Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Sanjay R

  
  A great directorial debut from a great director. Tarantino writes and directs this ultra vulgar/violent film and the cast puts on a great performance. This film (about the aftermath of a heist, not the heist itself) tests the trust and loyalty between nine suave criminals. This is one… More
  A great directorial debut from a great director. Tarantino writes and directs this ultra vulgar/violent film and the cast puts on a great performance. This film (about the aftermath of a heist, not the heist itself) tests the trust and loyalty between nine suave criminals. This is one of the best indies of all time.

• KJ P

  
  This is Quentin Tarantino's first film, this is the start of a new generation in filmmaking. "Reservoir Dogs" follows a group of men after a robbery, and how all of their lives are affected after their insane plot. You feel every emotion that each character feels, every… More
  This is Quentin Tarantino's first film, this is the start of a new generation in filmmaking. "Reservoir Dogs" follows a group of men after a robbery, and how all of their lives are affected after their insane plot. You feel every emotion that each character feels, every scene makes you feel like you are in the room with them as one character is killed. You feel the pain of Tim Roths' character in the warehouse as his character is dying throughout the entire film. Most importantly, there is not one frame that I would have changed. Quentin Tarantino definitely knows how to make a movie! "Reservoir Dogs" is probably one of the best crime films that I have ever seen, or will ever see. Simply breathtaking!

• Jameson W

  
  Not Tarantino's best film, but a brilliant directorial debut from a director who's among the best of all time. Perfectly acted, well written, and stylish, RD is a film that cannot be missed. A lot of this film reminded me a lot of 12 Angry Men...much of the film focuses on… More
  Not Tarantino's best film, but a brilliant directorial debut from a director who's among the best of all time. Perfectly acted, well written, and stylish, RD is a film that cannot be missed. A lot of this film reminded me a lot of 12 Angry Men...much of the film focuses on men talking in an empty warehouse, but yet each scene was intense. Great dialogue scenes. And of course, a Tarantino film must have great quotes... "Are you going to bark all day little doggy, or are you going to bite?" "Why am I Mr. Pink?...Because you're a f***ing fag!!" A great Tarantino flick that cannot be missed!

• Albert K

  
  Reservoir Dogs is incredibly engrossing. The screenplay was well written (not as well as Pulp Fiction) but there seemed to be something lacking from this movie: The characters weren't as uniquely diverse like Pulp Fiction but man, this movie is riveting, entertaining, and very… More
  Reservoir Dogs is incredibly engrossing. The screenplay was well written (not as well as Pulp Fiction) but there seemed to be something lacking from this movie: The characters weren't as uniquely diverse like Pulp Fiction but man, this movie is riveting, entertaining, and very well made. A must see

• Matt G

  
  One of the best movies in American cinema. This is the film that jumpstarted the spectacular career of Quentin Tarantino. I'm classifying this as a career because it's basically a job to be as good as Tarantino, considering that he's my favorite director next to Kevin… More
  One of the best movies in American cinema. This is the film that jumpstarted the spectacular career of Quentin Tarantino. I'm classifying this as a career because it's basically a job to be as good as Tarantino, considering that he's my favorite director next to Kevin Smith. In this multi-detailed review, I am going to depict and dissect a variety of the characters, and the amazingness of the actors that played them. I'll start with Mr. White, played by Harvey Keitel. I wasn't a huge fan of Keitel until I saw this film. But whenever he's on screen: BAM, he's fantastic. The way he cares for Mr. Orange is both realistic and touching. Tim Roth is Mr. Orange, the main PROTAGONIST (it may not seem so at first but you'll see!), and he is phenomenal in a career changing role that is reminiscent of the greats from the early 30s. Roth is really good in this and proved his greatness yet again in Tarantino's next film 'Pulp Fiction'. Michael Madsen is freaking mind-blowing as Mr. Blonde (by the way, these names were all chosen for the characters due to identity safety). Madsen's performance is by far the least appreciated in it, and is usually classified as the "badass" of the movie, but his character has so many deep meanings that can only be uncovered after several viewings, and because I don't want to spoil anything. Chris Penn is kinda just in this movie. He doesn't stand out. This is definitely not my favorite performance from him, that would be his mind-fuck performance in 'True Romance', but it is undeniably impressive for one of his debut roles. Steve Buscemi is my absolute favorite in this film. It's very hard to describe the awesomeness. I'll start with my favorite line from him: "Mr. Pink: You kill anybody? Mr. White/Larry: A few cops. Mr. Pink: No real people? Mr. White/Larry: Just cops." I mean WOAH. That is simply brilliant. First off, it reveals so much about the character with his neediness for classifying any protagonist as a "different" person but the fact that most of his conversations are similar to dialogue like this. So Buscemi is genuinely a great actor, and this role is definitely his best performance EVER, even beating out 'Boardwalk Empire'. So... yeah, this is a fucking amazing performance. Best of the movie, and one of the best in cinematic history. Now, to finish it off; one of the greatest lines in gangster film history: Mr. Pink: I'm very sorry the government taxes their tips, that's fucked up. That ain't my fault. It would seem to me that waitresses are one of the many groups the government fucks in the ass on a regular basis. Look, if you ask me to sign something that says the government shouldn't do that, I'll sign it, put it to a vote, I'll vote for it, but what I won't do is play ball. And as for this non-college bullshit I got two words for that: learn to fuckin' type, 'cause if you're expecting me to help out with the rent you're in for a big fuckin' surprise.

