Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a 2003 American martial arts film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film stars Uma Thurman as The Bride, a former assassin seeking revenge on her ex-colleagues who tried to kill her and her unborn child. The film is a stylish homage to various genres, including martial arts, samurai cinema, and spaghetti Westerns.

The Story Unfolds

The Massacre at Two Pines

The film opens with a bloodied Bride lying on the floor of a chapel in El Paso, Texas, as Bill (David Carradine) shoots her in the head. The Bride, whose real name is not revealed, was once a member of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad (DiVAS). She tried to leave her life of crime and start anew, but her former colleagues, led by Bill, tracked her down and attacked her on her wedding day.

The Bride’s Awakening

The Bride survives the massacre but falls into a coma for four years. Upon awakening, she discovers her pregnancy is lost. Overcome with rage and grief, she sets out on a mission to exact revenge on Bill and the other members of DiVAS. Her first targets are O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu) and Vernita Green (Vivica A. Fox).

The Climax and Resolution

Vernita Green

The Bride tracks down Vernita Green, now living a suburban life under the name Jeannie Bell. Their confrontation is brutal and personal, involving a knife fight in Vernita’s kitchen. The battle ends when the Bride kills Vernita in front of her young daughter, Nikki, promising the child that she can seek revenge when she grows up.

O-Ren Ishii

The Bride’s quest then takes her to Tokyo, where O-Ren Ishii has become the leader of the Yakuza. The Bride acquires a specially crafted sword from the legendary swordsmith Hattori Hanzo (Sonny Chiba). She confronts O-Ren and her army of bodyguards, the Crazy 88. In a visually stunning and intense battle sequence at the House of Blue Leaves, the Bride defeats the Crazy 88 and ultimately beheads O-Ren Ishii.

The Conclusion

Building the Revenge Saga

The film ends with The Bride interrogating Sofie Fatale (Julie Dreyfus), O-Ren’s lawyer and confidante, to get information on Bill’s whereabouts. She spares Sofie’s life, sending her back to Bill with a warning that she is coming for him. The final scene reveals to the audience that The Bride’s daughter is still alive and in Bill’s custody, setting the stage for Kill Bill: Vol. 2.

Movie Ending

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 ends on a cliffhanger, with the revelation that The Bride’s daughter is still alive. This twist sets up the continuation of her revenge saga in Kill Bill: Vol. 2, where she will confront Bill and the remaining members of DiVAS.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Kill Bill: Vol. 1.

Type of Movie

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is an action-packed martial arts film that combines elements of revenge thriller, samurai cinema, and grindhouse aesthetics.

Cast

• Uma Thurman as The Bride / Beatrix Kiddo
• Lucy Liu as O-Ren Ishii
• Vivica A. Fox as Vernita Green
• Daryl Hannah as Elle Driver
• David Carradine as Bill (voice)
• Michael Madsen as Budd
• Julie Dreyfus as Sofie Fatale
• Sonny Chiba as Hattori Hanzo
• Chiaki Kuriyama as Gogo Yubari
• Gordon Liu as Johnny Mo

Film Music and Composer

The film’s eclectic soundtrack includes contributions from various artists and genres, curated by Quentin Tarantino. Notable tracks include “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” by Nancy Sinatra and “Battle Without Honor or Humanity” by Tomoyasu Hotei.

Filming Locations

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 was filmed in various locations, including:

• Tokyo, Japan: For scenes involving O-Ren Ishii and the Crazy 88.
• Beijing, China: For martial arts training scenes.
• Los Angeles, California: For scenes involving Vernita Green.

Awards and Nominations

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 received several awards and nominations, including:

• Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama (Uma Thurman).
• BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Uma Thurman) and Best Sound.
• Saturn Awards: Won Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film. Nominated for Best Actress (Uma Thurman), Best Supporting Actor (David Carradine), and Best Director (Quentin Tarantino).

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Quentin Tarantino originally planned Kill Bill as a single film but decided to split it into two volumes due to its length.
• Uma Thurman’s performance as The Bride was highly praised, with her dedication to intense fight choreography and stunts.
• The film’s fight scenes, particularly the House of Blue Leaves sequence, are considered some of the best in modern cinema, combining practical effects, stylized violence, and intricate choreography.

Inspirations and References

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 draws inspiration from various genres, including martial arts films, samurai cinema, and spaghetti Westerns. Tarantino’s love for these genres is evident in the film’s stylized violence, dialogue, and homage to classic films.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of Kill Bill: Vol. 1 follows Quentin Tarantino’s vision closely. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is not based on a book, it has inspired various analyses and discussions in film literature due to its impact on modern cinema and its unique blend of genres.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The Bride’s confrontation with Vernita Green.
• The House of Blue Leaves battle against the Crazy 88.
• The showdown between The Bride and O-Ren Ishii.
• The training sequences with Pai Mei (introduced in Kill Bill: Vol. 2).

Iconic Quotes

• “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” – Opening quote
• “You and I have unfinished business.” – The Bride
• “Those of you lucky enough to still have your lives, take them with you! But leave the limbs you’ve lost. They belong to me now.” – The Bride

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film includes numerous references to classic martial arts and samurai films, such as Lady Snowblood and Lone Wolf and Cub.
• The character of Hattori Hanzo is named after a famous historical samurai and ninja, adding to the film’s homage to Japanese culture.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was approximately $30 million, and it grossed over $180 million worldwide.
• Quentin Tarantino took inspiration from his love of cinema and created a film that pays homage to multiple genres while crafting a unique and compelling narrative.
• The role of The Bride was written specifically for Uma Thurman, who collaborated closely with Tarantino on the character’s development.

Why Watch?

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 offers a thrilling and visually stunning experience, featuring intense action sequences, strong performances, particularly by Uma Thurman, and masterful direction by Quentin Tarantino. Its blend of genres and homage to classic films make it a must-watch for fans of action, martial arts, and Tarantino’s unique style.

Director’s Other Movies

Quentin Tarantino also directed:

• Pulp Fiction (1994)
• Reservoir Dogs (1992)
• Jackie Brown (1997)
• Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)
• Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)
• Pulp Fiction (1994)
• Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
• Lady Snowblood (1973)
• The Bride with White Hair (1993)