Kill Bill: Vol. 1 2003

Before the credits roll, we are introduced to the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, a group consisting of five deadly members. The film kicks off with a poignant quote that sets the tone: > “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” In a stark black-and-white opening, a bloodied Bride, portrayed by Uma Thurman, gasps as she lies on the chapel floor. A mysterious man, later revealed to be Bill, played by David Carradine, wipes her face with a handkerchief inscribed with his name. As he prepares to shoot her, the Bride reveals that she is pregnant with his child. The sound of the gunshot echoes, leading us into the film’s credits, accompanied by the song “Bang Bang.”

Chapter 1: Pasadena follows the Bride as she arrives in a vibrant yellow and red pickup truck, stopping at a suburban home. As she rings the doorbell, memories flash back to her being attacked by Vernita Green, a fellow member of the Deadly Vipers known as Copperhead. As soon as the door swings open, the Bride unleashes her fury, delivering a powerful punch to Vernita’s face. A fierce brawl ensues, transitioning from fists to knives, until it is interrupted by the arrival of a school bus. They must momentarily conceal their weapons and pretend all is well for the sake of Vernita’s daughter, Nikki.

The Bride reflects on her lost child, whom she wishes could have been as old as Nikki. After a brief respite, Vernita attempts to turn the tide with a hidden gun but misses her shot, resulting in the Bride ending Vernita’s life with a knife. As Nikki enters to witness her mother’s death, the Bride expresses her regret but insists that Vernita brought this upon herself, adding, “If you ever find it hard to forgive me, come find me… I’ll be waiting.” She then drives off in her Pussy Wagon, marking Vernita’s name off her “Death List Five.”

Chapter 2: The Blood Splattered Bride takes us four years back to a horrific scene in an El Paso chapel, where a mass murder has taken place, leaving nine dead, including the Bride. Michael Madsen appears as the sheriff investigating the gruesome scene. He notices the Bride’s alias, Arlene Machiavelli, and recognizes her beatific visage. In a shocking twist, she spits in his face as the brutality of the massacre is revealed. Rushed to the hospital, she slips into a coma while Daryl Hannah, portraying Elle Driver, arrives to finish off her task. However, she receives a call from Bill ordering her to spare the Bride, which infuriates her but ultimately leads her to depart.

Fast forward to four years later, the Bride awakens from her coma, haunted by the memories of her past, and is horrified to realize her baby is no longer with her. In a desperate bid for freedom, she confronts a sleazy orderly and takes him down to escape. Upon locating Buck’s Pussy Wagon, she embarks on a vengeance-fueled journey to confront her former associates, starting with O-Ren Ishii, portrayed by Lucy Liu, now leading the Tokyo Yakuza.

Chapter 3: The Origins of O-Ren Ishii showcases the tragic and violent upbringing of O-Ren. At the tender age of nine, she witnesses her parents’ murder at the hands of Yakuza henchmen, leading her to eventually take revenge and become a formidable assassin.

Chapter 4: The Man from Okinawa sees the Bride journeying to Japan in pursuit of legendary swordsmith Hattori Hanzo, played by Sonny Chiba. She convinces him to craft a weapon for her revenge against Bill. After a month of training, they share a solemn moment as he hands her a newly forged sword.

Chapter 5: Showdown at the House of Blue Leaves culminates in the fierce confrontation between the Bride and O-Ren. With O-Ren’s power solidified, an explosive battle arises, leading to a stunning duel replete with bloodshed and honor. The Bride decisively overcomes O-Ren and, crossing her name off the list, continues her hunt. The finale comes with a chilling revelation about her daughter, setting the stage for impending confrontations with Bill and the remaining Deadly Vipers.