Inglourious Basterds

Total Score: 85/100

January 2, 2025

So, we just binged Inglourious Basterds, and honestly… this one is a ride. It doesn’t care about playing by the rules of history – instead, it dives headfirst into brutal revenge, sharp-as-hell dialogue, and some of the most heart-pounding scenes I’ve ever sat through. The story bounces between a Jewish cinema owner quietly plotting her revenge and a scrappy group of American soldiers literally hunting Nazis like it’s personal – because for them, it is. It’s funny, intense, and absolutely ridiculous at times, but somehow it still feels heavy. There are these long, drawn-out scenes where barely anything happens, yet you feel like you can’t breathe because the tension is that thick. And when things finally snap, it’s brutal and messy in a way that sticks with you. But I’ll be real – the pacing isn’t perfect. Some moments feel like they stretch forever, while others just race by. Not every storyline hits as hard, and if you’re not vibing with Tarantino’s love for indulgent, drawn-out conversations, some parts might drag a little. Still, there’s something about Inglourious Basterds that just works. It’s unapologetic and emotional in a weird, cathartic way – like watching history get rewritten by someone who’s still angry. It leaves you feeling a little raw but also weirdly satisfied. If you’re up for something bold, brutal, and unexpectedly emotional, this one’s hard to forget.

Plot Score: 8/10

The plot feels like two different movies that eventually collide – and for the most part, it works. The Basterds’ story is straightforward: kill Nazis, scalp them, and leave fear in their wake. On the other hand, Shosanna’s arc (the cinema owner) carries the emotional weight, adding layers of personal revenge to the chaos. While the tension is fantastic, the plot isn’t exactly tight. Some scenes feel like detours that exist purely because Tarantino thought they’d be cool – and to be fair, they usually are. But the movie occasionally feels like it’s meandering toward its climax instead of driving straight there.

Characters Score: 9/10

Colonel Hans Landa might be one of the most memorable villains in modern cinema. He’s polite, terrifying, and completely unpredictable. Every scene he’s in feels like he’s holding all the cards, and watching him toy with other characters is nerve-wracking. The Basterds themselves are fun but feel a little underdeveloped. Brad Pitt’s character, Aldo Raine, steals the spotlight with his ridiculous accent and one-liners, but the rest of the crew doesn’t get much depth. Meanwhile, Shosanna’s story carries the emotional core, and Mélanie Laurent’s performance adds weight to the revenge-fueled narrative.

Visuals Score: 9/10

Visually, Inglourious Basterds is slick and stylish. Tarantino makes even the most brutal scenes look beautiful, from slow-motion gunfights to intimate close-ups during tense conversations. The film’s use of color, especially in Shosanna’s storyline, feels vibrant and symbolic – that red dress in the climax sticks with you. However, some scenes feel almost too staged, like the movie is aware of how cool it looks. For some, that’s part of the charm, but it can pull you out of the immersion a bit.

Pacing Score: 7/10

This is where the movie wobbles. Some scenes – especially the infamous tavern standoff – stretch on forever. Don’t get me wrong, the tension is incredible, but there are moments when it feels like Tarantino just refuses to cut. The pacing shifts from adrenaline-fueled Nazi-slaying to long, drawn-out conversations that could’ve been tightened by a few minutes. It’s part of the film’s DNA, but not everyone will have the patience for it.

Dialogue Score: 10/10

If there’s one thing Tarantino does better than almost anyone, it’s dialogue – and Inglourious Basterds is full of it. The conversations aren’t just filler; they’re mini-battles where words are the weapons. The opening scene, with Landa interrogating a farmer, might be one of the best dialogue-driven sequences ever put to screen. That said, the dialogue can sometimes feel too clever, like Tarantino is showing off. Most of the time, it’s brilliant – but there are moments when you just want the characters to get to the point.

Music Score: 9/10

The soundtrack is classic Tarantino – an eclectic mix that somehow fits perfectly. From spaghetti western cues to David Bowie, the music choices add flair and personality to the film. The use of “Cat People” during the climax is a perfect example of how Tarantino uses music to heighten the mood. However, sometimes the music feels too modern for the World War II setting, which can break immersion for a second. But it’s Tarantino – historical accuracy was never really the goal.

Emotional Influence Score: 8/10

Despite all the humor and exaggerated violence, the emotional beats still land. Shosanna’s storyline, in particular, is heavy and layered with grief and rage. Her arc gives the film emotional stakes beyond the Basterds’ cartoonish antics. But because the film juggles multiple tones, not all the emotional moments hit as hard as they could. One minute you’re laughing at Pitt’s broken Italian, and the next, you’re watching a family executed – the tonal shifts can be jarring.

Direction Score: 10/10

Tarantino’s direction is bold and unapologetic. Every scene oozes confidence, and you can tell he’s having fun twisting history to fit his vision. His ability to build suspense, even in the most mundane conversations, is on full display. However, his indulgent tendencies are very present here. If you love his style, this film is a masterpiece. If not, the self-indulgence might wear thin after a while.

Bingeability Score: 7/10

Inglourious Basterds is a wild ride, but it’s not the easiest rewatch. The slower, dialogue-heavy scenes can feel like a commitment, and it’s not exactly a “background movie.” That said, the highlights – like Landa’s interrogation or the explosive finale – are endlessly rewatchable on their own.

Overall Enjoyment Score: 8/10