One of the most celebrated war films in cinematic history has just arrived on Netflix for UK viewers. Quentin Tarantino's 2009 masterpiece Inglourious Basterds, widely regarded as one of the greatest war films ever made, is now available to stream on the platform.
A Tarantino Masterpiece Returns
Released in 2009, Inglourious Basterds presents an alternate history of World War II, following Allied officer Lieutenant Aldo Raine, portrayed by Brad Pitt. Raine assembles a team of Jewish soldiers to hunt down Nazi troops in occupied France, eventually joining forces with German actress and undercover agent Bridget von Hammersmark, played by Diane Kruger. Their mission: to bring down the leadership of the Third Reich through a daring cinematic plot.
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
The film features an exceptional ensemble cast that includes:
- Christoph Waltz as the chilling SS Colonel Hans Landa
- Michael Fassbender as British Lieutenant Archie Hicox
- Mélanie Laurent as Shosanna Dreyfus
- Eli Roth as Sergeant Donny Donowitz
- Daniel Brühl as German war hero Fredrick Zoller
- Til Schweiger as Sergeant Hugo Stiglitz
Inglourious Basterds received widespread critical praise upon its release, earning eight Academy Award nominations. Christoph Waltz's performance proved particularly noteworthy, winning him an Oscar, a BAFTA Film Award, a Golden Globe, and the Cannes Film Festival award for Best Actor.
Tarantino's Creative Journey
Interestingly, Tarantino originally wrote the screenplay for Inglourious Basterds in 1998 but set it aside when he encountered difficulties with the ending. Instead, he focused on creating both Kill Bill films before returning to this project after completing Death Proof in 2007. The film became Tarantino's highest-grossing release until Django Unchained surpassed it in 2012.
Critical Reception and Legacy
The film maintains an impressive 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critical consensus describing it as 'a classic Tarantino genre-blending thrill ride' that is 'violent, unrestrained, and thoroughly entertaining.'
Major publications offered glowing reviews:
- The Independent called it 'Tarantino's most entertaining and exhilarating effort since Pulp Fiction'
- Little White Lies noted 'flashes of cine-genius' throughout the film
- News of the World described it as 'a brutal, audacious, triumphant piece of filmmaking'
Waltz's Iconic Performance
Christoph Waltz's portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa received particular attention from critics. The Atlantic praised his ability to 'convey courtliness and sympathy and then go to commit the cruelest of horrors,' while New Statesman highlighted how he transformed Tarantino's dialogue into 'a vital aspect of Landa's professional pride.'
In interviews, Waltz explained that Tarantino specifically sought authenticity in casting, ensuring American actors played American roles, French actors played French roles, and German actors played German roles. This approach contributed significantly to the film's powerful impact.
Streaming Availability
While Inglourious Basterds is now streaming on Netflix UK, it's worth noting that Amazon Prime Video subscribers can also access the film on that platform. This dual availability makes Tarantino's acclaimed war epic more accessible than ever to British audiences.
The arrival of this cinematic landmark on Netflix provides UK viewers with an opportunity to experience or revisit what many consider to be one of the most innovative and compelling war films ever created. With its blend of historical revisionism, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable performances, Inglourious Basterds continues to captivate audiences more than fifteen years after its initial release.
