Reservoir Dogs Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of color-coded dudes argue in a warehouse after a jewelry heist goes sideways, revealing one of them is a cop… or maybe not, but there’s a lot of shouting and ear-related drama.

🍿 Reservoir Dogs: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup and the Heist Gone Wrong

The film opens with eight men discussing Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’ and tipping culture at a diner. Six of them are criminals using color-coded aliases: Mr. White, Mr. Orange, Mr. Blonde, Mr. Pink, Mr. Blue, and Mr. Brown. They are led by Joe Cabot and his son ‘Nice Guy’ Eddie. They plan a diamond heist, but the robbery is quickly ambushed, leaving several dead and the remaining criminals suspicious of a rat among them.

The Aftermath at the Warehouse

The surviving robbers, Mr. White, Mr. Pink and a badly wounded Mr. Orange, meet at a pre-determined warehouse. They begin to question what went wrong, suspecting one of them is an undercover cop. Tension rises as they try to figure out what happened during the heist and who might be the traitor. Mr. Blonde arrives with a captured police officer, adding another layer of conflict and violence to the situation.

Flashbacks and Unraveling Truths

The narrative uses flashbacks to reveal how each criminal became involved in the job and highlights their pre-heist interactions. Viewers also see how Mr. Orange is in fact an undercover cop that has infiltrated Joe Cabot’s team. Mr. White and Mr. Orange develop an unexpected bond before the truth behind the whole set up unravels.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mr. White (Harvey Keitel): A seasoned criminal, fiercely loyal and protective, who develops a strong bond with Mr. Orange.
• Mr. Orange (Tim Roth): An undercover cop who infiltrates the gang, struggling with his loyalty to the job versus his growing friendship with Mr. White.
• Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen): A sadistic and unhinged criminal whose violent tendencies escalate the tension within the group.
• Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi): A paranoid and untrusting member of the group, primarily concerned with self-preservation and avoiding capture.
• Nice Guy Eddie (Chris Penn): The volatile son of Joe Cabot who is quick to anger and fiercely loyal to his family and close friend Mr. Blonde.
• Joe Cabot (Lawrence Tierney): The experienced crime boss who orchestrates the heist, showing a mix of control and vulnerability.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mr. Blonde: “Are you gonna bark all day, little doggie? Or are you gonna bite?” – Said menacingly to Marvin Nash, the captured police officer, before torturing him.
• Mr. Pink: “I don’t tip.” – Mr. Pink explains his unusual stance on not tipping waitresses at the diner.
• Mr. White: “You shoot me in a dream, you better wake up and apologize.” – A tough declaration said in response to Mr. Orange, showcasing his protective nature.
• Mr. White: “You know what this is? It’s the world’s smallest violin playing just for the waitresses.” – Said sarcastically after Mr. Pink’s anti-tipping rant.
• Mr. Orange: “I’m a cop!” – A shocking and climactic reveal to Mr. White, altering their entire dynamic.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,200,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,832,029
• Worldwide Gross: $2,932,006

💥 Reservoir Dogs Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so, I finally watched Reservoir Dogs and wow, it was intense. The opening scene in the diner? Hilarious, but then the whole thing just spirals into this chaotic, violent mess. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time trying to figure out who the rat was! The way the story jumps around threw me off at first, but it totally works. And that ear scene… I had to look away. It’s brutal but you can’t deny it’s a powerful movie, I was just talking about it to my friend yesterday.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Quentin Tarantino’s films”
  • “Lovers of crime thrillers”
  • “Those who appreciate non-linear storytelling”
  • “Viewers interested in stylized violence”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Torture scenes”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Drug use”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “A raw, violent, and darkly funny crime thriller that announced Quentin Tarantino as a major talent. Its non-linear storytelling and sharp dialogue set it apart.
• Roger Ebert: “Reservoir Dogs is a masterclass in tension and character study. The violence is brutal, but it serves a purpose in exploring the dark side of human nature.
• Rolling Stone: “Tarantino’s debut is a stylish, audacious, and unforgettable crime film with a killer soundtrack and memorable performances. It’s not just violence; it’s an experience.

