There are many directors that know how to get the most out of their actors but very few can bring an excellent performance out of an actor no matter how large or small their role may be. Quentin Tarantino is a director that can not only write some of the most memorable characters in film today, but he constantly works with actors that can bring his words to life in ways that give enormous benefit to the film itself. After all the star of a Tarantino film is usually Tarantino himself by way of his words or bloody set pieces but without quality acting his words and direction would lose the majority of their luster. Here are ten prime examples of supporting actors being able to give life to brilliant characters in the universe that is Tarantino's filmography. Please note: this article contains moderate to severe spoilers.
10. O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu)
What makes Lucy Liu's performance in Kill Bill Vol. 1 so amazing is how cool she plays the character while masking very delicate and lethal tendencies. Think of the scene where she decapitates Boss Tanaka for questioning her heritage then, after having an outburst of anger, goes back to being completely cool like nothing had happened. It's this element to her character that makes her showdown with The Bride so suspenseful, you can never anticipate her actions since she keeps them hidden under an icy veneer. Of all the fights in Kill Bill it's this one that you really believe the Bride may not win and that's all thanks to Lui's portrayal of O-Ren.