Kill Bill: Vol. 2

Now sadly gone from Netflix for a period of time, I recently finished my quest to view Kill Bill in its entirety as I'd only seen most of it (diluted) on TV previously. 

Quickly into watching Volume 2 I recognized that I'd seen far more of Volume 1 than I ever had 2. Much of this film was new to me and most of it I'd never heard much about either - unlike the famous Crazy 88 fight scene from the first. 

My perception is that the general consensus from most who've viewed these back-to-back films (not critics, mind you) is that the first is superior, likely because it has more action. 

As much as I enjoyed the first film, it's a wild ride and I gave it a 9/10, I sincerely believe Volume 2 is better and I liked it more, even if just slightly. Where as Volume 1 is left on a cliffhanger and feels like a revenge film with tons of revenge, Volume 2 adds so much needed backstory to our characters that I was immediately more invested in the outcomes and more interested in the resolution than just the stylish violence that accompanied it.

So perhaps I'm one of the weird ones, but Kill Bill: Vol 2 > Kill Bill: Vol 1. 

Similar to the first - and to most of Quentin Tarantino's films - Volume 2 is chock full of memorable scenes. From the Bride trying to escape being buried alive, to her martial arts training, he interaction with Bill and her child near the end, the black-and-white wedding, and her fight with Elle in the mobile home; it's all expertly directed by Tarantino (no surprise there) and sticks with you long after you see it. 

Such a fun scene with Gandalf & Dumbledore!

"Ew! These grapes have gone bad!"

More important though is that while the film jumps around a lot between these memorable scenes, it's all done with intention. Beatrix's training and the stories that come with it come into play several times throughout. Her past and revenge make the interactions she has with Bill that much more intense. And sure, at the end of the day this is a "kung fu" movie with funny elements like the punch that kills you in 5 footsteps, but that's almost more of a testament to Tarantino that his storytelling and characters are so well written that it subverts how silly it likely all sounds on paper. 

Past the stupendous writing, you've got one hell of a cast here too. Uma Thurman, an obvious awesome choice in the first film, continues to be someone who's irreplaceable in our minds as the Bride. She's violent when she needs to be - and authentically so - but also feels a lot of emotion when she's trapped in a coffin or sees her child for the first time. Everyone else is adding their own value, but David Carradine deserves special mention as Bill. The titular "villain" this whole time, Carradine's soothing voice and thoughtful delivery of his dialogue allows his character to be far more multifaceted than in the first film where all we know is that Thurman wants to "kill bill". Their exchange of dialogue near the end of the film is some of Tarantino's best ever and I couldn't have torn my eyes away if I tried.

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is obviously an extension of the first film which means a lot of the things I praised there would be repetitive to be praised again. The action, while "lesser" is still super impressive and honestly, the fight between Elle and Beatrix in the mobile home is one of the best out of both films. The entire film is shot and edited well while also having inspired music choices, original music, and cinematography. Part of me does wonder if there's a supercut edit of both films together that isn't just Vol 1 then Vol 2 and instead spreads the backstory wealth a bit more over the course of the 4 total hours. 

More films should take advantage of black-and-white scenes

As we get closer to the end of Tarantino's career (or so he says), some of his films shine brighter than others when compared against one another. His whole resume is a bright spot among Hollywood, but even within his own history, I believe Kill Bill Vol. 2 is one of his very best. It's such a complete and engrossing film that gets a lot done in 2 hours it's hard to fault it for much, if anything. 

CONS

• Obviously has some "previously on LOST..." vibes where it's not the beginning of the story and you need that added context going in
• Perhaps too much stress and torture on Thurman's Beatrix. At a few points I felt uncomfortable (but that's likely the point)

PROS

• Excellent writing throughout that adds weight to what should be a silly story. The Bride and Bill's exchange at the end is probably one of the best written scenes of Tarantino's career
• Packed full of memorable scenes. Even better, they all deserve to be there and add context to the larger story
• Plays out as more than just a revenge tale and the added backstory is appreciated (and was much needed)
• Awesome performances by Thurman and Carradine in particular
• Tarantino is a talented director - it comes through wonderfully here. Editing, pacing, music choices, cinematography -- all of these elements where he plays a key role are still unique and lovingly crafted in Vol 2
• Less action, but still awesome
• Entertaining and gripping from start to finish. It's the better of those two films and one of the best in Tarantino's career

Retro Rath's Review Score |

10/10 - Instant Classic