Pulp Fiction (1994)
A burger-loving hit man, his philosophical partner, a drug-addled gangster's moll and a washed-up boxer converge in this sprawling, comedic crime caper. Their adventures unfurl in three stories that ingeniously trip back and forth in time.
Details
Budget
$8,000,000
Rating
8/10 (28443 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Miramax, A Band Apart, Jersey Films
About Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film "Pulp Fiction" weaves together multiple storylines within the criminal underworld of Los Angeles. The narrative centers on a group of characters, including two hitmen, their boss's wife, and a boxer, whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. Known for its nonlinear timeline, the film jumps back and forth in its chronology, connecting disparate events and character arcs.
"Pulp Fiction" is categorized as a thriller and crime film, often noted for its dark comedy elements. Its exploration of themes like redemption is framed within a backdrop of drug dealing, theft, and gangster life. The film's distinctive style and dialogue have contributed to its lasting cultural impact, influencing many subsequent films.
The critical reception for "Pulp Fiction" has been consistently strong, as evidenced by its high ratings across various platforms, including an 8.8 on IMDb, 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 95/100 on Metacritic. The movie runs for 154 minutes and has received a vote average of 8 out of 10 from over 28,000 votes, reflecting its widespread acclaim. Its unconventional narrative structure and memorable characters have solidified its place as a significant work in modern cinema.
Why you might be searching for Pulp Fiction
People often search for 'Pulp Fiction' to recall specific, often bizarre, scenes and memorable dialogue, such as the philosophical discussions between the hitmen or the dance sequence. The film's unique nonlinear storytelling and the interconnected fates of its characters also make it a subject of discussion.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer describes the film as a standout quirky crime thriller, noting its witty dialogue and engaging story, which remains compelling despite its length. They acknowledge that while the subject matter involves lawless characters, the film's overall entertainment value makes it worthwhile.
Read the full reviewAnother review highlights the film's amusing, bizarre, and sometimes dangerous intertwining tales, centered loosely around the crime boss. The reviewer details various plot points, including the hitmen's precise yet messy work, and the boxer's flight from the boss's wrath, noting that the narrative, though complex to describe, flows well on screen.
Read the full reviewA reviewer found the film enjoyable and appreciated its attention to detail.
Read the full reviewOne viewer suggests that while the film is essential for understanding Tarantino's work, they do not consider it as incredible as some claim. They recognize its originality and adherence to Tarantino's style, which does not aim to please everyone, and outlines the multiple intersecting plots involving violent bandits, a boxer, and a mobster's girlfriend.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can watch Pulp Fiction on Netflix or rent it on [BFI Player](https://player.bfi.org.uk/rentals/film/watch-pulp-fiction-1994-online).
No, *Pulp Fiction* is not based on a true story. It's a crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, featuring fictional intertwining tales of crime and violence in Los Angeles. The title refers to pulp magazines and hardboiled crime novels known for their graphic violence and dialogue.
The film uses a nonlinear narrative, meaning the ending of the film is not the chronological end of the story. The movie concludes with the "Epilogue – The Diner" sequence, which overlaps with the "Prologue – The Diner" scene from the beginning of the movie. In this scene, hitmen Jules Winnfield and Vincent Vega are eating breakfast at a diner when it is held up by Pumpkin and Honey Bunny, the same bandits who opened the film. Jules intervenes, using his newfound philosophy to disarm and de-escalate the situation, allowing the bandits to leave with their stolen money while taking his wallet back, choosing not to kill them.
Yes, *Pulp Fiction* is widely considered a highly acclaimed and influential film. It holds a 92% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it a "cinematic shot of adrenaline," and it has a score of 95 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "universal acclaim." Many consider it one of the key films of the 1990s and a classic of American cinema.