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When I was growing up, it was popular to buy magazines that came with bonus CDs or DVDs; at least it was in Poland. I remember that’s how my dad got Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Volume 2. My mom tried so hard to keep us from watching because of all the blood and swearing, but I’ll never forget catching a glimpse of Gogo’s bloodied eyes, portrayed by Chiaki Kuriyama, when she’s taken down by Uma Thurman’s iconic Beatrix Kiddo. Now, cinemas across the country are finally releasing both parts as a single film, just as it was meant to be seen. The uncut, unrated version, presented in 70mm and 35mm, titled Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, is a spectacular, gloriously gory feast for both the mind and the eyes.
Tarantino’s 4th film follows a highly trained, albeit retired, killer-for-hire known as The Bride, also called Black Mamba, or simply Beatrix Kiddo (Thurman). After being left for dead by her former team, the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, which includes Bill, aka Snake Charmer (David Carradine); Budd, aka Sidewinder (Michael Madsen); Elle Driver, aka California Mountain Snake (Daryl Hannah); O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu); and Vernita Green, aka Copperhead (Vivica A. Fox), Kiddo awakens from a four-year coma determined to take her revenge. As she travels across Japan, Mexico, and California, she relentlessly hunts down those who wronged her, fueled by the devastating loss of her child. With her sharpest than ever sword and a kill list, Beatrix won’t stop until she takes every single person who contributed to her fate.
While Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair has been screened before, it was limited to special events like the 2006 Cannes Film Festival and a 2011 showing at Quentin Tarantino’s own New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles. The 2025 theatrical release marks the first time this version is receiving a wide U.S. rollout. As many fans know, Tarantino originally envisioned Kill Bill as a single film, but the studio split it into two. This newly released cut, premiering on December 5th, comes closest to what he intended. And oh boy, does it show. Though the chapter structure remains intact, the film features expanded animation that delves deeper into O-Ren Ishii’s rise among the Yakuza. In The Whole Bloody Affair, this sequence is enriched and intensified, making O-Ren’s path to vengeance all the more satisfying. As a story rooted in revenge and female autonomy, the additions blend seamlessly into the film’s thematic core.
The key difference between The Whole Bloody Affair and Volume 1 and 2 is two scenes which are removed from the current edition: one which was a (spectacular, I might add) cliffhanger between both parts, and a recap scene in Volume 2. As someone who’ve seen both parts and now was able to experience the entirety of the film as it was intended (and on a big screen in 70mm!), It’s such a core experience, and I advise everyone to do so. I believe those who have never seen Kill Bill Volume 1 and Volume 2 would greatly benefit from seeing Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair because it’s a masterpiece, to put it simply. However, I must admit, I can never forget my reaction when I experienced the final scene in Vol 1 between Bill and Sofie Fatale (Julie Dreyfus).
To experience Beatrix Kiddo fight off The Crazy 88’s to the amazing soundtrack curated by The RZA and Robert Rodriguez, with the audience, is a dream come true. Crash zooms and whip pans, split screens, black and white sequences, and a vibrant color palette all make the film so much more legendary. Paying homage to martial arts films and samurai cinema, Tarantino delivers a cult classic, revived for a new audience. To be able to see this film for the very first time, as it was intended for wide release, is something that I will envy you, dear audience, who may just be discovering this gem.
Thurman is exceptional as the lead, portraying a woman who was diabolically violated, not only by the people she trusted but also by others (example: the hospital scene). Thus, it’s so indelibly gratifying, seeing her rage, her need for vengeance, and the way she executes it. The entire ensemble, too, is simply unmatched, and that includes Carradine, Liu, Hannah, and Madsen, but also Chiaki Kuriyama, Sonny Chiba, Julie Dreyfus, and Gordon Liu as legendary Pai Mei/Johnny Mo. The writing is also an exceptional component, full of dead pans and so many memorable one-liners, including my favorites: “Bi*ch. You don’t have a future”, or “This woman deserves her revenge. And we deserve to die”, amongst many more.
All that, swift tempo, impressive fight scenes, and outstanding acting make 4 hours and 35 minutes (plus intermission) feel like nothing. The Whole Bloody Affair doesn’t feel overlong or dull for even a second. One thing I wasn’t a fan of, however, was the added animation made by Tarantino with Fortnite, which was shown post-film. Titled The Lost Chapter: Yuki’s Revenge, the animation details the fate of Gogo’s twin sister, Yuki, who travels to Los Angeles to find Kiddo and execute her own revenge. Unfortunately, the animation felt “laggy” and like something was missing. Even though Thurman was back to voice Black Mamba, this was something I could have survived without.
I encourage not only fans but cinema enthusiasts and all the movie buffs alike to experience this piece as it was meant to be experienced. Though I will still come back to the two-parter because I personally can’t get enough of Beatrix Kiddo, I believe Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair is the way to go. To see such a classic with other fans was nothing short of exceptional. Believe me when I say I will be searching for the Blu-ray release, that’s for sure.
Grade: A
Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair premieres in the cinemas on December 5th.
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Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair
Quentin Tarantino’s complete cut combining Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 follows The Bride, a former assassin who awakens from a four-year coma after being shot by her mentor and lover, Bill. She embarks on a vengeful quest to eliminate Bill and the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad who betrayed her.
Release Date: December 5, 2025
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Cast: Uma Thurman , Lucy Liu , Vivica A. Fox
