A 2012 Western film hailed as 'Quentin Tarantino at his finest' is now streaming on Netflix. Django Unchained debuted over a decade ago and sparked considerable controversy among critics and moviegoers alike. This R-rated drama follows the story of Django, a freed slave on a mission to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation, with help from Dr. King Schultz, a German bounty hunter. The film is saturated with violent encounters, something audiences have come to expect from the renowned filmmaker.
The title character, Django, is played by Jamie Foxx, with Christopher Waltz portraying his partner Schultz. The film features Leonardo DiCaprio as the cruel plantation owner Calvin Candie, alongside Samuel L. Jackson as Stephen, the loyal house slave, and Kerry Washington as Django's estranged wife, Broomhilda von Shaft.
Upon its release, Django Unchained garnered numerous accolades, with Waltz winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and Tarantino earning the award for Best Original Screenplay. Though it received widespread acclaim, the film faced criticism as well, especially for its handling of sensitive subject matter. Many viewers pointed out the film's frequent use of the N-word—over 100 instances—which some branded as excessive and insensitive.
Despite the backlash, Tarantino defended his film vigorously, emphasizing its role as a truthful representation of the era of slavery. After the film screened at the BAFTA awards, he remarked, "I'm here to tell you, whatever bad things get presented on screen, a lot worse s*** actually happened." His comments underscored his intention to portray the harsh realities faced by African Americans during slavery even amid the controversies surrounding language and violence.
Casual moviegoers, on the other hand, expressed satisfaction with the film, indicating it captured their attention from start to finish. One Rotten Tomatoes user enthused, "This movie gets you hooked within minutes, and the suspense about what will happen next keeps you entertained and on edge." Another echoed the sentiment, describing it as "the best, most uncomfortable film ever," implying the emotional turmoil it provokes is part of its brilliance.
Many fans found the experience unforgettable, with one Google's review stating, "I knew this film would be good, but I didn't know it would be THAT good. This is Quentin Tarantino at his finest!" Such reviews underline the film's impact and the polarized views it has received since its release.
With its blend of violence, dark humor, and thought-provoking themes, Django Unchained continues to resonate with audiences today as it streams on Netflix, inviting both longtime fans and new viewers to engage with its complex narrative.