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Reservoir Dogs (1992): A crime thriller about a group of criminals whose diamond heist goes awry, leading them to suspect one of their own is an undercover cop.
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Pulp Fiction (1994): A cult classic that intertwines multiple storylines involving hitmen, a boxer, and a pair of armed robbers in Los Angeles.
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Jackie Brown (1997): Based on Elmore Leonard’s novel, this film follows a flight attendant caught in a money smuggling scheme, playing both sides against each other to secure her freedom.
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Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003): An action-packed revenge saga about “The Bride,” a former assassin seeking vengeance against her former colleagues.
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Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004): The continuation of “The Bride’s” quest for revenge, exploring her backstory and relationships.
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Death Proof (2007): Part of the “Grindhouse” double feature, it follows a psychopathic stuntman who uses his “death-proof” car to stalk and kill young women.
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Inglourious Basterds (2009): Set during World War II, it follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers planning to assassinate Nazi leaders.
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Django Unchained (2012): A Western about Django, a freed slave who teams up with a bounty hunter to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner.
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The Hateful Eight (2015): Set in post-Civil War Wyoming, it follows a group of strangers seeking shelter during a blizzard, leading to a violent confrontation.
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Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019): Set in 1969 Los Angeles, it follows a fading actor and his stunt double navigating the changing film industry.
Haven’t seen Death Proof, so that apart…
Although, in terms of how much I enjoy them there are really 3 closely grouped bands:
1 Jackie Brown
2 Pulp Fiction
3 Kill Bill Pt 1
4 Kill Bill Pt 2
5 Reservoir Dogs
6 Hateful 8
7 Django Unchained
8 Inglourious Basterds
9 Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Really hated OUATIH.
Why Jackie Brown?
I think it’s his strongest film in terms of characters, probably in part because it’s an adaptation of a novel. They feel like real (or at least more real) people to me than those in any of his other movies, who are often a bit more cartoonish.
The stuff about Jackie and Max getting older and looking at what they have made of their lives so far is excellent, and I think really helps up the tension when they are in danger later.
It also feels like a more mature film, more thoughtful and less flashy than most of his work. Which of course is ironic since it was only his 3rd movie and he’s made many more crash-bang-wallop movies since then!
I’d argue Jackie Brown is also the movie that cements Tarantino’s ability to craft a masterpiece. I really don’t think there’s a comparison to his other films because it’s so opposite to his other films but my god it’s a beautiful film.
If anything I look at Jackie Brown and I can see his love for film more than any of his other movies. Not by a little either. By a lot.
The older I get, the more Jackie Brown runs away with it. It really is the most relatable movie as an aging adult, where the rest are generally too fantastical by comparison.
Good point. It’s less frenetic as well. Slower and more character driven.
Agreed. I’d love to see more like that from him.
I’m with OP. Why Jackie Brown?
I haven’t seen it since it came out, so I don’t remember much of it, but I do remember that I was not impressed at all. Probably has some highlights, but I couldnt even tell you what the plot was. That’s how insignificant the experience was for me.
Because it was a while ago, there’s a good chance I missed or forgot something, so I honestly would like to hear what makes it #1 on your list, because I’d probably rank it right next to Hollywood with a score of “Meh.”
That’s fair, it’s not going to be for everyone, and it’s just a personal preference, of course.
I’ve just posted some thoughts on ‘why’ in response to OP, hopefully they make sense :-)
Thanks for letting me know about the other comment.
I might have to give Jackie another watch with some fresh eyes. 40-something me might appreciate it more than 20-something me did.
Yeah, possibly 👍