Reservoir Dogs

Quentin Tarantino's debut indie masterpiece is an intelligent stroke on so many levels! It inspired an entire generation of filmmakers to go out there and make something unique while adhering to the robust, tried-and-tested screenwriting and filmmaking language. Reservoir Dogs narrates a plot revolving lowbrow criminals set out for a robbery. What if that robbery goes wrong and there's a rat among the bunch?

Tarantino's dialogues is his most outstanding staple! The topic of conversations could literally be about anything. Whether it's regarding the link between Madonna's 'Like a Virgin' to dicks, tipping waitresses, E-Lois, argument about name colors and the many, many confrontations between these guy, it's hilarious, captivating and nerve-wracking, rendering all the scenes standalone jewels! Not only that, whatever the characters utter reveal their information and/or personality.

Speaking of scenes, the distrust between Mr. White (Harvey Keitel) and Mr. Blonde, real-name reveal heat-off between Mr. White and Mr. Pink, Eddie's and Vic's playful-ruffle-turned-serious, Vic's sadistic police torture just for the sake of it including him messing with the severed ear (more weight is added to this after we learn his beef with policemen during his parole), revelation about Mr. Orange's true identity right before the captive police was about to set on fire and the climactic three-point shooter are freaking fantastic! There’s an entire setup, confrontation and resolution to Mr. Orange's preparation to be a mole simply through his speech practice is brilliant storytelling! That made-up story reenactment featuring figment of imagination is a beautiful parallel to the situation the character's stuck in as he narrates the fake tale!

The writer-director's filmmaking style is unique and full of style, and it stands tall in this feature that you can't help but feel limited in budget at many instances. Title text introducing all the actors in their roles oozes personality and all the soundtrack choices is something only Tarantino could think of and match up! He lets you in the background of these characters non-linearly for you to connect the dots and see whether you could trust them or not, before ultimately providing you the answer. Finally, the performances are outstanding. From Tim Roth's painful suffering to Harvey Keitel's disappointment squeal after Mr. Orange's confession to him that he is a cop are some of the best acting you'll ever see displayed in a movie!