
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
An assassin is shot by her ruthless employer, Bill, and other members of their assassination circle – but she lives to plot her vengeance.
Details
Budget
$30,000,000
Rating
8/10 (17704 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Miramax, A Band Apart, Super Cool ManChu
About Kill Bill: Vol. 1
Quentin Tarantino's 2003 action-crime film, "Kill Bill: Vol. 1," follows a former assassin, known as The Bride, as she embarks on a quest for revenge against her former employer and assassination squad members who betrayed her. The movie is known for its blend of martial arts, samurai film conventions, and extreme violence, drawing on various cinematic styles from different cultures. It has a distinctive visual approach, incorporating elements like anime sequences and changes between color and black and white.
The film's narrative structure details The Bride's initial targets and her path toward retribution, focusing on detailed combat sequences and a driving central motivation. Themes of vengeance and retribution are central, explored through extensive sword fighting and hand-to-hand combat. The movie stands out for its homage to different genres, including kung fu and Japanese action cinema, while maintaining Tarantino's signature directorial style.
"Kill Bill: Vol. 1" has a strong rating from both critics and audiences, with an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and an average vote of 8 out of 10 from over 17,000 TMDb users. The runtime is 111 minutes, giving ample time for the action set pieces and character introductions as the revenge plot unfolds.
Why you might be searching for Kill Bill: Vol. 1
People often search for "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" because of its recognizable yellow jumpsuit worn by the female protagonist, its distinct martial arts action, and its reputation for stylized violence. The film's unique use of anime sequences and its split into two volumes also make it a memorable entry in popular culture, leading to searches about its plot and visual style.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer suggested that the movie altered the trajectory of Tarantino's filmmaking after "Jackie Brown," and considered it a favorite alongside "Pulp Fiction," praising its style, action choreography, anime section, soundtrack, and a silent battle scene between The Bride and O-Ren Ishii.
Read the full reviewJohn Chard described the film as a tribute to various cinematic styles such as chop-socky, sexploitation, samurai, spaghetti Westerns, anime, and old cop shows, noting that its scope led to it being split into two parts. He highlighted Uma Thurman's performance as Black Mamba/The Bride and acclaimed Tarantino's action direction.
Read the full reviewA reviewer categorized the movie as an action/thriller/fantasy that blends 60s-70s Bond elements, Spaghetti Westerns, and martial arts films, likening The Bride to an anti-superheroine. They also noted the effective use of Ennio Morricone's music but found the anime sequence overlong and some characters lacking depth.
Read the full reviewDr_Nostromo rated the film 72/100, seeing it as Tarantino's successful, modernized homage to Kung Fu films, with vibrant characters and exciting moments, even though some scenes tend to extend beyond their immediate dramatic purpose.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream *Kill Bill: Vol. 1* on Netflix and Disney+. It is also available to rent or buy on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Video, Rakuten TV, and Sky Store. In the UK, it can be streamed on ITVX Premium or for free with ads on ITVX. justwatch.com, netflix.com, disneyplus.com
*Kill Bill: Vol. 1* is not based on a true story. It is a martial arts film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, and was inspired by 1970s exploitation and martial arts films. en.wikipedia.org
At the end of *Kill Bill: Vol. 1*, the Bride defeats O-Ren Ishii by slicing off the top of her head after a duel in a Japanese garden. She then tortures O-Ren's lawyer, Sofie Fatale, for information about the remaining Deadly Vipers. The film concludes with Bill asking Sofie if the Bride knows that her daughter is still alive. en.wikipedia.org
*Kill Bill: Vol. 1* received positive reviews from critics, with an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Many described it as a stylish revenge thriller with inventive visuals. rottentomatoes.com