“Inglourious Basterds” (2009) is a war film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. Set during World War II, the film presents an alternate history where two plots to assassinate Nazi leadership converge. The first plot involves a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as “The Basterds,” led by Lieutenant Aldo Raine (played by Brad Pitt). Their mission is to instill fear in the German forces by brutally killing and scalping Nazis.

Parallel to this, the story follows Shosanna Dreyfus (played by Mélanie Laurent), a young Jewish woman who narrowly escaped a massacre led by SS Colonel Hans Landa (played by Christoph Waltz). Landa, known for his cunning and ruthlessness, is tasked with hunting down Jews in occupied France. Shosanna, living under a false identity and running a cinema in Paris, plans to use a Nazi film premiere at her cinema as an opportunity to take revenge on the German high command.

The film is known for its ensemble cast, sharp dialogue, and blending of genres, combining elements of war drama, black comedy, and suspense. Christoph Waltz’s performance as Hans Landa earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. “Inglourious Basterds” is celebrated for its bold storytelling, stylized violence, and Tarantino’s signature directorial flair, making it a distinctive and memorable entry in the war film genre.