The king of the hard-hitting violent bloodshed genre, Quentin Tarantino returns to film-making after a long seven year hiatus to make his 4th and classic movie 'Kill Bill'. Utilising regular Tarantino actress Uma Thurman to take the leading role, the result is a fine tribute in everyway to story, action, actors and settings who made the genre come to life! In my opinion, of all Tarantino's films this has to be the best!

This is the first of two (so far) parts of the 'Kill Bill' series. Miramax/Tarantino originally planned to broadcast the story into one film but once it was made, they decided to split the film into two parts over concerns of running time or just to make another buck or two. This, of course is the first. The second one is a disappointment in my opinion and lacks what it could have been. However, it has been rumoured that Quentin is planning to make a third and last instalment which is said to continue on from Volume One's characters.

'The Bride' (Uma Thurman) is gunned down at her wedding by former boss 'Bill' (David Carradine) and the rest of the 'Deadly Viper Assassination Squad' members in a small wedding Chapel in El Paso, Texas. Four years later, she wakes up from a coma and swears revenge for her and unborn child...

This is a classic, probably one of the best films to come out of the West representing Japanese and Chinese Cinema. Although plot elements are hardly new, Quentin as a Westerner deserves a lot of praise for directing a Japanese action film! For those who are wondering if he uses his usual style of action-violence, seen in his other movies 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Reservoir Dogs', then the answer is yes and this is why it lives up to it's reputation.

It is very noticeable that Tarantino pays tribute to a number of stars and films who made Asian cinema what it is today including Shaw Brothers legend Gordon Liu and Japanese action favourite Sonny Chiba. He even invited legendary Yuen Woo Ping (director of 'Wing Chun' and 'Magnificent Butcher') to be action choreographer but compared to his other films in HK, this may not be his best work but he has made his name in the West with other films 'Iron Monkey' and 'The Matrix' already so it isn't a failure! Regardless, I respect Woo Ping's work and to fans of Hong Kong Cinema/Matrix trilogy, this has to be seen!

Tarantino is famous for making violent movies (including this one) and this resulted in the 'MPAA' (in the US) requiring edits and the 'Black and White' effect in some parts of the finale of 'Volume One' are inserted to tone down the violence. As of now, most versions around the world have broadcast the movie with these changes but not only that, before it was released in the UK the BBFC had concerns about the film in general. Tarantino said in his opinion, he wanted everyone to see the film uncensored.

So this is usual Tarantino violence but with the bonus of Yuen Woo Ping choreographing, making it the ultimate Western revenge movie! Based on this, Tarantino's career in directing Martial Arts/action films seems very promising!