Django Unchained is a slave tale told like no other. In a story of love and revenge, Jamie Foxx (
Horrible Bosses, Collateral) holds the reigns as lead actor in an exceptionally well done and award-worthy Quentin Tarantino flick.
Set in the South, two years before the Civil War in 1858, Django’s chain gang, whilst traveling to a new plantation, is halted by a bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz, played by Christoph Waltz (
Inglorius Bastards, Water for Elephants) Dr. Schultz wishes to purchase Django for some vital information he withholds on a bounty. An instant bond is formed between the two and they gallop through this movie effortlessly, much like the olympian style stallions used for their main mode of transportation.
Kerry Washington (
Scandal, Fantastic Four) dazzles opposite of Foxx. During a
time when slaves weren’t allowed to marry, Django’s driving force is the long awaited reunion of his frau, Broomhilda Von Shaft, played by Washington. No amount of desensitizing can ever erase the history of the early treatment of African-Americans. Tarantino allows this film to theatrically avenge the past by characterizing Foxx and Washington as intelligent blacks. Both speech inclined while Broomhilda is fluent in German; and Django, equipped with reading lessons from his partner and a whipping fast silver tongue he eloquently uses as he threads the film.
Leonardo DeCaprio (
Edgar, Inception) takes full control of his role as Calvin Candie, the owner of Candie Land, the most popular plantation in the south. Foxx and DeCaprio spar well as they engage in wit wars, Candie often expressing, “I ain’t never seen a nigga like [you] before”, referring to Django’s unapologetic behavior, even among his white counterparts.
An excellent casting decision on starring the legendary Samuel L. Jackson (
Pulp Fiction, Shaft) in the film as DeCaprio’s long time friend, Stephen. You almost want to sympathize with his character because of his age, but as we watch, it becomes very clear that Stephen is not a good house nigger. Foxx lets him know just how much he is disliked in a scene that I’m sure will be remembered by everyone as two seasoned black actors creating award winning imagery.
For those of you who pay attention to the tunes more than the film [raises hand!],
the soundtrack is amazing. Precise selection went into creating the musical lining for this picture. If OST’s are your thing, Django is one for the collection. Western and asiatic influences, orchestral invites and features from industry leaders such as Rick Ross and John Legend is what’s gonna be making your feet tap and romp move.
Writer and Director Quentin Tarantino doesn't dissappoint in this instant classic. Foxx delivers a warrior performance with a stellar supportive cast and production crew. The story transports slavery to a place it’s never been and intertwines a timeless romance. Foxx and Washington overwhelmingly convince the audience of their unfaltering dedication to one another. Best on-screen, no debate. Very few low moments as it was carefully crafted to gain your curiosity and keep your attention. Achievement on all levels of movie making.
Well written I would love to watch it with you sometime. Keep being amazing. :-)
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