Django Unchained (2012) Movie Review

Synopsis:

German bounty hunter Dr King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) rescues Django (Jamie Foxx) from slavery. After doing so, they learn that Django’s wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), is also a slave in captivity. They must save her from a remorseless Mississippi plantation owner named Calvin J. Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio).

Review:

From its opening scene, director Quentin Tarantino establishes Django Unchained's gritty, distinctive tone.

This is evidenced in his choice of music and scenic visuals. Using Luis Bacalov and Rocky Roberts’ “Django”, Tarantino establishes the character.

This film’s other tracks, such as Jim Croce’s “I Got A Name”, also help to immerse the viewer.

Despite some good music choices, rap tracks such as Rick Ross’s “100 Black Coffins” may distract.

As this film is set during the 1800s, viewers may find its inclusion questionable. Despite that, the rest of the film’s music is above average.

When it comes to visuals, Tarantino’s signature style is always on display. With it, he conveys the uncompromising brutality of slavery.

Tarantino also does this through impactful sound design during the action.

Each gunshot or crack of a whip is impactful, drawing the viewer further into the film.

Despite its impactfulness, it’s safe to say that some viewers may find this brutality excessive.

Some may also find the film’s 2-hour, 45-minute runtime too much to handle.

Given the film’s heavy focus on dialogue, this may make its runtime even more difficult to sit through. This also contributes to Django’s pacing, which some may feel weakens the story.

Though this may be the case, those accustomed to Tarantino’s style shouldn’t find issue with this.

Whilst its story isn’t complex, its distinct characters should still entertain viewers. As expected with a Tarantino film, its performances are well above average.

Each one gives their character a distinct personality to stand out from the rest.

Jamie Foxx’s Django displays intensity, whilst Christoph Waltz’s Dr King Schultz displays class.

This is also the case with Leonardo DiCaprio’s Calvin J. Candie, the main antagonist.

In the film, DiCaprio embodies the cruel and sadistic nature of the character. This is more than evident in the scene where he’s introduced.

It’s in this scene where Candie forces two slaves to fight for his entertainment. Throughout it, DiCaprio conveys unflinching, almost joyful characteristics.

Given the film’s brutal subject matter, this makes the scene more unnerving.

There’s also a scene in Calvin’s plantation, Candyland, where DiCaprio cuts his hand by slamming it on the table.

On first inspection, some viewers may have passed this off as a scripted moment.

This was revealed as unscripted, which makes the scene more entertaining.

Many actors would’ve stopped shooting, though not DiCaprio. Given his commitment to the craft, his intensity as an actor was all the more evident.

Veteran Samuel L. Jackson also joins the cast as the house slave, Stephen.

Though not given as much screen time as DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson exhibits the usual charisma onscreen.

One performer who’s not given as much agency is Kerry Washington’s Broomhilda.

Though the actress conveys moments of distress well, her character isn’t given much else to do.

She’s seen in certain flashbacks to her past with Django and in his mind. Aside from learning that she speaks German, that’s the extent of her development.

This may have been because of the actresses’ lack of screentime or the script.

If Tarantino had shown more of her and Django’s life together, the film’s later moments may’ve been more impactful.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Django Unchained serves as a brutal and uncompromising tale of revenge.

This is more than evident in the film’s impactful action and stylistic visuals.

Django’s choices of music, aside from one or two, fit the film’s gritty tone well. Each one immerses the viewer into Quentin Tarantino’s world with good effect.

Acting performances in the film are also good. This makes their characters feel distinct without coming across as overbearing.

Where the film can falter is its lack of much development for Kerry Washington’s Broomhilda. Though she has her moments, her lack of screentime reduces the character’s agency.

What some viewers may find overbearing is the film’s heavy dialogue and extended runtime. This may impact their enjoyment, despite the film’s easy-to-follow narrative.

Viewers who can look past these issues will find enjoyment in Tarantino’s approach to action and visuals. For those reasons alone, it comes recommended.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7.5/10

Story - 7/10

Action - 8/10

Visuals - 8.5/10

Soundtrack - 7.5/10

Overall score: 7.7 out of 10