In Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained we are granted audience to an unconventional revenge story with a twang of romance and a blatant, but indirect civil rights statement.
Jamie Fox plays the title character and gives a remarkable performance as an (understandably) ignorant slave who is given an unprecedented opportunity to turn the tides on several white slave owners, with the help of the well spoken dentist turned bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz), who is adamantly opposed to slavery himself.
While true, the film is overwrought with the use of racial slurs and coarse language, it is very true to the times in those respects. Especially here in the south, where it is unfortunately a part of life not uncommon to hear those terms, or to witness that mentality on a regular basis. Several audience members I spoke to afterwards agreed that this is potentially more offensive to those who relate with most of the white characters than any minority portrayed in the film. Thankfully, it is not likely that they will consciously attend a film with a minority lead.
Leonardo DiCaprio's performance as Calvin Candie, the head hauncho of “Candyland,” a large farm that holds Broomhilda, Kerry Washington, Django's tortured wife, is outstanding and shows a side of him that was, before, unseen. The rest of the cast is notably skilled as well, but the stars give the most notably (as is too often the case).
Tarantino also wrote in several jabs at the ridiculousness of racism, the K.K.K., and just the (historic) south in general. This is NOT a film to recommend to your good ol' boy neighbors down yonder.” But for anyone not opposed to different races or cultures, profane language, slight historical errors, and scenes of deplorable violence, Django might just be your cup of tea. But be sure to hurry, as this film is not long for theaters, as it premiered Christmas of last year.
I know I shouldn't say this, but if you don't get the chance, don't fret because I'm sure that it will be on video soon enough. If you do wait though, just be sure that aforementioned neighbors don't decide to drop in for an impromptu “suprise visit,” as they are sure to either be outraged and/or humiliated by their portrayal as underhanded morons, who faithfully follow an arcane belief.
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