
Entertaining and funny as hell, rent this one if you want to be dazzled by the sheer virtuousity of a film maker who knows how to create strong characters which will linger in your memory.
Helen Yu
says
Cneil
says
This is a homage to Japanese cinema wonderfully accessible to Westerners. The poetic death sequences keep coming and if this sentence puts you off - you may not like Tarantino
Kelvin Aw-Yang
says
A Tarantino Masterpiece! Can't wait for Volume 2!
Sharon Pao
says
Matt Moran
says
One can only wonder what sort of childhood QT had. He certainly has a black sense of humour which I find tickles my funny bone -in a creepy way.
James Macmillan
says
Very good action shots.
David Maxwell
says
Very violent and just a bit over the top for my liking. Hope the next one is better.
phaliss
says
Violet Fawkes
says
Too violent for my liking.
Tanya
says
Loved this movie! It has classic Tarantino dialogue, slick action, and a kicker of a story line! Looking forward to Kill Bill 2!
4 Paws.
Jay
says
Although bood thirsty, sense of excitement was maintained and good mix between reality and cartoon treatment. Uma Thurman was very credible, not a great deal of shouting and screaming that spoils so many movies. She also was unafraid of looking a mess. again a big plus for her and the movie. Looking forward to Kill Bill 2.
Daniel Tan
says
Weird, entertaining movie, great anime scene.
John Woods
says
Marina Gurtzis
says
Not as good as I had hoped but certainly worth the watch. Some totally over the top "humour" and unbelievable blood fests. Maybe KB Vol 2 will pull it all together. A bit of a pretencious movie. Certainly not cinema.
mja
says
Fantastic, unbelieveable, funny, gory, this movie has it all. Definately worth the wait, nobody makes movies like Tarantino. While the story and dialogue arent as snappy as Pulp Fiction or Resorvoir Dogs the action scenes certainly make up for it
James Teague
says
A CLASSIC MUST SEE
Michelle Gibson
says
One of those perfect films from beginning to end. Fabulous mix of cinematic styles and more blood and dismembered limbs than your backyard chop shop.
Michelle
says
Cindy Stingel
says
Didnt entirely live up to expectations, thought fight sequences were too cliched.
Chris D
says
Betrayal, revenge, honour, and extreme violence. One of the most original films ever made - absolutely fantastic stuff!
Emma Burrage
says
Very cool, bloodthirsty, but big thumbs up for girl power. Uma Thurman gives an amazing performance. Would highly recommend.
Kevin Deverell
says
Carrie
says
If you can look past the extreme violence, which had me wincing in parts, this is a great film. Easily Uma's best role yet and close to Tarantino's best also. Have to go out & see Vol 2 now!
Mathew Wormleaton
says
Wolfgang Merl
says
Robert
says
Wow! Now I understand why it is Vol. 1. Can't wait for Vol. 2.
Jenny
says
Don't usually like Tarantino movies - loved this one - will watch it again - probably missed a few of the sub titles - enjoyed it immensely - Uma was great in the role --- looking forward to watching Volume 11
rks
says
Cinematographically speaking very "arty". Extremely gory to ludicrous extremes - blood simply doesn't spurt like a fire hydrant.
Wasn't really to my taste.
Tahjibul Anam
says
Jevan Wilcox
says
Vintage Tarantino , brilliant!!
Donna O'kane
says
must see movie,another 5 star Tarantino.
Cinefile
says
Thanh Nam Doan
says
Peter Tribe
says
This is the 4th film by Quentin Tarantino and when it is seen as a whole along with Vol 2, I think it will be regarded as his best film so far. It doesn't have as many classic lines of dialougue as Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs, and it's characters are not quite as memorable, but Kill Bill is a visual tour de force. Pulp Fiction was arguably the best film of the last decade and Kill Bill will probably be the best film of this decade.
Bryan Tomkinson
says
If you like Tarantino, you will love this. It's got it all: action, unbelievable fight sequences, beautiful women in unbelievable fight sequences, great thumping soundtrack, toungue in cheek humour. Revenge is Sweet