Detailed Summary
The Bride’s Journey Continues
“Kill Bill: Vol. 2” picks up where the first volume left off, with The Bride (Uma Thurman) continuing her quest for vengeance against the remaining members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad (DiVAS). Her ultimate goal is to kill Bill (David Carradine), her former lover and leader of the group, who betrayed her.
The Flashback: The Wedding Massacre
Through a series of flashbacks, the audience learns more about The Bride’s past, including the events leading up to the massacre at the wedding chapel. The Bride, revealed to be named Beatrix Kiddo, was once a member of the DiVAS. She left the group after discovering she was pregnant with Bill’s child, hoping to start a new life. Bill, however, tracks her down, leading to the bloody attack on her wedding.
Training with Pai Mei
One of the most iconic sequences in the film is Beatrix’s training with the legendary martial arts master, Pai Mei (Gordon Liu). Pai Mei’s brutal and unorthodox training methods push Beatrix to her limits, but it’s through this training that she learns the skills necessary to exact her revenge. Pai Mei teaches her the “Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique,” the deadliest move in martial arts.
Confrontation with Budd
Beatrix tracks down Budd (Michael Madsen), Bill’s brother and a former DiVAS member. Budd, now living a desolate life as a bouncer, anticipates her arrival. In a shocking twist, Budd shoots Beatrix with rock salt and buries her alive in a wooden coffin. In a tense and claustrophobic sequence, Beatrix recalls her training with Pai Mei and escapes from the grave using her newly acquired skills.
The Battle with Elle Driver
Beatrix’s next target is Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), another member of DiVAS. Elle, who has also been trained by Pai Mei, proves to be a formidable opponent. The two engage in a brutal fight in Budd’s trailer, culminating in Beatrix plucking out Elle’s remaining eye, leaving her blind. Beatrix leaves her to fend for herself, assuming her fate is sealed.
The Final Confrontation: Beatrix vs. Bill
The climax of the film is the long-awaited confrontation between Beatrix and Bill. Unlike the high-octane battles with other DiVAS members, this encounter is more subdued, filled with tension and emotional depth. Bill reveals that their daughter, B.B. (Perla Haney-Jardine), is alive and has been living with him. The reunion with her daughter brings conflicting emotions for Beatrix.
In their final confrontation, after an emotional conversation, Beatrix uses the “Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique” on Bill, a move she learned from Pai Mei. Bill accepts his fate, taking a few steps before collapsing and dying.
Movie Ending
The film ends with Beatrix finally achieving her vengeance. After killing Bill, she leaves with her daughter B.B., beginning a new life free from her past. The final scene shows Beatrix crying tears of relief and joy, followed by a scene of her and B.B. watching cartoons together, signifying her transition from a warrior to a mother.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Kill Bill: Vol. 2” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a martial arts action film with strong elements of drama and revenge. It blends Western, samurai, and grindhouse film influences.
Cast
- Uma Thurman as Beatrix Kiddo / The Bride
- David Carradine as Bill
- Daryl Hannah as Elle Driver
- Michael Madsen as Budd
- Gordon Liu as Pai Mei
- Perla Haney-Jardine as B.B.
- Michael Parks as Esteban Vihaio
Film Music and Composer
The film’s eclectic soundtrack includes contributions from various artists, curated by Quentin Tarantino. The score includes pieces by Ennio Morricone, Johnny Cash, and others, reflecting the film’s blend of genres and influences.
Filming Locations
- China: The crew filmed the scenes involving Pai Mei’s training across various locations in China, creating an authentic feel for the martial arts sequences.
- California, USA: They shot many of the film’s modern-day sequences in California, including the desert scenes and the showdown with Budd.
- Mexico: The team filmed the final scenes with Bill in Mexico, providing a distinct cultural backdrop to the climactic encounter.
These locations were crucial in creating the film’s diverse and international atmosphere.
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Awards and Nominations
- Golden Globe Awards: Uma Thurman was nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
- Saturn Awards: The film received nominations for Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film, Best Actress (Uma Thurman), and Best Supporting Actor (David Carradine).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Quentin Tarantino originally intended “Kill Bill” to be one long movie but split it into two volumes due to its length.
- David Carradine and Uma Thurman spent significant time developing their characters’ complex relationship, which added depth to their final confrontation.
- The coffin escape scene was shot in a real coffin underground, adding to the realism and intensity of the sequence.
Inspirations and References
- Spaghetti Westerns and Samurai Films: The film draws heavily from these genres, with Tarantino citing directors like Sergio Leone and Akira Kurosawa as influences.
- Grindhouse Cinema: The film pays homage to 1970s grindhouse films, particularly in its stylized violence and over-the-top action sequences.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Although they trimmed some scenes for pacing, Tarantino kept the core narrative intact as he envisioned.
Book Adaptations and Differences
“Kill Bill” is an original screenplay by Quentin Tarantino and is not based on any specific book. However, it incorporates elements from various martial arts novels and films, blending them into a unique story.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Pai Mei’s Training: Beatrix’s grueling training under Pai Mei, highlighting her determination and growth.
- The Coffin Escape: A claustrophobic and intense scene where Beatrix digs her way out of a coffin.
- The Final Confrontation: The emotional and subdued final encounter between Beatrix and Bill.
Iconic Quotes
- “That woman deserves her revenge. And we deserve to die.” – Budd
- “You and I have unfinished business.” – The Bride
- “How do I look?” – Bill, moments before his death.
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The character of Pai Mei is a tribute to the classic Shaw Brothers martial arts films.
- Bill’s flute is the same one David Carradine used in the TV series “Kung Fu.”
- The film’s creators designed the “Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique” as a fictional move to symbolize the ultimate culmination of Beatrix’s training.
Trivia
- Quentin Tarantino and Uma Thurman developed the character of The Bride during the filming of “Pulp Fiction.”
- The “Kill Bill” films were intended to be a single four-hour epic but were split due to length.
- The sword fight between Beatrix and Elle Driver was choreographed by martial arts master Yuen Woo-ping.
Why Watch?
“Kill Bill: Vol. 2” is a must-watch for its unique blend of martial arts action, intense character-driven drama, and Tarantino’s signature style. It offers a satisfying conclusion to The Bride’s revenge saga, with memorable performances and expertly crafted fight scenes.
Director’s Other Movies
- Reservoir Dogs (1992)
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
- Jackie Brown (1997)
- Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
- Inglourious Basterds (2009)