User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 226 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 7 out of 226

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  1. Sep 27, 2011
    8
    Man, I really liked Quentin Tarantino before he became a retard, directing movies like "Kill Bill". His Sundance movie "Reservoir Dogs" was a great example why; it had everything a crime thriller doesn't need, from great, unexpected directions to a solid cast (mainly Harvey Keitel doing the job). It was a controversial blast that had powerful, appealing force, and that's why I admired it.
  2. SamS.
    Nov 29, 2009
    2
    How does Joe's son die? No one shoots him.
  3. Aug 22, 2010
    8
    Tarantino's debut is still arguably his most powerful. "Reservoir Dogs" shows a rathe timid Tarantino in the beginning of his career, but that doesn't mean it's lesser than his later films. "Reservoir Dogs" packs a mean punch full of violence, obscenities, and hilarity all into very fast crime thriller that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. "Reservoir Dogs" does lack what makes Tarantino's later films somewhat better; a brilliant screenplay. I would love to see Tarantino redo "Reservoir Dogs" now that his confidence in directing and writing has grown considerably. However, this is a fantastic cult film that should be watched by every lover of the cinema. Expand
  4. Aug 13, 2010
    10
    Reservoir Dogs was Quentin Tarantinoâ
  5. Sep 4, 2010
    10
    Sorry for the translation. The year was 1992 - In the cinematic landscape is a new director and a new movie. The director named Quentin Tarantino, the film Reservoir Dogs. Synopsis: Robbery, fleeing in a warehouse, debates, quarrels, emotional consequences, death stars. (Except one, perhaps). Who is Quentin Tarantino: A brilliant storyteller. (S.m. skillful storyteller) About Reservoir Dogs: A film against intellectual arrogance. When you're seriously pissed use the tools that are familiar to make you feel better.

    What are the symptoms (nervousness): A brilliant storyteller and surprises you when he talks about topics such as handling, race, music, religion, violence. So his characters before the cameras never lose vitality even in extreme situations. Everything is structured around the conversations that are always stimulating. Tarantino shakes you from stupor.

    As you can: through the camera, leaving no escape. You're down there shooting, anyway.

    What is comparable to the work of Tarantino: The most famous artist Mamontow toy. The Russian dolls.

    In that sense: The Russian doll is a collection of dolls, Russian wood of different sizes, nicely colored. Each piece can be inserted into another and is divided into two parts. The pieces in them are not full, but empty. Only the latter, the smallest, which is called "seed" is full.
    The largest piece is called "mother". The Russian doll, the figure represents a peasant mother and generous as it may be the land. The creative mind of Tarantino is generous as it is a Russian doll.

    Got a message for Mr. Tarantino? Yes, welcome in Italy. Venice is beautiful. A partnership with Carlo Verdone would an Oscar in Italy.

    An example of imaginative narration (narration).

    Ok.

