Django Unchained

          Today I had the pleasure of seeing Quentin Tarantino's newest film: Django Unchained. It is about a bounty hunter (Dr. King Schultz) who unchains a slave (Django) to help him find and kill three brothers for a reward. Once this is performed, Schultz grants Django his freedom. Now for the dynamic duo's biggest challenge: rescuing Django's wife. This film is a blood bath from the opening scene till the last. However, every drop of blood is done in an artistically planned-out fashion. I was delighted to see Robert Richardson's name in the opening credits (this cinematographer won a well-deserved Oscar for Best Cinematography in Hugo; see Favorites). The movie was witty and serious at the right parts, and sometimes even downright hilarious. All three leads -- Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, and Leonardo DiCaprio -- were spectacular. Comic relief to look out for: Samuel L. Jackson as Stephen, a black man unusually attached to his master. I also might add that the music matched the visuals perfectly in a different sort of way. Yes, you had your western vibe going on, but there was also some modern rap music in the background at times. What I thought was interesting was that it seemed as if most of the "score" was comprised of music with lyrics, which helped tell the story and set the mood rather than distract from the plot. Two hours and forty-five minutes never passed so quick as in this cinematic experience. If you have not had the pleasure of seeing this fine work of art yet; then go. You will not regret it. (If you find yourself thirsting for some more Tarantino, watch Reservoir Dogs. It's a very interesting film.)