• Dan S

  
  This enthralling action tale concerns a group of small-time criminals (led by Harvey Keitel) who suffer the nightmarish consequences after one of their gigs goes dreadfully wrong as one of them (the always dependable and vastly under-rated Tim Roth) risks bleeding out to death in… More
  This enthralling action tale concerns a group of small-time criminals (led by Harvey Keitel) who suffer the nightmarish consequences after one of their gigs goes dreadfully wrong as one of them (the always dependable and vastly under-rated Tim Roth) risks bleeding out to death in their hideout, while the cops are hot on their trail. There are so many good things to say about this film, but let's just start out with that this might be the best collection of B-grade actors in one film to ever grace the screen. You have Keitel as the sympathetic leader, Michael Madsen as the quiet yet dangerous sociopath, Steve Buscemi as the fast-talking and pessimistic weasel, Roth as the smooth-talking new guy, Chris Penn (brother of Sean) as the daddy's boy business man who has faith in the system his father (Lawrence Tierney) has run with these guys for quite some time. This is a fantastic movie, the best purebred gangster film of all-time outside of the first two chapters of "The Godfather", with a story in which loyalties are tested and lives are put at stake. While the language is indeed rough and the violence is tough to take (wait for Madsen to kick into gear), director Quentin Tarantino never seems to be overstepping his bounds. The ending is cold and unforgiving, seeing that Tarantino refuses to slam the door completely shut on to what all happens (if you hate ambiguous conclusions - this is not your movie). This is, undoubtedly, the best first-time effort by any filmmaker in history in my eyes. The fact that Tarantino not only directed, but acted in it and wrote the script, really shows how much this guy put into this project, and for it to have become not only one of the more respected crime thrillers in recent memory, as well as a cult classic, no one should be prouder than him. It is also admirable that Harvey Keitel, the lead star of the film, was willing to pitch some of his own money into the project in order for the movie to work out. Perhaps most importantly, 'Dogs' serves as a premier example of phenomenal teamwork between a cast and their director. A lot of things could have potentially derailed a script as out-there and vulgar as this, but instead what we have here is one of the most remarkable films captured.

• Colin M

  
  As the feature length debut of Quentin Tarantino it does its job. It introduces his gratuity, realism, grittiness, and intricate care of dialogue and characterization. Steve Buscemi, Harvey Keitel, and so on shine throughout this film and are brilliant actors and many memorable scenes… More
  As the feature length debut of Quentin Tarantino it does its job. It introduces his gratuity, realism, grittiness, and intricate care of dialogue and characterization. Steve Buscemi, Harvey Keitel, and so on shine throughout this film and are brilliant actors and many memorable scenes are to be found in this directorial debut, such as the infamous ear cutting/torture scene set to the counterpoint of "Stuck in the Middle With You" by Steelers Wheel. Unfortunately, the film is merely an hour and a half in length and fails to deliver much of the depth that many of his later films would provide (such as its immediate successor, "Pulp Fiction", and the latter "Jackie Brown"). Compared to Tarantino's own later films, and other like-minded films such as "The Godfather" and "Once Upon A Time in America", "Reservoir Dogs" provides little of the richly rewarding experience that these other films grant in their viewers. Overall, its a solid film, but not one which will make you ponder after viewing or one which will reward extra immediate viewings. But it did make possible Quentin's later great films for sure!