    Un giorno, un non vedente era seduto sul gradino di un marciapiede con un cappello ai suoi piedi e un pezzo di cartone con su scritto: «Sono cieco, aiutatemi per favore!» "One day a blind man was sitting on the slope of a sidewalk with a cap at his feet and a piece of cardboard with this written on it: â
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  6. Jan 24, 2012
    8
    I loved this movie and I enjoyed watching it. The cast was good and it was interesting. Yet the film is a bit too predictable and that sort of ruined it a little. I would still recommend it though.
  7. TylerG.
    Nov 27, 2007
    10
    The debut film of the greatest American director to ever look through the lens of a camera. Tarantino doesn't make anything but great movies. Every single thing he has directed, written, or even produced has all been outstanding work. If you love movies and you want to see the debut film of one of the greatest directors in our time then check this movie out.
  8. BenB
    Nov 30, 2007
    8
    A witty script and impressive acting carry this movie, which isn't really that as good as all the hype. The quotable dialogue, black comedy, and great performances make the movie worth it, and I really enjoyed it, but Tarantino has really refined his technique since this movie. For more of the unique dialogue with everything improved upon watch Pulp Fiction, a true masterpiece.
  9. RobertI
    Feb 26, 2008
    9
    One gripping piece of filmmaking, with the most terrifying scene on film?
  10. NewKillerStarDestroyer
    Sep 29, 2009
    10
    It's a witty and intense movie, with some of the most stylish sequences ever seen.
  11. Mr.Pink
    Oct 10, 2009
    10
    I just have one thing to say.. You put the Lime in the Coconut and you drank 'em both up Put the lime in the coconut, you drank 'em both up.. :D Such a brilliant movie with that song on the credits, it makes it only more brilliant and more Tarantino.
  12. JamesM
    Dec 20, 2005
    10
    I cannot stand critics who dislike Tarantino because his movies contain violence. God, if you can't watch movies with violence why on earth are you a movie critic? This is one of my faourite film of all time, and, you can quote me on this, Quentin Tarantino is a genius.
  13. WesE.
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Pulp Fiction has a great story, acting and direction, but it doesn't seem real; neither does Jackie Brown. Reservoir Dogs succeeds on these terms simply because it feels so creepily real. The dialog, acting and genius plot are simply brilliant.
  14. RitaP.
    Jan 30, 2006
    6
    I'm normally a big fan of Tarantino but this film is vastly overrated. Original, stylish, well acted and directed but not a modern masterpiece.
  15. RDalvi
    Mar 20, 2006
    10
    Excellent performances. Dialogues contain a lot of abusive language but its worth it. Tarantino'ds performance as Mr. Brown as well as the director and writer is excellent. The other performances also shine. Overall, a great movie with great content.
  16. Mr.Hankey
    Apr 22, 2006
    7
    This movie sparked the millions of fans of Quentin Tarantino and made him a big name in independent film. But is the movie good? Yes because it is a interesting look at the jobs of killers and No because it doesn't add up as well and some of the acting isn't as good as I would hope. The violence is very visual and surreal but it shows the brutality of people in a way that you may never have seen before. Also interesting how the incognito's of the killers are colors and also how the language is over used and makes the characters less appealing. The movie is good but not the best out of Tarantino in any form. Expand
  17. AdamB.
    May 3, 2006
    10
    This movie was so awesome. And though Tarantino was not the first director to make use of non-linear plotlines (Mystery Train by Jim Jarmusch), he very much brought a quirky style of direction and storytelling into the end of the twentieth century and now into the twenty-first. Reservoir Dogs remains my favorite gangster movie only because it isn't so stereotypical of that genre of film.
  18. JinsonC.
    Sep 8, 2006
    10
    Reservoir Dogs, the movie that started it all. Such a widely replicated directorial debut has never been made and never will be. Tarantino presents an alternate view of reality as in the perspective of those that break the law as the good guys. Police are the perpetual villain, always present yet out of sight and all the characters know it. This is one hell of an adrenaline ride and a must see for any fan of film. Collapse
  19. BillB.
    Feb 3, 2007
    7
    It wasn't THAT good. The acting was great, but the script is below average.
  20. BenB.
    Sep 15, 2007
    9
    Speaking as a Tarantino fan, this film is great. His first film (written when he was 28) is extremely original, with a clever script and a unique outlook. The acting is top-notch, and carries the film, although the trademark Tarantino script goes a long way also.
  21. NaomiM.
    Nov 12, 2004
    10
    "Why do I have to be Mr. Pink?" "Because your a F***ing f**!" I love this movie! I think that the QT movies are the best! Those lines are my favorite. This movie rocks!!
  22. fabio
    Nov 29, 2004
    10
    Maybe the best Tarantino's movie.
  23. AndrewM
    Jul 15, 2004
    7
    (7.5) It's good but not great. (In all honesty, it's probably better than that because it's QT's debut, but that doesn't really matter). For me, it's a marvel the way the film takes and uses familiar elements of action/crime/mafia type movies, but reinvents these elements (into compounds maybe?) to transcend the film and make it all entriely original. That�39;s what I like about it. That, and the screenplay. I know it's full of profanity, but it's just so "three sheets to the wind", so reckless and arrogant, that it's just pure entertainment! The film is a triumph; almost a classic, certainly a blast! Expand
  24. YouliJ.
    Jun 23, 2004
    0
    Pointless violence from a high school drop out.
  25. SantinoS.
    Mar 12, 2003
    9
    Tarantino's stunning debut feature which is a remake of a asian film"city on fire" heralded the coming of the most talented and innovative director of our times. as with "pulp fiction" this movie is not for everyone coz of the bloody violence and language but these r the very elements that make this movie work.also tarantino's humour is in a class of its own. i'm eagerly awaiting "kill bill". Expand
  26. RyanM.
    Jan 13, 2003
    10
    An explosive highwire act of "f" words and torture scenes that could be the best heist movie ever made, and Michael F., not being as good as "Pulp Fiction" isn't a problem, because there are no movies as good as "Pulp Fiction"...it's the best.
  27. DerekY.
    Jul 29, 2002
    10
    This was one of my favorite films of all times. I dont mean to sound like a physco but, the torture scene was great!
  28. YoonC.
    Sep 23, 2003
    10
    Indie movie that gleefully avoided every indie movie pitfall--earnestness, amateurishness, do-goody social-consciousness--this is a stunning triumph of brilliant writing, professional acting, and a ceaseless succession of expertly directed set pieces. While as violent and brutal as Tarantino's later--and truly offensive--films, Reservoir Dogs never loses grip of its powerful but warped morality tale. Expand
  29. MichaelF.
    Mar 11, 2002
    9
    This is a great film, though it has some flaws, its still great. PROBLEMS: Chris Penn is horrible. The dialouge is showing off a bit. Not nearly as good as "Pulp Fiction."
  30. PatC.
    Jan 5, 2004
    6
    It had no point, but was totally compelling getting to it.
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. 100
    You may not like the terms Tarantino sets, but you have to admit he succeeds on them.
  2. 90
    The truth is that for all the controversy there really isn’t that much violence in Reservoir Dogs. The reason people were so affected was because the film shows you the true impact of its violence.
  3. Reviewed by: Richard Corliss
    90
    Most of the movie is Actors Acting: gifted guys (Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, Chris Penn) running nattering riffs on familiar lout themes. [16 Nov 1992]