Django: Unchained Review

Quentin Tarantino’s “Django: Unchained” starring Jamie Foxx and a
cast of all-stars (including Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, Leonardo Di Caprio, and Kerry Washington) displays the creativity and wit that Tarantino fans have come to expect over the years.

Spike Lee controversially stated that he could not watch the film because it would be “disrespectful to (his) ancestors”, but though I respect Mr. Lee and admire his body of work I cannot agree.

The use of the word “n–ger” is historically accurate not offensive in the least. While “Django” is not “Do The Right Thing” it does not pretend to be. “Django” is the type of movie that only QT could write and acquire financing for. Much like “Inglorious Bastards” this film is about VENGEANCE taken by the oppressed and abused.

QT cleverly juxtaposes two types of violence one that of the oppressors, which is painful to watch at times, the other, that of the vengeful Django upon the oppressors, which comes off as comical much if the time.

“Blood” should have it’s name in the credits for it is definitely a character in this film, adding “panache” to the fight scenes.

Kerry Washington gives an emotional performance, in her role as Broomhilda von Shaft, using her body and face to tell her story though her dialogue is sparse. Samuel L. Jackson plays his “Sambo” role as well as expected.

His interactions with Leonardo Di Caprio bring to mind Paulo Freire’s “Pedagogy of the Oppressed”, and the internalization of the patriarchal nature of the slave/master relationship.

All in all “Django: Unchained” is a well directed, well cast, hilariously entertaining film. 4 Tof 5 stars.