• Brad W

  
  Reservoir Dogs is a incredible and character driven movie and proves that Quentin Tarantino was born to direct films. The plot is incredibly told and every minute is just so fun to watch and Tarantino somehow makes it just so entertaining to watch and it actually is cool seeing all… More
  Reservoir Dogs is a incredible and character driven movie and proves that Quentin Tarantino was born to direct films. The plot is incredibly told and every minute is just so fun to watch and Tarantino somehow makes it just so entertaining to watch and it actually is cool seeing all those different perspectives of a job gone wrong, but what makes this so great is the characters, I am serious I loved every one of the characters in this film, I think my favorite was Steve Buscemi's character Mr. Pink, if you have seen the film I think we can agree how hard it is describing how amazing the film and its characters is. The cast is incredible, Harvey Kietel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, Micheal Madsen, Chris Penn, and all the rest are just truly amazing in every way and they were just plain great actors. Reservoir Dogs is fun to watch over and over, and this movie is possibly one of the best cult films I have ever seen, anyone who has never seen the masterpiece that started Quentin Taratino's career needs to now.

• Eric A

  
  The beginning of Tarantino and his genius. What a film! This is as real as it gets.

• Daniel L

  
  A gem of a film that is often overshadowed by the equally-good "Pulp Fiction".

• Jacob E

  
  Quentin Tarantino has become a god of the film industry. His film "Pulp Fiction" has permanently embedded him into pop culture, and films like the Kill Bill volumes and Inglorious Basterds continues to make him even more popular. But everyone has to start somewhere. But this… More
  Quentin Tarantino has become a god of the film industry. His film "Pulp Fiction" has permanently embedded him into pop culture, and films like the Kill Bill volumes and Inglorious Basterds continues to make him even more popular. But everyone has to start somewhere. But this is one heck of a start. Reservoir Dogs is one of the best heist films I have ever seen with Tarantino's trademark fractured narrative (that has the audience gasping for closure to the very end) and his way of emulating films (the original 1974 "Taking of Pelham One Two Three" being the main influence here). Each of the performances are fun to watch (particular standouts being Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen) and Tarantino's cameo where he talks about "Like a Virgin" is hilarious. You know what, let me tell you how good this film is. This is an awesome heist film THAT NEVER SHOWS THE HEIST. I'm not kidding. That's how awesome this film is, it can be considered a heist film and it doesn't even show the heist.

• danny d

  
  the opening scene is simply brilliant. the rest of the film is fairly average as the dialogue descends into profane banter rather than providing anything of substance. the story is solid, but in the end the film is likeable and entertaining but nothing more.

• Manu G

  
  Seven Total Strangers Team Up For The Perfect Crime. They Don't Know Each Other's Name. But They've Got Each Other's Color. Saw it again! Great Movie! One of the best for Tarantino! I love the plot and how the story develops. Rank #66 in IMDB best films ever and… More
  Seven Total Strangers Team Up For The Perfect Crime. They Don't Know Each Other's Name. But They've Got Each Other's Color. Saw it again! Great Movie! One of the best for Tarantino! I love the plot and how the story develops. Rank #66 in IMDB best films ever and quite deserving. Great Cast! Six criminals, who are strangers to each other, are hired by a crime boss Joe Cabot to carry out a diamond robbery. Right at the outset, they are given false names with an intention that they won't get too close and concentrate on the job instead. They are completely sure that the robbery is going to be a success. But when the police show up right at the time and the site of the robbery, panic spreads amongst the group members and one of them is killed in the subsequent shootout along with a few policemen and civilians. When the remaining people assemble at the premeditated rendezvous point (a warehouse), they begin to suspect that one of them is an undercover cop.

• Coxxie M

  
  Toby? Toby Wong. Toby Chong. Toby Wong. Charllie Chan. And whoo da fuck is Toby?

