Director Quentin Tarantino has once again captured public attention with his recent podcast appearance, where he expressed a surprising admiration for Ridley Scott’s 2001 film, Black Hawk Down, labeling it his favorite movie of the 21st century. This declaration, while notable, was somewhat eclipsed by his unconventional critiques of actor Paul Dano, sparking a flurry of responses online.
The buzz surrounding Tarantino has inadvertently revived interest in his filmography, particularly in the 2012 Western, Django Unchained. As of now, this film ranks among the top ten most-streamed titles on Paramount+ in the United States. With a cast featuring stars like Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, and Leonardo DiCaprio, Django Unchained received widespread acclaim, reflected in its 87% rating from critics and 92% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. The film garnered five Oscar nominations, winning two, yet remains somewhat underrated due to the high caliber of Tarantino’s other works.
A brief synopsis of Django Unchained highlights its compelling narrative: set two years before the Civil War, the story follows Django, a slave who partners with an unconventional German bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz, to capture notorious criminals. Their journey leads them to the plantation of the nefarious Calvin Candie, where Django’s long-lost wife remains enslaved.
Django Unchained’s Box Office Success
Tarantino’s films have a history of strong box office performance, and Django Unchained is no exception. The film reportedly cost $100 million to produce and grossed an impressive $450 million worldwide. This total includes $163 million from domestic markets and $287 million from international audiences. Remarkably, Django Unchained stands as the 15th highest-grossing film of 2012 and holds the record as the highest-grossing Western ever, surpassing Dances With Wolves by $25 million.
As streaming platforms continue to reshape the film industry, Django Unchained’s resurgence on Paramount+ reflects both its enduring popularity and Tarantino’s remarkable ability to engage audiences, even years after the film’s release. For fans of cinema and Tarantino alike, this revival serves as a reminder of the film’s impact and a nostalgic return to one of the director’s most celebrated works.
Django Unchained remains available for streaming on Paramount+, providing viewers an opportunity to experience this cinematic gem.