Django Unchained (2012)

Django Unchained (2012) - poster

Raiting: 8,5 /10

Genre: Western

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Stars: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio

Country: United States

Release date: 25 December 2012

Length: 165 minutes

"Django Unchained", directed by Quentin Tarantino in 2012, is a bold and visceral take on the spaghetti western genre, infused with the director's signature style of storytelling, which includes sharp dialogue, graphic violence, and dark humor. Set in the pre-Civil War United States, the film follows Django, a freed slave, on a quest for justice and liberation. The narrative is a thrilling blend of historical fiction and Tarantino's cinematic imagination, offering a critical look at America's gruesome history of slavery while delivering an entertaining and emotionally charged experience.

The story begins with Dr. King Schultz, a German bounty hunter posing as a dentist, who frees Django from slavery. Schultz is on the hunt for the Brittle brothers, and Django is the only person who can identify them. In exchange for Django's help, Schultz offers him his freedom and a share of the bounty. Their journey together marks the beginning of a unique partnership and friendship. Schultz trains Django in the art of gunfighting, and together, they successfully hunt down the Brittle brothers.

As Django and Schultz continue their bounty hunting, Django's primary motive becomes clear: he wants to find and rescue his wife, Broomhilda, who is a slave on the notorious Candyland plantation, owned by the cruel and charismatic Calvin Candie. Schultz, moved by Django's love and determination, agrees to help him in his quest. They devise a plan to infiltrate Candyland by posing as potential buyers interested in Candie's fighting slaves.

Their plan, however, takes a dangerous turn when Stephen, Candie's loyal house slave, becomes suspicious of Django and Schultz. The tension escalates, leading to a violent and bloody confrontation. The film reaches its climax with an intense shootout at the Candyland plantation, showcasing Tarantino’s flair for dramatic and stylized action sequences. In the end, Django emerges victorious, rescuing Broomhilda and exacting revenge on those who wronged them.

"Django Unchained" is celebrated for its audacious approach to the western genre, its critique of slavery, and its unforgettable characters. Jamie Foxx delivers a powerful performance as Django, embodying the character’s transformation from a chained slave to a fearless and vengeful hero. Christoph Waltz shines as Dr. King Schultz, providing a mix of charm, wit, and moral complexity. Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Calvin Candie is both charismatic and terrifying, making him a memorable antagonist. The film's use of music, ranging from classic western themes to contemporary tracks, further enhances its unique tone and atmosphere.

In conclusion, "Django Unchained" stands out as a significant work in Tarantino's filmography. It is a provocative, entertaining, and deeply moving film that tackles the horrors of slavery while delivering a satisfying tale of revenge and liberation. With its exceptional cast, striking visuals, and compelling narrative, "Django Unchained" is a modern classic that continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike.


Top cast - Django Unchained (2012)

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx

Django Freeman

Christoph Waltz

Christoph Waltz

Dr. King Schultz

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio

Calvin J. Candie

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington

Broomhilda von Shaft


Walton Goggins

Walton Goggins

Billy Crash

Dennis Christopher

Dennis Christopher

Leonide Moguy

James Remar

James Remar

Butch Pooch / Ace Speck

David Steen

David Steen

Mr. Stonesipher


Trailer - Django Unchained (2012)

Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained" is a film that is as audacious as it is divisive, blending the spaghetti western with a blaxploitation aesthetic to create a movie experience that is uniquely Tarantino. Released in 2012, the film presents a revenge-fueled odyssey set against the backdrop of American slavery, featuring a stellar cast, razor-sharp dialogue, and the director's trademark cinematic flair. While it may not be for the faint of heart due to its graphic violence and use of racial epithets, "Django Unchained" is a powerful piece of storytelling that holds a distorted mirror to one of the darkest periods in American history.

The film's narrative is driven by the titular character, Django, portrayed with a stoic intensity by Jamie Foxx. Django's transformation from a subdued slave to a defiant bounty hunter is both compelling and satisfying to watch. Christoph Waltz's performance as Dr. King Schultz, the bounty hunter who becomes Django's mentor and ally, is filled with the actor's characteristic charm and delivers much of the film's humor and moral underpinnings. Leonardo DiCaprio's Calvin Candie is a villain who is as charismatic as he is despicable, and Samuel L. Jackson's portrayal of Stephen, the conniving house slave, is both nuanced and unsettling.

Tarantino's direction is as bold as the story he tells. He does not shy away from depicting the brutality of slavery, making "Django Unchained" a film that is often difficult to watch. Yet, amidst the violence and the tension, there are moments of levity and absurdity that are signature to Tarantino's style. The film's anachronistic soundtrack, which includes both period-appropriate music and modern songs, adds to the film's unique feel and helps underscore its themes of revenge and defiance.

Visually, "Django Unchained" is a feast for the eyes. Tarantino's use of the widescreen format captures the sprawling landscapes of the American South, and the action sequences are choreographed with the director's characteristic attention to detail. The costume design and sets are meticulously crafted, immersing the audience in the antebellum world with an authenticity that contrasts sharply with the film's stylized violence.

However, "Django Unchained" is not without its controversies. Some critics have argued that the film's portrayal of such a sensitive subject matter is insensitive or exploitative. Others have praised it for bringing the horrors of slavery to the forefront in a way that is impossible to ignore or forget. Regardless of where one stands on these issues, it's clear that "Django Unchained" is a film that provokes discussion and reflection.

In summary, "Django Unchained" is a quintessential Tarantino film that combines an unflinching look at America's past with a story of personal vengeance. It's a film that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, with performances that will linger in the memory long after the credits roll. For those who can stomach the director's unapologetic style, "Django Unchained" is a cinematic experience that is both challenging and rewarding.