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  Cast: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi, Chris Penn, Lawrence Tierney, Edward Bunker, Quentin Tarantino, Randy Brooks, Kirk Baltz Director: Quentin Tarantino Summary: Quentin Tarantino's directorial debut is raw, violent, often mimicked -- and… More
  Cast: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi, Chris Penn, Lawrence Tierney, Edward Bunker, Quentin Tarantino, Randy Brooks, Kirk Baltz Director: Quentin Tarantino Summary: Quentin Tarantino's directorial debut is raw, violent, often mimicked -- and unforgettable. A botched robbery indicates a police informant, and the pressure mounts in the aftermath at a warehouse. Crime begets violence as the survivors -- veteran Mr. White (Harvey Keitel), newcomer Mr. Orange (Tim Roth), psychopathic parolee Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen), bickering weasel Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi) and Nice Guy Eddie (Chris Penn) -- unravel. My Thoughts: "A great crime story, and I liked the way it was told. I loved Mr.Pink (Steve Buscemi). I enjoyed all his ranting. He may have made me a believer in the whole tipping thing. I think the film was smartly done. There is more dialogue then action, but it works for this film. I don't know what took me so long to see it, but I'm glad I did."

• Sophie B

  
  I never thought this would be a movie that I would like. Absolutely brilliant. At the beginning it's a bit confusing but everything gets explained throughout the film and the narrative twists and turns are filmed really well. Brilliant cast and an end I did not expect.

• Shawn E

  
  Short and explosive. The story of a bank robbery and a setup is not the most original of plots, but narrating the story with only the before and aftermath is quite intriguing. A great cast of characters all fleshed out with unique personalities but still anonymous identities, and… More
  Short and explosive. The story of a bank robbery and a setup is not the most original of plots, but narrating the story with only the before and aftermath is quite intriguing. A great cast of characters all fleshed out with unique personalities but still anonymous identities, and scenes with memorable raw action make this a great debut film for director Quentin Tarantino.

• Zach B

  
  Before this film even was thought up of, there was a major problem with crime films: They were all the same! You could not watch one film without knowing how it would end. Then, along came Quentin Tarantino with a little silent hit: Reservoir Dogs. What this film done to the crime… More
  Before this film even was thought up of, there was a major problem with crime films: They were all the same! You could not watch one film without knowing how it would end. Then, along came Quentin Tarantino with a little silent hit: Reservoir Dogs. What this film done to the crime genre is what Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey done for Science-Fiction. Well, lets look at this film closely. The first thing it done was recreate the dialogue that was used in crime films. Most of the time, it was straight, down to business dialogue that was the same crap we have heard all the time. What Tarantino done was make it so that we actually understand the characters a lot more by what they are talking about. The best example of this would be at the beginning when the main characters are having a conversation about Madonna's Like A Virgin and the main reason why people tip at restaurant. The next thing that it changed was the story structure of the film. What was to become a trademark of Tarantino's is that his film's all have an nonlinear story plot. This is the type of film that you have to pay attention to in order to understand for the perspective, time line, all will be mixed up. Another thing that has become a Tarantino tradition is the use of music that has been long dead for years that are being resurrected and recreating the attention it once had. The two best examples of this will have at the beginning credits (that invented the slow-motion walk) and the infamous "Torture" scene. While all of that is good, this films main problem is that it suffers from the fact that this was made by a man who was learning his craft and it is very relevant in this film. Thank goodness he later on perfected his style. So, I say see this film if you want to see what gave birth to the future of crime films, the first film by Tarantino, or how to make your first movie. RECOMMENDED.

• Kase V

  
  Tarantino explodes into the cinematic world with raw violence and plenty of well-placed lines. Led by great performances from Roth and Buscemi, Reservoir Dogs is as good as a modern gangster film can get. The only thing to complain about is questionable acting on a few characters… More
  Tarantino explodes into the cinematic world with raw violence and plenty of well-placed lines. Led by great performances from Roth and Buscemi, Reservoir Dogs is as good as a modern gangster film can get. The only thing to complain about is questionable acting on a few characters parts, and the pace can sometimes get a little too slow.

• Kristijonas F

  
  An absolute thrill-ride. Quentin Tarantino wasn't on the radar before this one... But ladies and gentlemen, this is the flick that started it all.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings