Here be Spoilers  So read on only if you are interested










when it comes to movies, particularly world war two movies, im a big historical accuracy buff. The guns have to sound right, the synchronization with historical events have to jive, etc.

It is my realization that anachronisms, name changes and fictionalization of events is impossible when a film is made for entertainment purposes but it is also based on real events. however these things should be followed as closely as possible whenever possible.

so that aside.... there are things i liked about basterds and things i didnt like about basterds.

firstly, if you are going to see this film based on some expectation of seeing a "behind enemy lines" action flick like the dirty dozen or where eagles dare just stop right there... its not that in the slightest sense.

if pulp fiction had sex with oceans eleven and they have a baby that grew up to have sex with the dirty dozen with more blood, and less drugs... inglorious basterds would pretty much be the offspring produced.

Quinton Tarantino's direction is the stuff of cinematic genius... there is no doubt about that, however he is no world war two film director.

one thing i liked about the film was the little details. The opening scene was particularly gripping... slow... but gripping.

the SS Colonel is conducting an informal interrogation of a french dairy farmer suspected of hiding Jews. now when you think of an interrogation, a certain image comes to mind.

this scene is not that image, the SS colonel is portrayed as a very sinister individual who hides underneath a veil of civilized conduct. This makes him all the more frightening, because you just know that right in the middle of the skillfully guided conversation / interrogation he is just going to go nuts and kill someone.

The opening scene is drawn out, almost too long, you the viewer pretty much know whats coming, you almost want to warn the dairy farmer and his hidden Jews... but you cant.

another neat attention to detail was in the sound score of the movie.

there are two references to the 1933 film King Kong (if im not mistaken)

first, when playing the guessing game at the bar with the SS officer, his card says "King Kong"

Second, when the black film projector operator goes back stage to light the fire which is meant to consume the theater and kill the German High Command, the theme song to the 1933 film King Kong plays.

another sound score used in the film was that of the film Kelly's Heroes. During the scene where Brad Pitt's men begin to take their position to carry out their execution of the operation, the suspenseful song "Tiger Tank" from Kelly's Heroes is played.

quinton skillfully places these musical pieces into the film where they probably wouldnt be noticed by the average war film veteran.

Now for the bad news:

This film... from a historically accurate standpoint is an absolute train wreck.

Not only did the basterds prove victorious in their plot to kill every single member of German High Command in the most brutal fashion possible in some cases.

But

Adolf Hitler, Oberster Kommandant das wehrmacht und Allen das deutschland... and all of his highest commanders, generals, and staff went... in secret... to Paris, France... to see a fu*cking movie... during the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare which was taking place only about 70 miles away!!!!

absolutley inconcievable!

if you are looking for a real time waster on a friday night... its an okay film.

if your looking for a ww2 espionage flick... spend the money on liquor and a decent woman... you will get more bang for your buck