Review of 'Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair' confirms its legendary status

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- For years, The Whole Bloody Affair existed more as legend than as a widely seen film. This compilation merges Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 into one continuous movie. Until now, it had only been screened at Cannes in 2006 and occasionally at Tarantinos New Beverly Theater in Los Angeles. Even the recent multi-week showing at Tarantinos Vista theater was limited to local audiences. Now, this celebrated action thriller becomes available to a wider audience.

Kill Bill follows a simple premise: Uma Thurman stars as The Bride, a retired assassin seeking vengeance on the gang that attempted to kill her after she abandoned them. Despite its straightforward storyline, Tarantino expands it into a four-and-a-half-hour epic, filled with elaborate martial arts sequences and an animated segment. The films dialogue delves deeply into themes of revenge, offering more than a typical genre piece.

Many viewers have never experienced both volumes released in 2003 and 2004. Watching The Whole Bloody Affair provides a richer, more immersive experience than seeing the films separately. The new release includes an extended anime sequence, adding depth to O-Ren Ishiis (Lucy Liu) backstory.

The film now avoids revealing a key cliffhanger from Vol. 1 until the proper moment, heightening the impact when Bill, played by the late David Carradine, shares crucial information near the end. Devoted fans will also notice alternate dialogue and additional scenes sprinkled throughout, enhancing the narrative for those familiar with the original cuts.

Originally assembled shortly after Vol. 2 premiered, The Whole Bloody Affair owes its existence to then-Miramax head Harvey Weinsteins decision to release Kill Bill in two parts. This approach doubled box office returns while allowing Tarantino the freedom to preserve his full vision, which would have been impossible in a single four-and-a-half-hour release in 2003.

Some scenes in the extended version might appear non-essential, such as the marshals investigating the crime scene or Budds (Michael Madsen) demeaning post-assassin life, but Tarantinos direction ensures they enhance the world-building without slowing the momentum. With a 15-minute intermission, the marathon viewing becomes a cinematic indulgence rather than a burden.

For fans of martial arts cinema, Kill Bill remains a Hollywood celebration of the genre. Thurman trained intensively, similar to Keanu Reeves for The Matrix, while famed choreographer Yuen Woo-ping guaranteed authenticity in the fight sequences. Tarantino fuses Chinese martial arts with Japanese samurai swordplay, casting the late Sonny Chiba as master swordsmith Hattori Hanzo. The film also pays homage to classic westerns, including Sergio Leones masterpieces.

Viewers should seek screenings on 35mm and 70mm where available, as these formats offer a tangible visual and auditory experience that digital cannot replicate. The Whole Bloody Affair provides a full cinematic night outan experience impossible in 2003 but entirely worth it in 2025.

Fred Topel, a UPI entertainment journalist based in Los Angeles, attended Ithaca College film school, has been reviewing films professionally since 1999, a Rotten Tomatoes critic since 2001, and a member of both the Television Critics Association and Critics Choice Association.

Author: Maya Henderson