Brad Pitt in "Inglorious Basterds"

The “men on a mission” espionage epic borrows its title form “Inglorious Basterds,” an Enzo Castelleri’s 1978 film. Castelleri, who makes a small cameo in the film explains, “It’s a completely different movie, this is Quentin’s own thing, this is not a remake – this is something that I inspired.”

Those familiar with Tarantino know his commitment to making movies for global audiences, not just for Americans. Julie Dreyfuss (Francesca Modino), who starred as Sophie Fatale in “Kill Bill” (Directed by Quentin Tarantino), comments: “When he (Quentin Tarantino) did ‘Kill Bill’ he also wanted to be as authentic as possible.”

Additionally, the screenplay surprised readers because real and fictitious characters interact seamlessly in an alternative reality. “The bottom line is that the first line in the script is ‘Once upon a time in Nazi-occupied France.’ It’s a fairy tale, and it’s a told with Quentin’s (Tarantino) style. Special effects make up artist Greg Nicotero says, “It’s a fable, and it leads you down this really unique path from the opening scene.”

In the first year of the German occupation of France, Shosanna Dreyfuss (Melanie Laurent) witnesses the execution of her family at the hand of Nazi Colonel Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz). Shosanna narrowly escapes and flees to Paris where she forges a new identity as the owner and operator of a cinema.

Elsewhere in Europe, Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) organizes a group of Jewish American soldiers to perform swift, shocking acts of retribution. Later known to their enemy as “the basterds,” Raine’s squad joins German actress and undercover agent Bridget von Hammersmark (Diane Kruger) on a mission to take down the leaders of the Third Reich. Fates converge under a cinema marquis, where Shosanna is poised to carry out a revenge plan of her own.

The stellar cast includes Brad Pitt (Lt. Aldo Raine), Melanie Laurent (Shosanna Dreyfus), Christoph Waltz (Co. Hans Landa), Eli Roth (Donny Donowitz), Til Schweiger (Hugo Stiglitz), Daniel Bruhl (Fredrick Zoller), Diane Kruger (Bridget Von Hammersmark), Michael Fassbender (Archie Hicox), Mike Myers (Ed Fenech), and B.J. Novak (Smithson Utivitch).

“Inglorious Basterds” is produced by Lawrence Bender, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino.

“Inglorious Basterds” rated as R-18 (without cuts) is released by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp. Showing at your favorite theaters on Nov. 4.