Common Sense Media Review
Revenge tale is visually striking and extremely violent.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Kill Bill: Vol. 1
What's the Story?
In KILL BILL: VOL. 1, on The Bride's (Uma Thurman) wedding day, the entire wedding party was killed by her former associates, the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad (DiVAS). The pregnant Bride was beaten and shot in the head, but she didn't die: She lost her baby and was in a coma for four years. When she wakes up, she seeks revenge from each of the DiVAS and their leader, Bill (David Carradine).
Is It Any Good?
This is a stylish, visually striking movie, but it's also possibly one of the most violent movies ever released by a major American movie studio. Kill Bill: Vol. 1's carnage is so completely and outrageously over-the-top that it could trigger laughs, but some may find the endless slicing off of body parts and gallons of fake spurting blood overwhelming or even numbing. Much of the movie is one fight scene after another, yet the revenge provides a motive and a hero, giving the fight scenes enough forward momentum to feel like a story.
Fans of this genre will find it sensationally entertaining. The action scenes are brilliantly staged, and director Quentin Tarantino's other trademarks––cool music, playing around with time, and great dialogue––are here in full force. Thurman, Vivica A. Fox, and Lucy Liu hold their own in fight scenes with eye-popping visuals that would overwhelm most performers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the sources of inspiration that Quentin Tarantino drew from to create Kill Bill: Vol. 1. What films, genres, or directors might have influenced the film?
Does Tarantino pay homage to genres like Westerns, martial arts movies, and anime, or does he simply imitate? What's the difference?
Does The Bride empower women, or does the film still rely on stereotypes? What do you think of the film's depictions of women and women of color?
What toll does The Bride's violent mission take on her? How might the story feel different if she sought out other ways to cope with her trauma instead of murder?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 9, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : April 13, 2004
- Cast : Lucy Liu , Uma Thurman , Vivica A. Fox
- Director : Quentin Tarantino
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Miramax
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Family Stories , Sports ( Martial arts ) , Travel
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody violence, language and some sexual content
- Awards : BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : November 25, 2025
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