Pulpy
Kill Bill Volume 2
Review by Ross Anthony

I'm a Tarantino fan; nonetheless, I did not like Volume 1. Secondly, because of their vast differences in direction and intensity, it's rather surreal to think of V1 and V2 as a single production, though apparently this was their origin. Lastly, I did like Volume 2 - liked it very much. At times, it approached the brilliance of "Pulp Fiction."

Gone are the buckets of splattering blood that so riddled V1. Instead, a greater attention to awkward tension, clever builds, clever dialogue (for the most part) and stylish production that makes sense to the overall goal. Unlike the first, where cinematic powerful scenes are rare, in the second, weak scenes are rare. And even these weak scenes could have been saved with a little editing. (Some of the verbiage goes long, and there's one too many "this is how I'm going to kill you" bad guy lectures.) These imperfections rob V2 of being a truly great film.

It's fun to see Carradine back in form and in the genre (playing the bamboo flute, no less). He's quite likeable as Bill, intelligent, warm, sensitive, with the ability to turn deathly violent in the wink of an eye. Tarantino' cocky pizzazz delivers this unique story in his unique ironic-violent-comedy-action genre, while poking some respectful fun at the Martial Arts genre in general.

The burial scene in particular is very well constructed. Further cinematic dynamics combined with a commanding score and strong acting make V2 a very good movie going experience.

And of course, a great deal of answers are provided to lingering questions. Still, I think V2 nearly stands on it's own. With just a paragraph summary from the first film you'll be prepped and ready.

I so did not enjoy V1 that I was ready to pass on V2; I'm glad I decided to see it.

(This film viewed at a Krikorian Theatre.)



  • Kill Bill Volume 2. Copyright © 2004.
  • Starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah, Gordon Liu, Michael Parks, Bo Svenson, Jeannie Epper, Perla Honey-Jardine.
  • Directed by Quentin Tarantino.
  • Screenplay by Quentin Tarantino.
  • Based on the character of "The Bride" by: Q&U.
  • Martial arts adviser: Yuen Wo-ping.
  • Produced by Lawrence Bender at Miramax Films/Band Apart.



Grade..........................A- (3/4)



Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 08:06:20 PDT