"Once upon a time in Nazi occupied France..."
Inglourious Basterds - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
You know somethin', Utivich? I think this just might be my masterpiece.
— Lt. Aldo Raine
Context:
After the cinema has been destroyed and Landa has surrendered, Raine and Utivich drive him to the Allied line. Before letting him go, Raine carves a swastika into Landa's forehead. He stands back to admire his work and delivers this line.
Meaning:
This is the final line of the film and serves a meta-textual purpose, reflecting Quentin Tarantino's own feelings about the movie he has created. Within the narrative, it signifies Raine's ultimate satisfaction in delivering his personal, permanent brand of justice upon Hans Landa, capping off his brutal campaign against the Nazis with a final, symbolic act.
Oooh, that's a bingo!
— Col. Hans Landa
Context:
During the interrogation of the Basterds and Bridget von Hammersmark in the cinema's lobby, Landa confirms a crucial piece of evidence. He delights in his own cleverness and exclaims the phrase, asking Aldo if he is saying it correctly.
Meaning:
This quote perfectly encapsulates Landa's playful, yet menacing, personality. He uses the American phrase incorrectly, highlighting his foreignness while simultaneously celebrating a key discovery in his investigation. It's a moment of dark, comedic relief that underscores his intelligence and his enjoyment of the 'game' he plays with his victims.
My name is Shosanna Dreyfus, and this is the face of Jewish vengeance!
— Shosanna Dreyfus
Context:
As her plan unfolds, a pre-recorded film of Shosanna is spliced into the "Nation's Pride" screening. Her giant face appears on the screen, addressing the trapped Nazi audience moments before Marcel ignites the theater.
Meaning:
This line is the powerful climax of Shosanna's character arc. Having been a silent survivor for years, she finally reclaims her true identity and purpose. By projecting her face onto the screen for the entire Nazi high command to see, she transforms her personal revenge into a potent, symbolic act of retribution for her people.
You know, fightin' in a basement offers a lot of difficulties. Number one being, you're fightin' in a basement!
— Lt. Aldo Raine
Context:
Upon learning that the rendezvous with Bridget von Hammersmark for Operation Kino is in a basement tavern, Raine expresses his displeasure to Lt. Hicox. His prediction proves correct as the meeting devolves into a bloody, confined shootout.
Meaning:
This line is a prime example of the film's dark, deadpan humor and Raine's folksy, straightforward manner. It humorously states the obvious tactical disadvantage of their situation, undercutting the extreme tension of the scene with a moment of pure, logical absurdity. It highlights Raine's practical, no-nonsense approach to warfare.