Audience Reactions

The witty, intense dialogue was a hit, especially the opening diner scene.: Viewers loved the stylish violence, memorable characters, and the non-linear story.

Michael Madsen’s Mr. Blonde was iconic and terrifying.: The ensemble cast delivered top-notch performances across the board.

Overall Consensus: Reservoir Dogs is a highly influential crime thriller known for its sharp dialogue, intense violence, and unique narrative structure. It’s a must-see for fans of the genre and those interested in Tarantino’s early work.

Awards

1. Independent Spirit Awards (Best First Feature)- 1993

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Many of the actors, including Steve Buscemi and Michael Madsen, were asked to bring their own clothes for their characters, reflecting the film’s low budget.”
• “The iconic black suits were provided for free by a designer who was a fan of the crime genre.”
• “Quentin Tarantino originally intended to play Mr. Pink himself but gave the role to Steve Buscemi.”
• “The ear-cutting scene, though infamous, was largely done off-screen to save money and because Tarantino didn’t want to make it excessively graphic.”
• “The movie’s non-linear narrative was a deliberate choice to keep the audience guessing about the heist and the characters’ pasts.”

🖥️ How to Watch Reservoir Dogs?

Reservoir Dogs is widely available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also available from most major retailers. Check your local cable provider for potential on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Reservoir Dogs, you might like these similar films:

• Pulp Fiction (1994): Directed by Quentin Tarantino, features a similar non-linear narrative, stylized dialogue, and dark humor.
• The Killing (1956): A classic heist film with a focus on the meticulous planning and the fallout of a robbery gone wrong, which influenced Reservoir Dogs.
• Mean Streets (1973): Explores the dynamics of a group of small-time criminals with a gritty, realistic feel similar to Reservoir Dogs.
• Heat (1995): A neo-noir crime film with a focus on the planning and execution of heists, and the complex relationships between criminals.
• Snatch (2000): A British crime film with a similar energy, dark humor, and overlapping narratives, appealing to those who enjoy the style of Reservoir Dogs.

🛒 Reservoir Dogs Related Products

• Reservoir Dogs: 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition 4K UHD: A limited edition 4K UHD release of the movie with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes and making-of documentary. Remastered for an enhanced viewing experience.
• Reservoir Dogs Board Game: A tabletop game that lets you take on the roles of the infamous gangsters. Includes game mechanics centered around loyalty and trust.
• Reservoir Dogs T-Shirt: A stylish, officially licensed t-shirt featuring the iconic image of the suited gangsters walking in slow motion.
• Reservoir Dogs Movie Poster Set: A set of high-quality, vintage-style posters featuring original promotional artwork from the movie. Perfect for home theaters or offices.

🎧 Soundtrack

Reservoir Dogs features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Little Green Bag” – performed by George Baker Selection
• “Stuck in the Middle With You” – performed by Stealers Wheel
• “Hooked on a Feeling” – performed by Blue Swede
• “I Gotcha” – performed by Joe Tex

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How Quentin Tarantino first learned about SUBTEXT while making Reservoir Dogs #shorts

Explore the fascinating world of subtext in filmmaking and learn how Tarantino brings depth to his characters. This short video packs a punch, giving you a glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller.

Quentin Tarantino: STOP ASKING PERMISSION! How Quentin Tarantino was able to make Reservoir Dogs

Get inspired by the story of how Quentin Tarantino defied the odds to create his iconic film. This video is a must-watch for aspiring filmmakers and anyone interested in the power of perseverance.

How to Snap start a Zippo like in the movie “Reservoir Dogs”

Calling all action movie enthusiasts! Learn the secrets behind the iconic Zippo snap start from Reservoir Dogs. This step-by-step tutorial will have you feeling like a pro in no time.

Has Reservoir Dogs Aged Well?

Take a journey through the legacy of Reservoir Dogs with this thought-provoking video essay. Nerdwriter1 delves into the film’s enduring qualities and raises intriguing questions about its relevance today.

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