Inglourious Basterds

🎥 Synopsis: In Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a plan to assassinate Nazi leaders by a group of Jewish U.S. soldiers coincides with a theatre owner’s vengeful plans for the same.

Daring, Dazzling, and Slightly Disappointing

I finally watched Inglourious Basterds, going in almost completely blind—no reviews, no spoilers, just a vague idea of the plot from the trailer. I knew it was critically acclaimed and frequently recommended, but I had no idea what kind of experience awaited me.

The film kicks off with one of the most gripping scenes I’ve seen in a while. We meet Colonel Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz), and from the moment he appears on screen, he completely commands the show. His interrogation of the French farmer, Perrier LaPadite, is absolutely chilling. Waltz’s performance is magnetic—calm on the surface but unsettling, as he effortlessly switches between politeness and menace.

By the time the first 20 minutes are up, the film’s tone is clear—dark, suspenseful, and a little twisted. Visually, the film is breathtaking. From the framing to the lighting, every shot is carefully composed to enhance the mood. The use of wide shots and slow pans builds tension beautifully, making even the smallest details feel significant. I absolutely loved it!

The story weaves between different perspectives—the Basterds, Shosanna, and the Nazi officers—adding variety but also creating a contrast. Shosanna’s arc is personal and dramatic, while the Basterds bring a more pulpy, action-driven narrative. Their extreme actions, including scalping and the forehead branding, are wild, but given the real horrors of Nazi Germany, they didn’t feel completely out of place.

One of the most memorable scenes for me was the bar sequence. I really enjoyed Michael Fassbender’s character—he exudes confidence at first, but there’s an underlying sense that things are gradually unraveling. With each line of dialogue, the tension escalates, and Tarantino masterfully highlights subtle details—hand gestures, glances, and shifting body language—all leading up to the explosive twist. When the chaos cleared, my jaw dropped at who was still standing.

I was also fully invested in Shosanna’s journey and rooted for her revenge, especially against Landa. The buildup was engaging, but when the time came for the payoff, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While there were great moments, the resolution felt a bit underwhelming—something I also felt with Hans Landa’s fate. Given how cunning and ruthless he was throughout the film, I expected a far more fitting punishment—one that truly made him answer for his actions. While his ending is meant to be ironic, it didn’t feel nearly as satisfying as it should have.

I dived into this expecting something more rooted in history. But when the film took such a departure from real events, it caught me by surprise. I’m no history expert, but I’ve read and watched enough about WWII to know that Hitler is widely believed to have taken his own life in his bunker. The creative reimagining of such a major historical moment was fascinating, but it took me out of the history I was familiar with, making the ending feel less impactful.

I suppose my disappointment is partly on me, as I assumed the film would be historically accurate simply because most war films I’ve seen are based on real events.

Overall, Inglourious Basterds is a bold, gripping, and visually stunning film that delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience. While the ending caught me off guard and left me wanting more, I can’t deny the brilliance of Tarantino’s storytelling, the magnetic performances, and the sheer tension woven throughout. Whether you’re a fan of war films, Tarantino’s signature style, or just love a good revenge story, this is definitely a film worth watching at least once.