Film fans seeking a break from festive repeats have a compelling new option this Christmas, as one of Quentin Tarantino's most overlooked movies arrives on a major streaming platform.
A Landmark Birthday for a Cult Classic
Jackie Brown, the director's third feature film, was originally released on Christmas Day in 1997. This means the movie has just celebrated its 28th birthday, coinciding perfectly with its surprise addition to the Amazon Prime Video library in the UK.
Often described as Tarantino's 'most underrated' work, the crime drama has historically been overshadowed by its iconic neighbours in his filmography: the groundbreaking Pulp Fiction (1994) and the visceral Kill Bill duology (2003-2004). Despite this, it has cultivated a devoted following who praise its more mature and character-driven narrative.
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
The film centres on the titular Jackie Brown, a flight attendant played by the legendary Pam Grier. Her character becomes entangled in a dangerous money-smuggling scheme and orchestrates a complex, double-crossing deal with authorities to secure her freedom.
True to form, Tarantino packs the screen with formidable talent. Samuel L. Jackson returns for his second collaboration with the director, a partnership that would eventually span seven films. The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring Robert De Niro, Bridget Fonda, and Michael Keaton. In a departure from his usual on-screen cameos, Tarantino himself appears only as a voice on an answering machine.
The film's quality is reflected in its impressive 88% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. This rating places it above several of Tarantino's later hits, including Kill Bill, Django Unchained, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. According to the review aggregator, it is actually the director's fourth highest-rated film, trailing only Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, and Inglourious Basterds.
Praise from Critics and Audiences Alike
Critics have long championed the film's unique qualities. Brian Viner of The Daily Mail labelled it a 'compellingly stylish and witty film'. Meanwhile, Jason Bailey from Vice made a bold claim, stating it is 'the only Quentin Tarantino movie that gets noticeably better with each viewing'.
This sentiment is echoed by casual viewers. One fan, Jeremiah C, called it 'one of Tarantino’s more underrated works'. Another, Jacob B, elaborated further, praising its subtlety and standout performances: 'More character-driven and subtle than any of his other films, and featuring some of the cast’s best screen performances, especially that of Miss Pam Grier.'
With its Christmas Day release date, many are now declaring Jackie Brown an honorary festive film. So, for those looking for an alternative to traditional holiday movies, this critically adored crime caper is now available to stream for free with an Amazon Prime subscription.
