Kill Bill, Volume 2 (2004)

Talented Story Telling

David Carradine was remarkable. When I heard he was playing the role of "Bill", I was skeptical. I am a fan of his earlier work as a good guy, lone-ranger type martial artist, but Carradine playing a ruthless assassin? He was magnificent. This film allowed us to see that while Uma Therman, the female warrior, was a protagonist, she was not a "good guy" and Carradine as the villian was not a "bad guy." Circumstances created their situation. Tarantino tackled some tough ethics questions on the choices the female warrior undertook (her name being revealed is part of the story so I won't blow it for you!). We can also empathize with Bill's pain and suffering. Surprisingly, ultimately this was a warped, twisted love story. Behind anger, there is pain, behind pain and fear, there is love. Love can die as we make certain choices in our lives. Tarantino designed his trademark quirky soundtrack which awakened a lot of new perspectives, to hear the juxtaposition of playful music over scenes of violence. It made the violence both more and less brutual. Michael Madsen did a great job of making the lofty revenge quest seem ridiculous, as he was leading his practical day-to-day banal life. However, underneath that banal life, he still did not relinquish some of his principles. Daryl Hannah - was comical, and a villain you love to hate. Good stretch in her acting ability and she carried it off well. Carradine steals the show though. Tarantino did not get quite as creative in his style in Vol 2 (not much fusion of other genres and methods to tell his tale), but it was well done. The wrap up was appropriately bittersweet. If you like the "warrior ethic" and admire those with a "code of honor" you might like this film. If you prefer romantic comedies, this is NOT for you.

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