Now on Netflix: Django Unchained

Ah, nothing like a Quentin Tarantino film being released on Netflix to help cure boredom, even just for a few hours, while the world is in lock-down. I’ll let you in on a little secret – Django Unchained was at the top of my list of “Movies You Shouldn’t Admit That You Haven’t Seen Yet.” Now, Django is #2 on my list of “Top 5 Favorite Quentin Tarantino Films.”

Taking place two years before the Civil War, we are introduced quickly to Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), a dentist turned bounty hunter, who enlists the help of a slave named Django (Jamie Foxx) to assist him in finding and killing the South’s most-wanted criminals in exchange for Django’s freedom. The climax of this film brings them to Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), an extremely violent and greedy businessman, who owns Django’s wife (Kerry Washington).

While this films storyline is the most linear of a Tarantino film, the blood and shock-factor are exactly what you would expect. Even if you haven’t seen the film, you have probably heard about that one scene with DiCaprio where he slams his hand on the table in an angry fit and he cuts his hand open. He continued on with the scene while bleeding, never breaking character, and the other actors followed his lead. This elevates the scene to unbelievable heights, giving real reactions of shock and horror from the actors, especially from Kerry Washington, when DiCaprio smears the blood on her face.

Waltz gives one of the best performances of his career, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This cast is filled to the brim with familiar faces including Samuel L. Jackson, Don Johnson, Bruce Dern and Jonah Hill. (Yup, you read that right – Jonah Hill.) Tarantino couldn’t help but give himself a small role but let me just say, the man should stick with writing and directing…

Just like most Tarantino films, Django isn’t for the faint of heart. Who am I kidding? None of them are. This film is suppose to make you feel uncomfortable. If it makes you wince and look away, it has done its job. However, the relationship between Dr. Schultz and Django is pure chemistry and the absolute depths that Django will go to to free his wife is true love at it’s finest. You’re going to laugh and throw your fist up in the air but Tarantino will take you on ride before you get there.

After you watch Django Unchained, you can add it to your list of “Movies I wish I would Have Watched Sooner.” Now streaming on Netflix.

Score: 4.75/★★★★★

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