Movie: Inglorious Basterds

Starring Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger; directed by Quentin Tarantino

SOLDIER: Brad Pitt in a scene from Quentin Tarantino's latest movie Inglourious Basterds.

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Inglorious Basterds takes place during World War II, in Nazi-occupied France and, coming from the pen of Quentin Tarantino, it is designed to shock.

Shosanna Dreyfus (Melanie Laurent) escapes to Paris after witnessing the execution of her family. She vows revenge and bides her time.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Pitt) and a group of Jewish soldiers are waging their own attack by spreading fear and brutally killing Nazis.

It's inspiring stuff: retaliating Jews not submitting to their fate most of the time, of course, they had no choice.

Pitt, who plays the leader of the Inglourious Basterds squad, charmingly dominates the screen and delivers a strong and witty character gruesome to the bone but very likeable.

Overall, Inglourious Basterds (Tarantino won't reveal why the title is misspelled) is typical Tarantino magic complete with chapters and a "Once upon a time ..." to set the mood.

A solid, edge-of-your-seat viewing and, where there are moments of complete intensity and fear, it is pleasantly lightened with a bit of welcome humour.

Although not for the faint-hearted, Tarantino fans will not be disappointed.

- © Fairfax NZ News