
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 "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" is an action-crime film from 2003 that blends various cinematic styles, including martial arts, samurai films, and spaghetti westerns. The narrative follows an assassin, known as The Bride, who awakens from a coma to seek vengeance on her former employer, Bill, and the other members of their assassination squad who betrayed her. The film is characterized by its intense fight sequences and a distinctive visual approach.
The movie has a strong emphasis on action choreography and stylistic choices, which include an animated sequence and shifts between color and black-and-white cinematography. These elements contribute to its unique aesthetic. The film explores themes of revenge and retribution through its female protagonist, who navigates a series of confrontations in her quest for justice. Its distinct approach to violence and visual storytelling has made it a notable entry in Tarantino's body of work.
"Kill Bill: Vol. 1" holds an average vote of 8 out of 10 from over 17,700 votes on TMDb, with critical scores including 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69/100 on Metacritic. The film's use of diverse cinematic influences and its focus on a driven female lead are central to its identity. This first installment sets up the Bride's journey, which continues in "Kill Bill: Vol. 2."
Why you might be searching for Kill Bill: Vol. 1
Users often search for "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" due to its iconic martial arts scenes, particularly the sword fights and the extensive use of katana. The film's distinct visual style, including its anime segments and instances of extreme violence, also contribute to its memorability. Searches may also be driven by its themes of revenge and its strong female protagonist, who becomes a vigilante.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer considers this movie, made after "Jackie Brown," a significant action blockbuster that altered the direction of Tarantino's filmmaking, potentially making it their favorite after "Pulp Fiction."
Read the full reviewA review notes that the film is a homage to various cinema conventions important to Tarantino, including chop-socky, sexploitation, samurai, spaghetti Westerns, anime, and old cop shows.
Read the full reviewA reviewer describes the film as a creative mix of 60s-70s Bond films, Spaghetti Westerns, and martial arts movies, but updated with modern production quality.
Read the full reviewOne reviewer appreciated the use of anime to tell O-Ren's backstory but was not a fan of the exaggerated blood splatters and gratuitous fight scenes.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream Kill Bill: Vol. 1 on Netflix or Philo. It is also available to watch via TV Guide's "Watch Now" feature. netflix.com, tvguide.com, themoviedb.org
No, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is not based on a true story. It is a martial arts film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. en.wikipedia.org
At the end of Kill Bill: Vol. 1, The Bride defeats O-Ren Ishii and her Crazy 88 squad in a stylized battle in Tokyo. The Bride then tortures Sofie Fatale for information on the remaining Deadly Vipers, leaving her alive as a message for Bill. The film concludes with the reveal that the Bride's daughter is still alive. en.wikipedia.org
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 received generally positive reviews from critics, with an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 69 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics praised its style, action, and direction, though some noted its story was less central than its stylistic elements. en.wikipedia.org