Quentin Tarantino’s controversial flick, D’Jango Unchained, opened in theaters nationwide on Christmas Day amid heated criticism and a plethora of rave reviews. Today, the film and cast are still making press; this time for the picture’s numerous Oscar nominations. Perhaps, this Tarantino narrative, in spite of the entire negative criticisms associated with it, may be on course for never being forgotten.
D’Jango Unchained star studded cast includes Jamie Fox, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington and Samuel Jackson. All of their performances are outstanding, however, it is their co-star, Christopher Waltz, who receives this year’s 2013 Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor. The movie, on the other hand, is also nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound Editing and Best Original Song. This is very impressive—not to mention the 100 million dollar box office payday to date.
The story is about the pre-civil war south and slavery. No matter what anyone says or thinks, there is no way to depict anything good about America’s historical slave trade and be truthful. Tarantino shows America’s history like it really is, gory and inhumane. His choice definitely upsets many. Fox response to this backlash is, “It’s supposed to. This gives us an opportunity to open up the dialogue about that.”
Greenwood Village longtime small business owner, Nyasha Levy, says, “My recommendation is to see it if you can handle the entire story. It’s humorous but still a story about slavery. Definitely a love story but make no mistake, it is graphic.” Metropolitan State University’s junior student, Reganne Fisher, concurs. “The most telling moment about slavery for me happened (in the movie) when we first meet the DiCaprio’s character. In the scene, we see two black men (forced) to fight each other to death, simply as a means for entertaining their master. The graphic nature (of that) shot leaves a lasting impression. It shows just how horrific slavery was and why it should not be forgotten.”
It should be duly noted, this movie is a complicated western with a strong romance back-drop. It is also surprisingly and genuinely funny; all the while the n-word is used without any apology. Somehow these strange ingredients blend together and Tarantino manages to capture a profound reality: Slavery will not and must not ever be forgotten.
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